If this 1968 Pontiac GTO doesn’t look like a Barn Find, I don’t know what does. Parked in 1987 by the original owner, his niece’s husband has been tasked with bringing it back to life. There’s a lot of originality here, and this garage dweller from Hooper, Utah, is now ready for its next adventure. You’ll find it here on eBay, where it’s available for a current no-reserve bid of $15,500 with nineteen bids tendered as of this writing.
As the seller testifies, the redesigned ’68 GTO was Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in ’68, and it was a hot ticket, knocking out sales of about 87K units. Most were two-door hardtops such as our subject, but convertible versions made the scene too, accounting for 11.5% of the total.
The original owner of this car parked it in ’87 after putting the goat through its paces for 90K miles. Why one would take a car, as notable as a GTO was even back in ’87, and use it as a sort of work bench, I’ll never understand. Anyway, this baby, after its long slumber, cleaned up pretty well. The Mayfair Maize finish is showing some scrapes, and the driver’s side quarter panel has suffered a contusion, but it’s all in pretty reasonable condition. Fortunately, there’s no evidence of rot, but there is some rust forming in the lower passenger side quarter and fender, and the chrome plating on the rear bumper has gotten a bit thin. The black vinyl top appears to have enjoyed garage life, as it still shows well. The original owner opted for hideaway headlights, and I’m happy to report that they still work as intended.
Power is provided by a 350 gross HP, 400 CI V8 engine attached to a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission. Says the seller, “I was able to drain all the old fluids and put in new gas, oil & antifreeze. I then put in a new battery, spark plugs & bottom radiator hose, and put on new tires since the originals wouldn’t hold air anymore, and she fired up like a champ.”
The strato bucket seat/center console equipped interior is certainly a bright spot. Other than a split in the black “Morrokide” upholstery of the driver’s seatback, it all appears to be in solid nick. The dashpad, carpet, door panels, back seat, instrument panel, and gauges don’t reflect this car’s age. Fortunately, this GTO napped with its windows up!
What a rarity it is to find an all-in-the-family, unmessed-with, all original car like this 1968 Pontiac GTO. Sure, the exterior cosmetics definitely need some work, and while that quarter-panel dent is unfortunate, it doesn’t appear to be a major problem. This is a no-reserve bid, so someone is going to end up with quite a find, wouldn’t you agree?
That’s how you sell a barn/garage find covered in dirt. He will get all his money. Great write up.
That would be true but the car is out and all cleaned up in the Auction.
Guaranteed to bring more money than if it was only shown with all the dirt and crap still on it, you can actually get an idea of what you’re bidding on.
If there is no structural rust, clean it up as best you can and drive it. Not every car needs to be restored.
If I went to a coffee and cars I’d be more interested in looking at this than most perfectly restored cars.
Steve R
Putting in the most effort always brings the most return. What a time capsule!
Hopefully he kept some of the “barn dust!”
No no! Please tell me that’s not a thing. Tho it makes about as much sense as patina.
I’d just maintain and drive it, as-is. I agree with Steve R., I’d be more interested in looking this over than a concourse restored car. As beautiful as fully restored cars look, there is something to be said for a mostly unmolested vehicle. Flaws and all, it only adds to the character of a car showing a life well lived.
Nice Goat. I had a ‘68 442 the same color in and out with 400/4 speed.
I am totally with the concept of not restoring every vehicle- and, in my opinion, this car doesn’t need it- but- at least address the active rust! My thought would be to fix the rust and body damage, doing my best to match the paint, repair the drivers seat upholstery, and any remaining mechanical needs- then drive and enjoy. Just my 3¢ worth, adjusted for inflation.
Love it just the way it is.
I’d consider Paintless Dent Removal for the quarter and drive it as-is if it were mine. My thoughts on everything needing shiny paint has evolved over the last few years.
I’d leave it like it is, attend to all of it’s drivability needs to make sure it’s safe, and have fun. I had a 57 Chevy pickup that was original with some primer spots showing from worn paint, not rattle can primer, and some small dents, but no rust holes. It got the “Crowd Pleaser award” trophy at a show where there were some very nice restored cars. I still love restored or very nice original vehicles but I’m more attracted to cars that have been used and enjoyed and have some scars. In this GTO I would have the seat mended but that’s about all. It’s only original once.
He did a darn nice job cleaning that baby up……can’t beat original! GLWTS!
Let’er ride as is!
Great find, great write up (as always!)…..nice GTO turned “workbench” 😁….in a hoarder’s paradise….👍….back to GTO….GLWTS
Fix it up. Drive it. I have a ’93 Allante with 140,000 + miles, enough defects so another one does not stress me out. There are enough for all the car museums that want one. Likewise this. No sense saving it for Jay Leno, he has one.
The bid is at $22,100 now with 24 hours left.
Seller did a bang up job cleaning this survivor up to driver condition. Honestly, presented. Fairly priced survivor that I’d love to drive as is for a while.
It’s amazing what a good car washing will do.
Sold 8/9/2025 for a high bid of $22,599.
Steve R