A Canadian '68 Cobra Jet Mustang that's Street-Driven and Raced Often
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- For over 50 years, Don Fotti has raced his 428 Cobra Jet Mustang. It's got battle scars, but he doesn't care! Come take a look at this Blue Oval gem from Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada and if you enjoy our page please don't forget to subscribe.
I had a 68.5 CJ in 1968. I was only 16 years old. Held the record at Detroit Dragway for 3 years. FSO and ran 12.5's. Mine was Lime Gold
Carol Holbrook was known as the Cobra jet King. I was his neighbor
The fast FE owners here in Manitoba were like an exclusive club. I didn't get to join until I bought my first stake in 428CJ ownership - and that was just an engine, transmission, and rear axle I picked up in western Ontario out of a Q-code 69 Torino Cobra with only 7000 miles on them. Which I turned over to my buddy who was planning on restoring a 69 Mustang GT Convertible that was missing it's powertrain (a worthy cause, I figured). Then it was like I was instantly accepted by the FE club, and soon I owned three complete CJ engines, a 428 PI, a bunch of top loaders and C-6's, and N-case 9 inch rear axles, a rough but running red 70 Mach 1 R-code 428CJ 4-spd., and a shed full of odd 428 CJ parts. I even had two opportunities to buy complete 427 engines - one being a 66 side oiler sidewinder stock car race engine, the other a reverse rotation 64 top oiler from a twin engine boat, but sadly I passed on both - with regrets. Many years ago I finally met Don and his CJ Mustang, after often seeing his "Real CJ" out on the streets, sometimes in the company of other Ford big block muscle car guys in the area cruising Portage and Main and the preferred parking spot - the Polo Park A&W. There was Chris with his Blue GT500KR, Dan and his Green GT500-8V, and the rare appearance of Warren and his SOHC Cobra kit car, mostly at swap meets. A few others had 428 CJ's in Mach 1's (Mark and Bonnie), Torinos and Fairlanes (Vic from Winkler, with 7 428 cars including a Talladega and a rusted out White 69 Mach 1 R-code 4-spd. shell, transmission, and rear axle he bought from me for restoration), and even a Galaxie 500 with a transplanted 428 CJ ("Crusher" from St, Anne). I won't go into where exactly, but not Gimli and not Bison - one night I remember Don going up against a red 70's Nova with a L71 427 (maybe it was a L88) and Don was about 50' off the start line going past where I was standing, with the front wheels 30" off the pavement. I agreed with his assessment that the car would be worth way more restored to original, but it is way more fun like it is now. Edit - Interesting that the hole in the rear decklid is still there after all these years
One of my best friends bought a 68 1/2 GT with a Cobra Jet in 1972. I rode in that car as much as my own and even drove it some. I've loved these cars ever since.
Wow. What a great car and amazing story. I always love the early Mustangs, my first being a '65 GT, bought in 1973 for 500 bucks, and my second car was a '67 hardtop, I bought in 1975 when I wrecked the '65. Loved playing around with those cars. Anyway, I now have a '73 Mach 1 I take to cruise ins and car shows, and here I am at 66 years old thinking about drag racing. Tough call, not sure my wife would be happy about that lol!
safest way to have fun is at the track. no cross traffic, tickets stop signs.
Better than being in a bar right? Go do it you only live once. You can have fun with a 14 sec car on the track.
My father original owner still has his 68 1/2 cobra jet. His is red with white interior 4 speed . His only has 35,000 miles. These cars are so cool. It’s lived in south Florida it’s whole life in the garage
What part of south Florida? I’m in Hollywood
That dude with the ‘68 looks truly happy. I’m envious.
That story of the crash landing at that field in Gimli Canada is one of the great aviation storys in history. It's known as the Gimli Glider.
Midway between Montreal and Edmonton Air Canada Flight 143 ran out of fuel at 41,000 feet. The pilot, a former glider pilot, flew the plane to the old Canadian Air Force Base at Gimli, Manatoba but both pilots were unaware that part of it had been converted to a motorsports park which at the time was hosting races as this gentleman said. Since they had no power they had to gravity lower the landing gear which the main gear did. However the nose wheel did not lock and that proved to be the big reason nobody was hurt as it prevented the plane from rolling off the end of the runway possibly killing all on board. As they approached the landing the pilot, Robert Pearson, performed a manuevre that is never done on big commercial jets but is very common to gliders, that being putting opposite control in your rudder and ailerons to make the runway.
All 69 people aboard survived plus no one was injured on the ground. The plane sustained minor damage and was placed back on it's nose wheel and later flown back to Montreal. This happened in 1983 and that plane stayed in service till 2008.
Like I said one of the greatest aviation stories in history.
