8F02R135018

Body StyleColorTrimDateDSOAxleTransmissionLocated
63AM2A30M84466075Yes

Ford documentation describes the car as having been delivered to Tasca Ford Sales of East Providence, RI. Information from the current owner:

8F02R135018 has less spectacular history than many of the 135 cars that were raced to promote the Cobra Jet cars. Manufacturers, back in the day, had the "Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday" mentality. I don't believe Ford had the intention of selling this car to someone like me.

In September of 1967, when the 1968 models were introduced, I went to a local Ford dealer and priced out a 1968 W code 427 Mustang. However, I needed to sell my car and earn some more money to meet the $3400 price tag. I returned to the dealership in January of 1968 and was told that the 427 engine option was no longer available. My obvious and intense disappointment prompted the salesman to direct my frustration at Ford's High Performance Department in Teterboro, NJ. I wrote a letter expressing my dissatisfaction and received a response that did not contain the information I desired.

I went to the Teterboro facility and spoke with Ed Iannotti, who had responded to my letter. He said Ford had High Performance vehicles planned for the future, but nothing was available at that time other than a 390 or 289 option. After talking to him for about an hour, he admitted that there was a car he called a Tasca KR8 Mustang, powered by a 428 engine called a "Cobra Jet". He suggested I call his friend Dean Gregson at Tasca Ford, in Rhode Island. He said that they had 10 of these cars.

When I first called, Mr. Gregson denied having any such cars. After I told him that Ed Iannotti suggested I call, he admitted having the Cobra Jet, but said that there was only one remaining. Since I called on a Tuesday and could not get to Rhode Island until Saturday, I asked if he could hold the car for me and he said "No, first come, first served". That Saturday I drove to Rhode Island, taking a chance that the car would still be available. It was there, and after Dean gave me a ride (he wouldn't let me drive since I was 18 years old). I had to have it!

For the next 3 years, I drove the car and had a blast street racing it. The car had 24000 miles on it when the army, marriage, and then a business took priority. Since then, the car has seen very limited driving and now is only transported on a trailer. It has been repainted as I polished it so many times that the primer showed. I have all the original documents for my car, including the window sticker, sales receipt from Tasca Ford, thank you letters from Bob Tasca and Dean Gregson, Christmas Cards and a Free Oil Change offer from Tasca Ford with no expiration date! Here it is at the Carlisle show.