Description
The Ford Mustang Fastback 390 was one of the most muscular and aggressive versions of the first-generation Mustang, offering buyers the thrill of a big-block V8 in the stylish SportsRoof fastback body style. Introduced in 1967 as part of the Mustang’s first major redesign, the 390 cubic inch V8 was Ford’s answer to the growing demand for more power as the muscle car era hit full stride. This engine gave the Mustang serious straight-line performance and helped establish it as a rival to competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro SS396 and Pontiac GTO.
The 1967 Mustang redesign provided the necessary space under the hood to fit big-block engines, something the original 1964½–1966 models had struggled with. The fastback body, with its long, sloping roofline and distinctive rear quarter windows, was the most dramatic and sporty version of the Mustang. Paired with the 390, it projected raw power, especially when equipped with performance features such as GT badging, styled steel wheels, dual exhaust tips, and optional stripes. Its appearance was further emphasized by details like a vented hood, driving lights integrated into the grille, and chrome accents that gave it both elegance and menace.
Inside, the Fastback 390 offered the same flexible interior options as other Mustangs of the era. Standard bucket seats and a sporty dashboard created an inviting cockpit, while buyers could upgrade to the deluxe interior with wood-grain trim, special upholstery, and extra comfort features. The fold-down rear seat, unique to the fastback, added an element of practicality, giving the car additional cargo space while still retaining a sporty two-plus-two layout. Options such as the Rally-Pac gauges, air conditioning, and premium radios allowed the 390 to be equipped as either a comfortable grand tourer or a stripped-down street fighter.
The heart of the Mustang Fastback 390 was the Ford FE-series big-block V8. In its standard four-barrel configuration, it produced 320 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque, delivering immense low-end pull and strong acceleration. Buyers could pair it with a four-speed manual transmission for the most engaging driving experience, while a three-speed manual and Ford’s C6 automatic were also available. When properly geared, the 390 could propel the Mustang through the quarter mile in the mid-14-second range, impressive performance for the time and a major leap over the small-block cars.
Handling, however, was a mixed experience. While the Mustang’s suspension—coil springs up front and leaf springs in the rear—was adequate for the smaller V8s, the weight of the 390 up front made the car nose-heavy. This limited agility compared to small-block versions, though straight-line acceleration remained its primary strength. Buyers who opted for the GT Equipment Group received improved suspension, front disc brakes, dual exhausts, and other upgrades that helped make the 390 a more balanced package.
The Mustang Fastback 390 became particularly famous thanks to its starring role in the 1968 film Bullitt, where Steve McQueen’s Highland Green fastback, equipped with the 390, chased down a Dodge Charger in one of cinema’s most iconic car scenes. This association gave the 390 fastback an enduring legacy and made it one of the most desirable Mustangs among collectors.
Priced higher than the small-block models but still within reach of performance enthusiasts, the 390 fastback appealed to buyers who wanted muscle car performance wrapped in one of the most stylish bodies of the 1960s.
Today, the Ford Mustang Fastback 390 is highly prized, especially when equipped with original GT packages or finished in classic colors like Highland Green. Collectors admire it for its blend of iconic styling, big-block muscle, and cultural significance. While it may not have handled as sharply as its smaller-engined siblings, the 390 delivered the kind of brute force performance that defined the muscle car era and remains one of the most celebrated Mustangs of its generation.