1968 Mercury Cyclone 428 Cobra Jet - Car Life Road Test Specs & Data

This is a page (page 18) from Car Life magazine featuring a road test continuation and full specification table for the 1968 Mercury Cyclone equipped with the 428 Cobra Jet V-8. The article text discusses the Cyclone's exceptional braking (decelerometer readings of 30 ft./sec.², near one G), the quick but unrefined shifting of the Cobra Jet's automatic transmission, and driving impressions in everyday traffic, including a stiff, springy, vague throttle feel. A captioned engine bay photo explains the 428 Cobra Jet replaced the discontinued 427 street engine while sharing speed components with the race-bred 427 on a cheaper standard block. The comprehensive data panel lists dimensions (116.0-in wheelbase, 203.5-in length, 3740 lb curb weight), prices ($2918 list FOB, $3875 as tested with 428 Cobra Jet, handling package, power disc brakes, limited-slip differential, GT package, Polyglas tires, Select-Shift transmission), capacities, chassis/suspension details, brakes (11.37-in front discs, 10.0-in rear drums), Goodyear Polyglas F70-14 tires, engine specifications (428 cu in, 10.7:1 compression, 335 bhp @ 5600 rpm, 445 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm, Holley 4-barrel), and drivetrain data (three-speed automatic, console shift, 3.91:1 axle ratio). Readers can learn factory specifications and period test impressions of the 1968 Cyclone 428 CJ.