Ford revamped its mid-size lineup in 1968, adding the Torino nameplate to the mix. Now the top moniker for Ford intermediates, Torino took leading honors over the Fairlane. The Torino GT was the sportier version that came with a V8 and bucket seats as standard equipment (there was a caveat on the latter). The seller’s ’68 Torino 2-door hardtop looks to have been living in the seller’s garage for some time and is a project he/she will not get around to bringing to fruition. Available here on eBay, the current bid is only $1,275 (no reserve) and currently calls Poulsbo, Washington home.
The Torino GT came as either a hardtop, fastback, or a convertible with nearly 24,000 copies of the former built in 1968, including this one. Unlike the Fairlane which started out with a 200 cubic inch inline-6 as the entry point, the GT had a 302 V8 which you could upgrade all the way to a big block 428 Cobra Jet. The suspension was tightened up for a more enlightened handling package. And, naturally, GT emblems could be found in a variety of places.
Bucket seats were initially advertised as standard fare in the GT, but a labor issue had early 1968s fitted with bench seats instead. Since the seller’s car has a bench (which looks to be in good shape), this may have been an early production ’68 car. We’re told this was a running vehicle when its prior owner started a restoration that doesn’t seem to have gotten very far.
The body and paint appear to be at least fair (shiny in one photo), and the seller bought a bunch of new chrome trim that will go with the sale. The power brake booster and steering link were removed, but the seller has found replacements the buyer will get. There is a dent in the trunk lid that needs fixing, and the floorboards may need some patches. The odometer reads 50,000 miles, spread out over three prior owners. Would you like to be #4?
Sold with a high bid of $1,300. Someone got a good deal.
Ford really devalued the Torino GT by not making at least bucket seats and console standard equipment as they were in the 66-67 Fairlane XL. A 302 2bbl and bench seat does not give the impression of a performance car. They didn’t need to make a 428 the base engine, which they did for the 69 Cobra, but anything more than a couple of emblems to differentiate it from a base model would have been a good idea. I’ve owned a few XL’s a 70 Cobra and 71 Ranchero, without the right options the 71 Ranchero is as pedestrian as they come once you look past the hood.
Steve R
69′ steering wheel.
Now those are some LOUSY pictures!
Great deal.
I currently own a 68 GT torino that came from the factory with a bench seat. It was candy apple red with the white GT stripes. Even the rally wheels with the GT hub caps, it was equiped with a 302 automatic on the column, with a 4 barrel intake and carb. The hood also had a mustang style scoop with a air induction. I thought this was a rare option for a 302 car? Perhaps a special order?
Too bad I’m on the wrong coast….
That 302 looks so small in the engine bay, a 429 or 460 big block would be a much better fit, LOL!
I bought a new one fast back gold with black stripe buckets 390 4 speed great car