Ford Mustang Cobra Jet - 1st Gen (1968 to 1968)

The Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was a special edition, high performance variant of the 1967-1968 First Generation Ford Mustang that was only available for the late 1968 model year. The Cobra Jet, or CJ, was the brainchild of infuential Ford dealer Bob Tasca, who was well known for creating high performance Mustangs using existing parts. These high performance Mustangs were named after their 428 cubic inch (7.0L) 'Cobra Jet' V8 engine, which was known internally at Ford as the "R-code" for the 'R' that featured in their VIN. Not content with Ford's standard 428 FE engine, the Cobra Jet engine saw upgrades to the intake, heads, camshaft, carburetors, and exhaust to create a powerful engine that was underrated at 335hp. The Mustang Cobra Jet was built in Hardtop, Fastback, and Convertible body styles and was available with a 4 speed manual or 3 speed 'Cruise-O-Matic' automatic transmission, both of which sent drive to the rear wheels. All Cobra Jets were fitted with the GT Equipment Group package, so they benefitted from the upgraded suspension, tires, and wheels, and they had the appearance of a Mustang GT. A total of 2,827 examples of the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet were built, with the majority being fastbacks (2,253 Fastbacks, 564 Hardtops, 10 Convertibles). Ford also built a special drag racing version of the Cobra Jet known as the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Lightweight.