GT-E Defined: Mid-Year Changes
Since GT-Es, except prototype cars (that technically should have been destroyed, and not reached the hands of the general public), were produced beginning in January, 1968, they coincide with a number of other changes made in the Cougar line at that time.
Decor Group Change
Prior to 1/1/68, the Decor Group Option included:
- Customer grade seat and door trim
- Door mounted safety courtesy lights
- Deluxe wheel covers
- Windshield pillar and roof rail padding, and padding in front setback knee area
- Rear seat armrests
- Deluxe steering wheel with simulated wood grain upper half
After 1/1/68, the option was renamed the New Cougar Decor Group Option and the following items were added:
- Cougar 302 V-8 engine
- Bright curb molding
- Levant vinyl (aka Laredo-vinyl) upholstery
At this same time, the New Cougar Decor Group became standard equipment on the XR-7, and remained optional on the standard Cougar. This is important for GT-Es because they came in both standard (or base) Cougar and XR-7 versions. Note however, that ordering a base Cougar with the GT-E option package and the New Decor Group Option, or ordering the XR-7 with the GT-E option resulted in substitutions and replacements:
- Deletion of the bright curb molding
- Deletion of the 302 V-8 engine (mid-year the base Cougar engine was changed from 302 V-8, back to 289 V-8, in order to meet the competition)
Other Notable Changes Beginning 1/1/68
| Item | Canceled | Standard on XR-7 | Regular Dlr Production | Dealer Optional | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Check Panel | x | ||||
| Roof Console | x | ||||
| Battery Electrolyte Level Cap | x | ||||
| Lower Dash Padding | x | ||||
| R. H. Side View Mirror | x | ||||
| Front Shoulder Belts | x | ||||
| Front/Rear Seat Belts | x | ||||
| Rear Shoulder Belts | x | ||||
| Regular Seat Belts | x | ||||
| New Deluxe Seat & Shoulder Belts | x | x | |||
| Front & Rear Bumper Guards | x | x | |||
| Bright Curb Moldings | x | ||||
| Rear Window Defogger | x |
For more details concerning the definition of a GT-E, select from the options below: