1968 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE

In a day and age where you can get a degree in just about anything - from 'David Beckham' (why?) to 'The Grateful Dead (why not?!), 'Retail Foundation' (shelf stacking, basically), 'How to be Gay' (pretty self explanatory!), 'Facebook' (WTF!!) and 'The Psychology of Exceptional Human Experiences' (that's ghostbusting to you and me) - why not have a Masters in Mustangs? Think about it - how good would the letters 'BSc M' (Bachelor of Automotive Science - Mustangology) look after your name? Pretty darn good, I reckon! There'd be more than a few readers and advertisers out there who feel they're already qualified for a BSc M, and Brock Classic Imports are certainly one of them.

While Mustangs aren't their regular stock in trade, they have turned out a beauty in the form of this issue's first 'Editor's Choice' feature. A California car from new, this particular 1968 model Mustang convertible came out from the USA three years ago, and spent some time in standard LHD spec before the Brock team treated it to a thorough rotisserie resto and RHD conversion. Brock claim they're the only workshop that do a true mirror conversion, not just a basic swap over a flat firewall.

Looking at the pictures, the conversion - like the rest of the car - is hard to fault. Detailed throughout, including the engine bay and underbody, this Mustang features a period-correct 4bbl 302 V8 with C4 auto trans, and a lot of other standard Mustang pieces, right down to the correct T-code Candyapple Red paint for 1968 models.

Concessions to modernity have been made in the form of the Enix 'Omega' 18" wheels, Ford Motorsport valve covers and aircleaner, and Grant aftermarket wooden steering wheel, but the rest is pretty much standard 'Stang. Those readers already with a BSc M may have noticed the absence of the chrome inserts in the side scoops - the only flaw we were able to find with this car. The engine has done 0 kms since the restoration, so it's fresh and very ready to cruise. With the C4 auto, power (white) top and power steering, that cruise - maybe to the University for graduation? - would be very comfortable, too.

While there are undoubtedly a lot of other Mustang convertibles out there (you only have to look as far as the next Editor's Choice to see another one!), in our opinion there aren't too many RHD examples out there with this level of finish. What also makes this particular 'Stang special is that Brock Classic Imports offer a full 12 month warranty upon sale.

There are certainly degrees (no pun intended) of Mustang desirability, and while this example isn't in the Shelby, Mach 1 and Boss stratosphere, it's sure to rate highly amongst prospective students of Mustangology. So, our scholarly advice would be to give this Mustang convertible the once over before someone else beats you to it. Mike Ryan

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model: Ford Mustang convertible
Year: 1968
Dealer: Brock Classic Imports, 1 Melba Avenue, Lilydale, VIC, 3140. PH (03)97355400, Mob. 0417 310 092
Price: $55,000
0-100 kph: A little under 8 seconds
Best point: All the work's done, with a 12mth warranty
Worst point: Not as desirable as a Shelby
Recommendation: It's academic, this 'Stang is a ripper!
Trivia: If you wanted to seat more than five in your '68 of '69 Mustang, you could fit a "Sportsman" aftermarket rumble seat. The Sportsman replaced the standard forward-hinged boot lid with a rear hinging cover that opened out to a pair of padded seats that could carry two adults, or three kids at a pinch. Not exactly safe, but certainly a way to make your Mustang stand out from the rest!