1968 vs 1969 Ford Mustang

1969 marks one of several mid-generation refreshes for classic Ford Mustangs. The differences between the 1968 and 1969 Mustang include everything from changed exterior dimensions to new performance editions.

If you’re torn between a 1968 and 1969 Mustang, you can rest easy knowing either is a great choice. These two years are some of the most loved due to their impressive specs and modification opportunities.

Here’s how to tell the difference between them and how to decide which is for you.

1968 vs 1969 Mustang Exteriors

The Mustang got progressively larger with each year of its first generation. 1969 signifies the real jump between the smaller first-gen Mustangs and the larger end-of-generation models. 1969 Mustangs are larger than 1968 Mustangs in every dimension except for two: The wheelbase stayed the same and the height was lowered.

The Mustang’s side panels changed from concave to convex in 1969. This drastically affected the Mustang’s body lines and gave it a new look.

While the 1968 Mustang featured the same pony in a corral grille as previous years, the ‘69 changed to a more subdued pony and tri-bar logo. This logo allowed more room for headlights. 1969 Mustangs were also offered with quad headlights, with one pair inside the grille and one pair outside. This fit with the other sporty options the 1969 Mustang offered.

Ford also modified the list of available colors to reflect the variety of available Mustangs.

1968 vs 1969 Mustang Interiors

The classic Mustang interior options for 1968 and 1969 were substantially impacted by availability. Though the boring two-spoke steering wheel came on both ‘68 and ‘69 Mustangs, 1969 had more choices. The ‘69 Mustangs’ Tilt-Away steering wheel had three spokes and honked when you squeezed it. A feature Ford called Rim-Blow.

Other interior changes were minor but added to overall comfort. 1968 Mustangs equipped with air conditioning had to deal with Ford’s “downspout” style AC. On the other hand, 1969 Mustangs had a more pleasing design that routed air in through kick panels. You also had the option of ventilation without AC in 1969. This was an affordable and practical option for most drivers.

1969 Mustangs also came with a foot-operated parking brake and an electric windshield washing system.

The trim and packages Mustang owners selected also significantly affected the interior and exterior features.

1968 vs 1969 Mustang Packages

Mustang GT

There were Mustang GTs in both 1968 and 1969. While today the GT is its own thing, in the ‘60s, the GT package could be added to any Mustang that had a V8. Listed as an option for people who knew they weren’t Sebring-bound but wanted to “live a little” the GT offered performance on a budget.

Mustang Grande

In 1969, the Mustang Grande was introduced. This was designed to be the luxury Mustang. While it offered all of the deluxe interior features of higher-tier Mustangs, it had no performance upgrades.

The Mustang Grande included:

• Sound Insulation Package
• Soft-Ride Suspension
• Luxury Cloth and Vinyl Seats
• Molded Door Panels
• Integral Arm Rests
• Electric Clock
• Rim-Blow Steering Wheel
• Wire-Style Wheel Covers
• Moldings for the Wheel Openings, Rear Deck, and Rocker Panels
• Racing Style Side View Mirrors

1968 vs 1969 Mustang Engines

In general, the 1969 Mustang does have more engine options. In 1969, Ford offered the Shelby GT350, the Shelby GT500, the Mach 1, the Boss 302, and the Boss 429 Mustangs. These all had unique engines with the ability to purchase even more upgrades. The result? A lot of engine options!

It’s hard to imagine anyone not ordering a Cobra Jet when given the chance. But the reality is that more than half of the Mustangs produced in these two years either came with the I6 or the 2V V8s.

One of the big reasons these two years are favored is that, unlike early classic Mustangs, these are capable of supporting a big block V8. This makes them perfect candidates for an engine swap to make your own hot rod.

Performance 1968 and 1969 Mustangs

Mustang Mach 1

The Mach 1 Mustang was a performance-oriented package. It also came with some aesthetic upgrades and is generally regarded as a great-looking Mustang. You could only get a fastback (or SportsRoof) body style.

The matte black hood is the most striking feature of the Mach 1. Many also got the optional Shaker hood scoop. This is often complemented by the (optional) chin spoilers, rear spoilers, and rear window louvers.

Though the Mach 1 is most often associated with a 351 Windsor V8, it could be upgraded to any of the performance V8s. If equipped with a big block V8, Mach 1s would also come with a strut tower brace, thicker sway bars, and heavy-duty suspension parts.

Unlike the Boss or Shelby Mustangs, Mach 1s were easy to buy. There were more Mach 1s produced than standard fastbacks for 1969. 72,458 1969 Mach 1s were originally produced.

This has become an attainable dream car for many due to its high production numbers and sporty looks.

Boss 302 and Boss 429 Mustangs

One of the major reasons for the Mustang’s total appearance makeover was a personnel change at Ford. When Bunkie Knudsen defected from GM to Ford, he brought Larry Shinoda with him.

Shinoda, a dedicated hotrodder, helped give the Mustang its sportier appearance. Shinoda’s major contributions to Mustang legacy would be the Boss 302 and Boss 429 Mustangs. These two Mustangs were only produced between 1969 and 1970. That was how long it took for Knudsen to get canned and for Shinoda to head out the door with him.

Despite only being in production for two years, the Boss Mustangs have risen to legend status.

1968 vs 1969 Shelby Mustangs

The GT350 and GT350R launched in 1965 along with the Mustang itself. Thanks to Carroll Shelby and drivers like Ken Miles, Shelby Mustangs lent the Mustang performance credentials. But after years of racing, Shelby was ready for a break. 1969 would be the last true year for Shelby Mustangs. Though technically there are 1970 Shelbys, they were just carryovers, built on ‘69 bodies.

The difference between ‘68 and ‘69 Shelbys is even more pronounced than on the Mustang. The entire face changed, and Shelby had less input in the design. Shelby ultimately terminated his relationship with Ford in the summer of 1969.

In general, the update wasn’t well-received. The iconic Le Mans stripes were gone, and the pinched face didn’t have the same appeal. It also didn’t handle the way the original Shelbys did. Peak Shelby performance was reached in 1968, with the GT500KR. The KR stood for the King of the Road, and it was designed to be the pinnacle of what Mustangs could be.

Equipped with a 428 Cobra Jet, the GT500KR went from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds. You can read more about the evolution of classic Shelby Mustangs for more details on how these changed over the years.

Special Edition Mustangs in 1968 and 1969

Special Edition Mustangs were made frequently in the early years. Though these special editions usually consisted of a few cosmetic upgrades, they’re unusual and interesting. This makes them great for people interested in Mustang history and shows.

Though we don’t know the production numbers for many of these, evidence suggests they were limited.

Should You Buy a 1968 or 1969 Mustang?

Classic Mustangs look great, are perfect for restoration, and have plenty of options for collectors. There’s no way to make a bad choice.

If you have your heart set on a Boss, Shelby, or other special edition, that may help narrow things down. Here are a few other pros and cons to consider.

When looking specifically at 1968 and 1969 Mustangs, there aren’t many things one can do that the other can’t. Both are good candidates for V8 swaps, and either would be a great restoration project. Don't forget to check out our classic Mustang parts for all your restoration needs.

Want to see how much you learned? Test your knowledge with this comparison quiz.

If you what to learn more about other classic Mustang models, check out the rest of our classic Mustang comparisons below.

• 1964.5 vs 1965 Mustang
• 1965 vs 1966 Mustang
• 1966 vs 1967 Mustang
• 1967 vs 1968 Mustang
• 1971 vs 1972 vs 1973 Mustang