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
Canceled
- Visual Check Panel
- Battery Electrolyte Level Cap
- Lower Dash Padding
- Rear Shoulder Belts
Standard on XR-7
- Roof Console
- Regular Seat Belts
Regular Dealer Production
- New Deluxe Seat & Shoulder Belts
- Front & Rear Bumper Guards
- Bright Curb Moldings
Dealer Optional
- Right Hand Side View Mirror
- New Deluxe Seat & Shoulder Belts
- Front & Rear Bumper Guards
- Rear Window Defogger
Standard
- Front Shoulder Belts
- Front/Rear Seat Belts
For more details concerning the definition of a GT-E, select from the options below: