While recent Dennis Collins' videos have been more about a record-setting Barrett-Jackson auction car and unique private collections, he gets back to his roots in this latest presentation. Viewers come along to rural LaGrange, Georgia, for a true barn find of a Ford Mustang. But, this is no ordinary pony car; it's a 1968.5 Mustang GT R-code. And one that's been sitting undriven since 1994.
An R-Code Detective Story
Much of the video involves Collins' efforts to confirm if this Mustang is actually a genuine R-code model. Inspection of the build tags seems to validate the seller's claim, as does the car's Marti report. A post-barn find cut-away to Collins' workshop highlights the removal of the fenders that reveals hidden VIN details. At first glance, there's no "R" in the VIN, but Collins reassuringly comments that this is not unusual. He eventually proclaims this Mustang to be the real deal. Further adding to the car's uniqueness is that it's only got 15,937 miles on the odometer.
Throughout the video, Collins shares his encyclopedic knowledge of the development of the R-code Mustang. And while R-code cars had been around in other Ford models since the early 1960s, this didn't enter Mustang lore until 1968.
What Is An R-Code Mustang?
There are conflicting opinions about the meaning of the "R" build code. Most associate the designation with a race-capable, big-block 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet V-8 engine. Hence, the R is for racing. Others feel the R-code label refers to the ram-air induction system that's part of the Cobra Jet powerplant. Regardless, the moniker signifies a historic Mustang rated initially for 435 horsepower. Collins remarks that a quarter-mile time of 11.5 seconds was common for these types of Mustangs.
A 'Holy Grail' Mustang
Collins' first videos of the year include comments that he believes 2022 could be the year of the Mustang. He backs this up when discussing this Georgia barn find (which required disassembling the building). Collins comments that he sparingly uses the "holy grail" label for the cars he locates. In this case, however, this 1968.5 Ford Mustang GT fastback R-code is a worthy candidate, according to Collins. He presents a holy grail chalice to the appreciative seller to commemorate the occasion.
Sources: Dennis Collins/YouTube, mustangspecs.com