Not everyone can claim to have had a really cool first car, and fewer still can tell you they still own it some 25+ years later. However both are the case for Chris Harbin of Apopka, who owns the 1968 Mustang Fastback pictured here. Chris has had the car since he was 14, but was quick to point out that a love of cars runs in the family. From his parents to his siblings, and now his wife, it is just in their blood.

Chris’ parents played a key role in getting the family hooked on muscle cars back in the early 80’s. This created a lot of “quality time” for the family to bond, and as a result they are very close knit group to this day. His parents started with their oldest daughter, Keli, and restored a 1968 Mustang Coupe for her. One year later they built a ‘65 Mustang Fastback for their oldest son, Kevin. Though he had his eye on his dad’s 1953 Ford Pickup, the next car to be built was Chris’ 1968 Mustang Fastback (though it was not as radical during the initial construction as it is today), and lastly they built a ‘66 Mustang Coupe for their youngest son, Billy.

Out of the original cars they still have the 1953 Ford Pickup, 1966 Mustang Coupe, and the 1968 Mustang Fastback. However, over the years they have also added others to their collection. Chris bought his wife a 1965 Ford Falcon that was restomoded a few years back. His parent not only have the ‘53 Ford Pickup but also own an original ‘67 Mustang convertible and a ‘55 T-Bird that is in the process of being built. The older brother has become a Chevy man, and now owns a blown ‘65 Nova, plus is building a ‘67 Nova with his son. With all the activity going on, family and friends gather at the “Muscle Brothers” garage (also known affectionately as “The Man Cave”) to hang out and work on their muscle cars together.

As for the particulars of Chris’ 1968 Mustang Fastback, it has a full tube chassis, which was fitted with a Mustang II front suspension, ladder bar rear suspension, coil overs front and rear, plus Wildwood disc brakes at all four corners. The body has received some modifications, including the addition of a custom molded 2006 Shelby Mustang grill, and a custom fabricated aluminum rear wing. Slick looking PPG True Blue pearl paint with silver racing stripes lends a polished look to the package, though the aggressive stance, Weld 2.0 magnum wheels (3.5x15 front, 14x15 rear), carbs poking through the hood, and the very throaty rumble of the engine let you know that this pony has some wild stallion in it just waiting to get out of the barn.

Inside the immaculate engine compartment is a 482 cubic inch big block Ford fitted with 11.5:1 compression pistons, 429 SCJ heads, a pair of Holley 650 cfm carbs on a tunnel ram manifold, an MSD ignition, and plenty of various go-fast goodies. A two-speed Powerglide automatic transfers the power rearward thanks to an aluminum driveshaft, and ultimately deposits the energy through a rear end fitted with 4.11 gears, 35 spline Moser axles, and a set of big Mickey Thompson ET Street tires to put the power to the pavement.

Interior accommodations give away the car’s performance inspired intentions. That includes a 12-point roll cage, race style bucket seats with Simpson harness seat belts, an assortment of white faced Autometer gauges, and even a shift light mounted front and center atop the custom aluminum dash.

With more than a quarter of a century’s worth of history between Chris and his ‘68 Fastback it would be safe to assume they have a pretty strong bond. With the latest revision the old Mustang has more life in her than ever, and it is certainly pretty enough to catch the attention of everyone that lays eyes on it. Not only was Chris’ first car cool when he got it, like a fine wine it has gotten better with age. I guess that is something we could all hope for! CN