Wow, have had my 68 fastback since 1980
Great Job, a real motivator for me to keep her tooShes a weekend stress reliever…408” Stromer with a Paxton SC lots of fun
Great video! This man knows what's up! He's got the power to run 9's but chooses to keep it in the 11.50 class so that he doesn't have to install a roll bar. While mine doesn't make the same power as his, I too, am satisfied with the 11.40 - 11.80 time slips that I get because I don't want to install one either. Badass video!
Them fe’s are no joke. I watch Brent Lykins build them things and they always make really good power!
That Mustang is so neat beautiful FE machine thank you for showing this video I’ve had
My 68 for 36 years it is S code car but has a CJ in it it was an old drag car back in the late 70s early 80s original color is same as your pictured Mustang
Thanks again!
Wow beautiful Mustang 🐎 Love that body style!
A very cool Cobra Jet with an even cooler owner! Great video Evan :)
Don is one of the greatest guys.. me and the boys always stop to talk to him and cheer him on.
Hey
Right on that’s so cool… and its an cobra jet!! I had an 67 GTA 390 but gave it up to go back to school… miss it so much
Love the fact he's running a C4 behind all that power!
That's a beautiful car! What a great story and awesome owner!!
Thanks Evan, a genuinely Cool Owner and Car!
Met Don last year at the NMCA Bradenton , super nice car, super nice guy.
What a great interview!!! 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾
I could listen to REVan Evan and Mr Fotti speak
all day, any day! 🤗 😎 🤗
Nice car, very entertaining video. I love this channel. Most people today have no idea what a powerhouse the FE can be.
Thank you!
What a great guy what a great car hope hes a BLUE BOMBERS fan hard to believe the car runs that fast through the mufflers ,who says FE s don t make power a car with battle scars and original paint too cool thanks for the video REV
Super nice guy, a wonderful story and a very sweet 428 Mustang!
Awesome story, and a great guy and a sweet car!
1972 my father and I went to Kmart.
We found a Keystone mini bike and bought it.
It was a 2 stroke with a clutch.
He rode it first and crashed into a mesquite bush. I took over from there while he laid on the couch for a few days recovering.
I rode that thing every day for about 2 years.
This hits close to home. My dad raced at keystone, and both of us have raced at gimili. Not only that, but my current Daily driver, a 2010 p71 crown victoria, was also sold at Parkside Ford.
Really enjoyed the interview. What a likable man, out having a fun time. Great back story of the cars history.
Great story to say the least!!!! The fact that he was smart enough to remove the original drivetrain and store it away is amazing as well!!!!
The best episode to date.
Great video and interview Don. The fan club is going wild.
My wife and I worked for Promedia and grew quite fond of Don and his wife. He dropped out for a time and I'm glad to see him back. We were at Orlando a couple of weeks ago, wish I'd known he was there. Don if you read these comments, good luck to you this year.
Had the honor of meeting Mr Fotti last summer at an NMCA event at Norwalk. Super nice guy with a lot of great stories, and of course an awesome car. Thanks Evan for showcasing Mr Fotti and his amazing story!
Go get them Don , Bill Ballinger here and I am glad you are still racing your 68!
Nice car..I remember that car on the streets back in the 70's...
Gotta love the old Fords
Evan thanks a bunch for doing a video on Don and his car! I met Don in my home town of Winnipeg about 15 or so years ago at a Sunday night gathering in a Pub parking lot in the Transcona area. He spent some time with me and was very enthusiastic while telling me about his car. I recall he had a mirror on the ground that showed off how tight his header fit was. I haven't lived in Winnipeg for over 20 years but was back there on a visit at that time. Great to see that you're still rocking that car Don. Hope I run into you again some time. I will bring my 70 chevelle with me next visit. Cheers to everyone who still cruises Portage Ave and Main Street!
You're welcome, thanks for watching.
I hope I'm still making passes at 72, doesn't look like he's going to quit anytime soon either! Kudos! Awesome Cobra Jet too!
Great story beautiful car mate
Thanks Revan Evan great to see a Canadian drag racer also being a Canadian makes me proud to see him race that Mustang which are my favourite car !
@John Cunningham I remember reading an article in SS&DI many years ago. It featured 2 1968 Mustangs, one fastback, one square back. I can't remember if the ran in stock,or super stock. They said for some reason, the square back ran a little quicker. They were called The Border Bandits. They were from Canada, maybe you remember them? Unfortunately I never got to see them race.
So in love with this interview; this guy might be my new hero. I could only wish to be so cool at his age, and WHAT A CAR!!
Thank you Jenna.
beautiful car! love the blue and the keystone kustomags. he's got a great attitude too.
