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1968 Cougar R-code option (non-GT-E)
The 428 Cobra Jet was introduced April 1, 1968 as a mid year change and was nothing more than a $420.95 Engine Option in the
Mercury Cougar in 1968. It could be ordered in a Standard Hardtop, GT, XR-7, GTE, or XR7-G. All Serial Numbers (VIN) should start as
8F91R (Std. Hardtop) or 8F93R (XR-7) for Dearborn built cars; or 8R91R (Std. Hardtop) or 8R93R (XR-7) for San Jose built cars.
Here is a list of some of the unique items found on the 1968 "R" Code:
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The 428CJ could be ordered with an automatic or 4-speed manual.
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All 1968 428CJs were equipped with Ram Air as standard equipment.
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The Ram Air (Flapper Lid), which had a rubber seal that sealed the Air Cleaner to the underside of the Hood, was
unique in 1968, as the front area had a distinct bend between the two reinforcing ribs. In later years this bend
extended out past these ribs.
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The Satin Black hood scoop for the 1968 is unique, as it has 8 mounting studs, where the Eliminator scoop in 1969
and 1970 used 10 mounting studs.
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All 428CJ equipped cars had a Satin Black painted stripe on the hood, extending from under the hood scoop, down
over the front, even straddling the center chrome Mercury emblem. All cars received this -- even for the color black.
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All 1968 428CJ cars received a starter delay. This was mounted over the starter solenoid and was designed to prevent
the starter bendix/starter gear from being ground into the flywheel/flexplate while it was still turning from a start attempt
that failed.
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428CJ cars came with Group 24F batteries
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All 1968 428CJ cars received the Competition Handling Package, which was a required $30.64 Option. This option
included heavy duty springs and shocks. The front sway bar was 15/16th diameter, and in 1968 only, there was a
3/16th's inch spacer-plate mounted between the sway bar's front, U-shaped Clamps and the lower frame.
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All 1968 428CJ cars received 6-inch wide Wheels, whether standard or styled steel.
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The common tires found on these cars were Goodyear Polyglass (No Size in White) F70-14 Raised White Letter tires,
which were a $73.40 required option.
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The rear end housing was a 9-inch with a nodular third member and 31-spline axles.
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Unlike later years, there was NO "Drag Pack" Option in 1968, hence NO 428SCJ in 1968
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In 1968 only 428CJ cars had the lower wrap-around shock tower bracing
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There was NO factory insignia or badges to indicate the car had a 428CJ under the hood
