Pontiac’s fabulous GTO was on the move in ’68 with an entirely new set of duds. As with all of GM’s A-body intermediates, long and boxy was replaced with shorter and rounder. This example has undergone quite a transformation over the years but still presents well – let’s check it out. Located in Brooklyn, New York, this goat is available here on eBay for a current, no reserve bid of $8,600 with twenty-two bids tendered so far.
Now riding on a 112″ wheelbase frame, as opposed to 1967’s 115″ stretch, Pontiac ditched the GTO/Tempest/LeMans over/under headlights for side-by-sides that could be hidden behind a retracting door. And not to be mistaken, Pontiac’s split grille arrangement grew into a full-blown proboscis for ’68 – an instantly recognizable Pontiac trademark. Popular? You bet, Poncho found homes for 87K GTOs in ’68, besting ’67’s 81K output.
Owned since 1996, and authenticated by Pontiac Historical Society (PHS) documentation, the seller states, “This was originally optioned as an AC, Verdoro Green, Black Cordova top, automatic, hideaway headlamps, ps/pb, console, soft tint, front disc brake GTO sold new in Long Island NY“. Being a Long Island car, this GTO has held up pretty darn well. If not for the weather-related foibles, it’s just the crush of traffic and other mayhem that occurs that can seriously limit the life expectancy of a Brooklyn/Queens domiciled car – stuff happens! The Buick red finish was applied in 1986 and the seller suggests that it is showing some age cracks in places. the lower edge of the quarters, behind the rear wheels, shows signs of Bondo repairs and the seller mentions that the nose piece is misaligned but I don’t think it looks too bad. There are images included of the underside and things there show as surprisingly clean!
The original 350 gross HP, 400 CI V8 engine has been replaced with a non-original but it is wearing the original’s “16” cylinder heads that are attached to exhaust headers. There is no description of this GTO’s operating characteristics but there is mention of opening the hood scoops Ram Air style. What’s really interesting, however, is the transmission. The original Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission was replaced years ago with a four-speed manual, and then that was replaced with another T-400 automatic. As a result, the clutch pedal for the interim transmission occupant is still in place – how odd!
The interior shows really well as the seller mentions, “Interior is very original, complete and in very good unrestored condition. No rips in seating, dash, and headliner. Car retains all the original glass. The proper Hurst dual gate shifter will be included in the sale“. No doubt about it, Pontiac’s Morrokide vinyl wears like iron and my experience with Pontiacs of this era is that the seats are usually well padded. It all looks great – the carpet, headliner, dash, console, and door panels. While auxiliary gauges have been installed beneath the dash, we are told that the speedometer, clock (no surprise there), and radio are inoperative. Oh, and not only has the A/C been removed but so has the heater.
It is suggested that “This is an opportunity to get into the hobby, add to your collection, restore or use as is“. I would have to agree – a documented GTO, selling at no reserve, is not an everyday event and this example is still in fair bidding territory. This GTO is tempting, wouldn’t you agree?
Like to see this one after it comes back from the dipper.
If only it was a convertible
I’d be bidding
The owner is fairly honest as to the description, but this car certainly has issues, and likely a troubled past. In addition to the bottom left rear quarter, the right quarter likely replaced as evidenced by the spliced inner wheel well, so that would be a substantial hit. The front will likely require more work than just an Endura bumper “alignment” The fact it no longer has heat or AC makes it a fair-weather cruiser car, but it also makes it ripe for a Vintage Air conversion. Too bad it doesn’t have the original Hurst Dual Gate shifter, they were standard in all automatic trans console cars in both 1967 and 1968. I believe there are plenty of issues to discovered, but nothing that can’t be addressed.
I meant to say zero to 60 in 12 seconds, my bad.
Had a red 68 convertible white interior white top, 400 automatic in the 70s. It was a sweet ride! Bought it for $500, sold it for $200. What was I thinking?