Description
The Ford Mustang 390 GT Hardtop was one of the most muscular and prestigious versions of the Mustang during the late 1960s, representing Ford’s response to the growing demand for high-powered pony cars. Introduced in 1967, the 390 GT combined the elegant styling of the hardtop coupe body with the brute force of Ford’s FE-series big-block V8. It was a car that delivered both sophistication and muscle, appealing to buyers who wanted a more substantial performance machine without stepping into the full-size Galaxie or Fairlane.
The 1967 model year was the first major redesign of the Mustang, and the slightly larger body allowed Ford to fit big-block engines under the hood for the first time. The hardtop coupe retained the Mustang’s long hood and short rear deck proportions but presented a more formal look than the convertible or fastback. When equipped with the GT package, the 390 Hardtop stood out with features such as fog lamps integrated into the grille, GT emblems, dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips, and styled steel wheels. Its restrained, squared-off styling paired with subtle muscle cues gave it a commanding presence on the street.
Inside, the 390 GT Hardtop was offered with the same level of flexibility and personalization that made the Mustang so successful. Standard bucket seats and a driver-focused dashboard gave it a sporty character, while optional deluxe interiors added wood-grain trim, upgraded upholstery, and comfort features that made the car feel more like a personal luxury coupe. Buyers could choose convenience and performance options such as air conditioning, Rally-Pac gauges with a tachometer, and power accessories, allowing the 390 GT to be tailored as either a grand tourer or a stripped-back performance machine.
The heart of the car was the 390 cubic inch FE V8 engine, paired with the GT Equipment Group. Rated at 320 horsepower and a massive 427 lb-ft of torque, the 390 gave the Mustang serious straight-line performance. With a four-barrel carburetor, heavy-duty suspension, and dual exhausts, the 390 GT was capable of mid-14-second quarter-mile times when paired with the four-speed manual transmission. Buyers could also select a three-speed manual or Ford’s durable C6 automatic, giving the car flexibility to suit different driving preferences.
Driving the Mustang 390 GT Hardtop was an experience dominated by the engine’s immense torque. While not as nimble as the smaller V8 cars due to the weight of the big-block, it delivered effortless acceleration and a commanding presence on the road. The GT package upgrades, which included front disc brakes and suspension improvements, helped rein in the extra power and made the car more competent in everyday driving and spirited runs alike.
Priced higher than the standard six-cylinder and small-block models, the 390 GT Hardtop appealed to a more performance-oriented buyer who wanted both muscle and refinement. It slotted below the exotic Shelby GT500 in Ford’s hierarchy but gave buyers a factory-backed big-block option that felt more substantial than the base cars.
Today, the Ford Mustang 390 GT Hardtop is a highly sought-after collectible, valued for its combination of classic styling and big-block performance. While it lacks the fastback silhouette that became iconic in films like Bullitt, the hardtop offers a more understated elegance, making it appealing to collectors who appreciate its unique blend of muscle car power and refined coupe design. Well-preserved or restored examples are celebrated for capturing the essence of the Mustang’s transition from pony car to full-fledged muscle car in the late 1960s.