Description
The Ford Mustang 390 Convertible was one of the most powerful and dramatic offerings of the late 1960s Mustang lineup, combining the thrill of open-top motoring with the raw performance of a big-block V8. Introduced in 1967, the 390 cubic inch engine marked the beginning of Ford’s effort to give the Mustang serious muscle car credentials, placing it in direct competition with rivals like the Chevrolet Camaro SS396 and Pontiac GTO. In convertible form, the 390 Mustang provided a unique blend of style, comfort, and brute force that made it one of the most exciting pony cars of its era.
The 1967 redesign of the Mustang was pivotal, as it allowed Ford to fit larger engines into the car’s engine bay. The convertible shared the updated styling of the coupe and fastback, with a wider, more aggressive stance, a bolder grille, and sharper lines that gave it a stronger road presence. With the top down, the Mustang 390 Convertible exuded glamour, offering both the sporty character of the pony car and the carefree appeal of a drop-top. Optional features such as GT badging, fog lamps, styled steel wheels, and racing stripes made the car even more striking.
Inside, the Mustang 390 Convertible was fitted with the same versatile cabin as other models, with standard bucket seats, a driver-focused dashboard, and a rear bench that made it a true four-seater. Buyers could personalize the interior extensively, choosing between standard and deluxe “Pony” interiors, wood-grain trim, Rally-Pac gauges, and options such as air conditioning, AM/FM radios, and power accessories. The convertible top was available in manual or power-operated form, with the latter making it easy to enjoy open-air driving at a moment’s notice.
The centerpiece of this model was the 390 cubic inch V8 from Ford’s FE engine family. With a four-barrel carburetor, it produced 320 horsepower and an impressive 427 lb-ft of torque, delivering strong straight-line performance. Buyers could choose a standard three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, or Ford’s C6 automatic transmission. With the right gearing, the 390 Convertible was capable of quarter-mile times in the mid-14-second range, placing it firmly in muscle car territory. Dual exhausts and the deep growl of the big-block engine added to the car’s imposing character, especially when paired with the open-air experience of the convertible.
On the road, the 390 Convertible was more of a straight-line bruiser than a nimble handler. The added weight of the FE engine made the car nose-heavy compared to small-block Mustangs, though it still offered a comfortable ride and plenty of stability at speed. Buyers who opted for the GT Equipment Group benefitted from front disc brakes, upgraded suspension components, and other refinements that made the car better suited to spirited driving.
Priced higher than the six-cylinder and small-block Mustang convertibles, the 390 appealed to enthusiasts who wanted both luxury and muscle. It offered a unique character—more refined than the stripped-down performance machines, but still capable of thrilling acceleration and highway cruising.
Today, the Ford Mustang 390 Convertible is a highly collectible classic, valued both for its rarity and its combination of big-block performance with the glamour of a convertible body. Collectors particularly prize well-optioned examples with GT packages or rare color and trim combinations. As one of the standout models of the Mustang’s late-1960s lineup, the 390 Convertible remains a symbol of the era when Ford combined muscle car power with everyday usability and timeless style.