Describing any classic as a survivor is a risky strategy. Purists will argue that any changes, no matter how insignificant, will cast doubts on such claims. That brings us to this 1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible. It presents well and is rock-solid, but the engine upgrade will probably create healthy debate amongst our readers regarding the seller’s survivor stance. The GTO needs a new home and is listed here on eBay in Trenton, New Jersey. The seller set their auction to open at $20,000, but there have been no bids to this point.
The seller confirms this GTO received a repaint in its original Verdoro Green in the 1980s and has remained untouched since. The paint retains a healthy shine, and the only significant flaws are some marks on the Endura front bumper. Closely examining the supplied photos exposes some stone chips, but there is nothing demanding attention if the new owner elects to treat this Pontiac as a driver-grade vehicle. The panels are straight, and the only rust identified is minor corrosion around the trunk drain holes. The floors are rock-solid, with no signs of issues with the lower extremities. The car features a new Black power top with a glass back window. The remaining glass and trim are in good order, with this gem rolling on a set of Torq Thrust wheels that were fitted when the Pontiac was new.
Okay, it is time to draw a deep breath before tackling this Pontiac’s mechanical specifications. It features a 400ci V8, a four-speed M22 manual transmission, a 3.55 Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and four-wheel drum brakes. The seller admits this car is no longer numbers-matching. The V8 initially saw service in a 1968 Firebird 400 and has been rebuilt to Ram Air II specifications. That means the driver will have 360hp and 445 t/lbs of torque at their disposal in a drop-top capable of scorching the ¼-mile in 14.5 seconds. That’s fast, no matter how you cut it. The engine change alone undermines the claim that this GTO is a survivor. My view is that it is a tidy driver, although your opinion may differ from mine. There are no specific details about how this Convertible runs or drives. However, the impression is the news is positive.
The seller indicates the GTO received an interior retrim, and there is no denying it presents exceptionally well. There are no signs of wear or physical damage, and while the term “as-new” is probably stretching things, rocking up to a Cars & Coffee with the top down should cause no shame. However, there are changes worth noting. The wheel isn’t original, and an aftermarket stereo hangs below the dash. A couple of additional gauges have been mounted where the factory radio once resided, and the seller deserves credit for their approach to this modification. They have fashioned a blanking plate that bolts into place using the radio’s original mounting holes. The plate is color-matched to the interior, producing a tidy result. This approach also means the dash beneath should be unmodified, which is excellent news for anyone considering returning the inside of this classic to its factory appearance.
I am surprised there have been no bids on this 1968 GTO Convertible because the opening figure seems reasonable for a vehicle of this type. The visible modifications may have dissuaded those seeking a genuine survivor. Of course, the auction is in its early stages, meaning some may be biding their time and unwilling to show their hand. Opinions will differ on whether this is a genuine survivor, and it will be fascinating to gauge reader feedback on the subject. It will also be interesting to see what you think the sale price could be. So, over to you.
When I was in my youth, living in Fairfield County Connecticut. My best friend’s neighbors had a ’68 GTO for sale. Not just any GTO but a ’68 Pontiac GTO convertible.
Their (son) off in England to learn how to become a race car driver was the seller.
This was in primer Grey, black bucket seat interior, air shocks, a catche of extra parts in the garage.
This was a ’68 that needed very little help. 400 with Ram Air IV induction, 4bbl carb, hideaways, M21 Rock crusher 4 spd Tran y.
Yes, that car still adorns my refrigerator to this day.
Why you ask is it not sitting in my garage today.
3 letters “DAD”. My father had a ’67 Pontiac LeMans when we returned from Singapore in that year. And his was a convertible as well.
Insurance was the deal breaker and where are you going to park it was the other.
20k is not that bad considering my ’68 Goat was only 750
Well, normally I would agree with the comments, but I have to mention that it is a GTO. Firebird steering wheel – no.
Gauges where radio should be – no.
Where is the console? Seems to me that interior leaves something to be desired. $20,000 ok if no rust or dents but a couple of things need refitting.
Console was optional, but it could have been damaged and never replaced.
I had this cars twin in hard top trim back in the early ’70s. These cars were no slouch in their day considering this is a 3500lb car. Calming the car has been untouched since it’s repaint is disputed by the fact that from the pictures provided every panel on the car has some damage that would indicate something has touched it, A LOT. Interior and top seam to be it’s strongest feature. Still $20,000 for this ’68 GTO 4 speed convertible even non-numbers matching sounds like a good buy to me.
Have to agree with Bryan. This car has definitely been touched everywhere. Would really have liked to see photos straight on of the left and right sides. For an NOM GTO convertible $20K would be a good price but much more information would be needed to confirm its provenance. A PHS report would be really helpful and could very well justify a higher price.
I’m hearing provenance, Not correct this or that. Body has dings. On and on and on. Guess what? I have seen clones show up that are in much worse shape with more wear and the prices have been past this 20K mark by a chunk of change. If I had a garage long enough to fit this “rustic” GTO in, I would be all over it like a fly on something stinky. I have always wanted a GOAT. I’m 70 years old, and really wouldn’t care that it isn’t a perfect 10. Alas, It will not happen this time, but I’ve got at least another 15 years of being able to drive left in me, and it will happen….I hope…
I’ve seen clones for this much as well. I love the styling of the 68-69 GTO’s. I wish this one were a different color though. I was never a fan of the green on green color combinations of the late 60’s-early 70’s.
The gauges installed in the dash are covering a hacked out area, the diameter of the gauges alone is way larger than the original opening. The steering wheel is ok… but I’d sell it and replace it with an OEM “wood” wheel. The shifter has been replaced, and hood pins were added. There are a lot of claims of an M22, but the only way is to remove the side cover… or go for a ride and listen. They have a very distinct whine. Overall, a nice appearing old goat, nothing that cant be addressed if you are going for a more OEM appearance.
I agree with the many comments. The provided images disguise many of the ‘whiskey licks’ this vehicle has suffered. The seller admits this car is a poser but is asking almost real valuation. The seller calls it a survivor but it appears, based on the images, the car was built and photographed to deceive.
If you can’t take or obtain better photos than this you’re probably hiding things.
If you’re not hiding things, you simply can’t take photos worth a damn.
And if that’s the case, you can’t expect any bids close to this starting point.
Considering what good lighting and presentation is, isn’t rocket science.
as i see it there was no wx 400 code listed in 68 66-67 326 had one and 1969 but to be 68 would have 67 date build code the people who write these car ads are paid to pump them up for the readers some facts some fiction, so they bid , or buy ,they do not check correct numbers for engines or even if they are real muscle code cars, it is up to you so do your own homework to see what is real check data plates and all numbers you can ,who knows if this body is even a gto?
The thing I see is the motor maybe a Pontiac motor but it’s not the original. so that alone bring the car’s value down.