Beautiful car. Great story and video
Definitely well warmed over for sure this thing flies beautiful too❤
Now that’s a guy you can really root for! What a story. Good job Evan, keep these videos coming. I really enjoy the story of all the history these fine people have with they’re cars. Makes me want to turn back the clock. Lol
What a great story. I love original cars that have been owned by the same person for decades, this car has so much character I would never change it
Cool car, sounds like a great guy and having a great time doing what he likes
Great story, great car., great guy ! Thanks Evan !
Great stories, this guy is great!
Awesome video and interview. Great job. Don is local to me and have always loved seeing that car around at the track or the cruise nights. That’s a killer car with a great story.
Hi Evan and Don! Love the 68 Pony! Also, love those Keystone wheels! Many Mustang owners back in the late 60' and into the 70's had many Mustangs had the Keystones on em. Cheers from Motown/Dearborn. Thanks for sharing!
It's an original 428 CJ.
Very cool. glad you did one on Don. His story is a good one. I'm proud to have met him and seen his car in person.
I had a 1968 1/2 Mustang CJ 4 speed the same Alcapoca(sp) Blue. Ford built these intro CJ's right. I was a big time street racer in the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area. I must have raced ~ 100 times in the 4 years I owned the car. I got beat only twice by Chevlles that came off a trailer.The night I beat this 55 Chevy with a tunnel ram on a big block( I don't know which one), he called his buddy with the SS Chevelle to race me. He asked after beating me by a car and a half, why they bothered getting him out of bed. He was surprised to learn My CJ Stang was pure stock. Keep in mind, many of the street racers didn't have professional know how,. Therefore horsepower output would vary quite a bit. That 55 Chevy built and set up properly would have "blown my doors off". I still think the 1968 Mustang Cobra-Jet was the best street racer over all.
Gary Flagg Buffalo, N.Y.
Just doesn't get cooler than, the story, the car, and the video!!!
The true of traditional drag racing and he got a hell of a deal on that car
What a good man. Canadians are nice people.
Rad story thanks so much for sharing
As a 16 year old in 1968, I had a 65 Mustang FB, and a 68-1/2 Mustang FB exactly like yours pulled alongside and asked "is your car fast?" So, when the light turned green, I peeled out, lol. Turns out, he actually owned my Mustang before I did, and of course he already knew. He was a couple of years older than me, class of 68. A funny lesson from my youth! My twin brother and I have raced our 67 FB for 20+ years. Always loved the 68-1/2 Cobra Jet!
Those horsepowers are keeping Don younger looking then 72 I would have guessed around 52. it really makes me miss my 67 fastback.
What a ride. Just out having a good time. 👍👍
Wonderful story Donald! Thanks Evan for sharing this interview!
My favorite car of all time. It’s hard to beat those lines and the legendary 428. Thanks to TASCA FORD! Thanks for this one!
The original cost of $4000 when new is around $34,600 today in US dollars. Considering what I'm seeing 2022 Mustang GT selling for today (On average $46,000 ). That was a great deal for a new 1968 Cobra Jet Mustang.
REVan. Knowing the contacts you have at Ford. I'm wondering if you're up to date on the new Factory S650 Holly NHRA X Class Mustang.
Great channel!
Hello Hemi! My 67 Mustang Gt S-code coupe was appraised at just shy of $38K last fall. From Sept 2021, classics saw and increase in value by $6K alone. Glad I bought mine 10 years ago for $15K, lol Cheers from Motown!
Great car, great story and another great interview. Thanks Evan.
What a champion of a gentleman
Great interview with a great guy…Marcel Cloutier, that’s going back a few years.
Don, I hope you are well, Bill from the FE The forum. Love the car! The 428 CJ is a legend! I love the 15s on the rear.
Love the lines and look of the 68, someday I'll own one.
Cool guy who I think may be channeling Smokey Unick with that hood remodeling.Though losing a few aesthetics points gains a few tenths
Thanks I like those Cobra Jet Mustangs they were quick off the showroom floor even.
Gotta love them CJ 68’s
I hope I can be as content and cheerful as this man. Awesome video and inspiring to me.
Winterpeg. Beautiful 428CJ
What a great guy and car....FE's forever
Great interview! Love Ford racers.
I have met Don and I have seen and touched that car. He is the real deal and the car is as sweet as you will find
15:00 I was going to say keystones are under rated and they look great
What a great car! Thank you for sharing. God bless
Excellent video, Evan. What a wicked cool car! The story is great. Thanks for the content!
Another great video Evan
Guys like Don are HEROS! To keep his car and still be having fun with it after all those years....I wish I'd kept my 3rd car a 69 X33 RS Z/28 Camaro. My brother had a 67 "S" code GTA 390 Mustang and it went 13.60's @ Fremont Drag Strip....The mustang had American Torque Thrusts and Koni shocks....I always suspected that the motor might have been a CJ motor. My friend in High School had a 69 Mach1 428SCJ with the oil cooler and 3.91 gears one of the fastest cars around ocassionally diping into the high 12's on street tires. Greatest Muscle Cars EVER!
