1968 Tasca Mustang Fastback Lightweight

In 1968 Ford was inspired to order 50 lightweight Mustang Fastbacks for Stock/E and Stock/C drag racing. In 2013 Mecum had the privilege to offer one of these cars from the John Justo Collection at their Kissimmee, FL Auction.

Mecum Auction Description

Before Ford shocked the world of drag racing with its now-famous Cobra Jet Mustangs in 1968, company management had to be shown the way to dominance on the strip by none other than Bob Tasca, who challenged Dearborn with his version of a lightweight Fastback powered by a 428 CI FE big block engine specially built by Tasca’s engine expert John Healey. The car took on all comers at the Ford test track, impressing the brass enough that they uncharacteristically ordered a series of 50 purpose-built lightweight Mustangs using two versions of the 428 Cobra Jet engine: one for Super Stock/E with 11.6:1 compression and a solid lifter cam; and the other for C/ Stock set at 11.0:1 and employing a somewhat milder hydraulic cam. The 1968 Mustang Lightweight Cobra Jet offered here is one of the 11 cars sent to Tasca Ford. It is completely restored to factory-delivered specification with the 428/335 HP Cobra Jet Ram Air engine, 4-speed Toploader transmission and Traction-Loc differential. It is well documented with title history back to 1973, the original trim tag, a Ford inter-office memo on Lightweight VINs and a detailed Marti Report showing the car delivered to Tasca Ford as a marketing vehicle.

Auction Sales History

1968 Ford Mustang Lightweight 8F02R135012 – did not sell for $120,000 1968 Cobra Jet factory drag car. #6 of 50 built. Original 50 from #135007-#1345056. #6 serial #135012. NHRA SS/F record holder September 10, 1972 running 125.46 MPH in 10.95 ET at Amarillo Dragway. Owned by Turley and Caster. 428 CI Cobra Jet engine. 4-speed manual transmission. Believed to be 1,400 original miles. Marti report.
Auction Source: Kissimmee 2014, #WhereTheCarsAre by Mecum