Grew up as a kid in the 70s seeing these cars as dailys. Good time to be alive
Great video awesome car Ford power forever baby
Awesome story and car !
Very cool, really enjoyed!! 👍👍
Great video REVan..love those cars.
Great car, great guy.
Nice Mustang love Fords
Really cool guy and Really cool story.
An icon of style and sound
I love this kind of "keep it true" style of cars.. Enough fiberglass bulls#@t, souless drag cars. This is an old school, badass Cobra Jet. Great video, #1 Ford channel!!
Thanks. Cool all the way around.
That Thing is Amazing 😍🐎🚗👊🇺🇸💯 Vintage Classic
i love this video for a few reasons. the guy is from winnipeg, i live 20 mins north of winnipeg, and i have seen this car on the street (i think i might even have a picture of it with my son standing infront of it when he was 2 years old at a car show). my father worked at parkside most of his life, so chances are it was sold when he worked there (and years later, i also worked there). he is not joking about the gimili track, it can be sketchy at times.
That’s so cool, thanks for watching.
Can't miss the really fast old-er guys out on Portage and Main cruise night with 60's 70's classic muscle cars. The kids don't believe me about Don's car pulling wheelies and running in the low 10's (when he wants to) - until I send them a link to the FE reunion videos. Don's cruise night friends include some other really fast classic street cars too. Fun facts for you if you know / have seen the Winnipeg area cars I'm speaking of: Don bought his 68.5 GT for $2450, in about 1971 he says. But even more of a bargain - local Ford guy Dan (don't know if he is still in the area - haven't seen him for a few years now) bought his Green w/ Gold stripes 67 Shelby GT500 8V (dual carb) in 1973 for $2400. Dan also owned a near perfect 69 Boss 302 and a 68 W-code 427 Cougar (it needed a complete restoration, though). Even better of a deal - Chris bought his 1968.5 Blue Shelby GT500KR for $1700 - in 1972. My buddy bought a 69 R-code 428 CJ Mustang GT convertible in 1987 from Dryden Ontario. The guy thought it was only a 390 car, so he only asking $2000 (sold unseen for that asking price as soon as he gave us the serial number with the 5th letter being the "R" over the phone long distance) but it was missing the engine and transmission and was in moderately rough shape. A steal all the same - apparently less than 20 428 GT convertibles were built in 69 - more rare than a 69 Shelby GT500 convertible, in fact. I bought a red R-code 4-spd Mach 1 in 1988, a little rusty and rough - but running and complete including the infamous shaker hood scoop - for $4000. And No, sadly I sold it and the rest of my old Mustangs and Ford stuff a long time ago....I build and run old 80's superbikes for fun now - they take up less space in the shop, and well, the prices of classic muscle cars now....I'm not that rich.
very cool story, the car isn't sitting in someones warehouse gathering dust but he was wise enough to put the original drivetrain away to preserve it. I'm not really a mustang guy and FE's are one of my least favourite engine but I'd be more than proud to own this one
All this gorgeous old Ford iron, I just had to subscribe.
@ 0:20 that Falcon is rad. Whata sweet looking little early Falcon. Also glad to hear the Mustang is running a C4. I can't tell you how many armchair experts swear up and down that even a purpose built C4 can't handle more then 300 HP.
a friend of mine had a 68 gt coupe 428 cobra c 6 transmission 390 rear end he paid 250.00 for it and that car would flat out get it ! he went to the service and sold it for 500.00 he still regret's it to this day
Didin't know that Ford still called them 2plus2 in '68! I saw it on the sticker.
This is a cool story!! This guy doesn't look or act his age for sure!!
What a great video and great story.
Had a maroon cj with gold c stripe. Raced at Conn Dragway. It went 13.28 with a 7” slick.
Richened the jets and it went 13.19. Played w tire pressure and got 12.97.
Put in what was called the C stock cam and headers and got 12.22.
Blue printed engine, worked heads, bigger carb, bigger cam, increased compression to over 11 psi, some suspension work, chained engine and with a 10” slick, went 11.21 which at the time, was on the record for ss-class.
Got soundly beat by Hubert Platt who turned an 11.01 to my 11.38 as he was part of the six factory prepped cobra jets. Saw his brake lights go on just before the traps. His car was capable of at least 10.7’s but NHRA had a .2 second breakout rule.
Eventually these cars ran in SS/E and easily ran mid to low 10’s over 50 years ago.
If you ever come down here to Maryland or bring your hood my buddy Russell paintless dent repair is the best down here Bentley yanko novas you name it million-dollar cars too nice of a guy not tell you such a good soul of your story I'm a 88 notch back GT speed in density survivor, and I know you know what that means love your car