455/4-Speed: 1968 Pontiac GTO

Many consider the Pontiac GTO the father of the muscle car scene, and the badge commands as much respect among enthusiasts today as it did when the GTO was at the height of its power. This 1968 GTO is a tidy classic that would draw attention and appreciative crowds wherever it goes. It is hard to fault its presentation, and while it has received one notable modification, the option remains for the new owner to return this classic to its original form. It is listed here on Craigslist in Huntsville, Alabama. The owner has set their price at $50,000, and it seems they’re pretty firm on that figure. I must thank Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this muscle classic for us.

The 1968 model year saw Pontiac introduce the Second Generation of its iconic GTO. The new offering featured a more rounded appearance, reflecting market trends where manufacturers began moving away from the more hard-edged styling of the mid-1960s. It struck a chord with potential buyers because 87,684 were willing to hand over the cash to park one in their garage. That figure was a reward for the company and represented the second most successful model year throughout the GTO’s history. This one presents beautifully in Alpine Blue. It is a two-owner classic, but it is unclear whether it has undergone any restoration work. I can’t see any evidence of it, although, in an ideal world, any restoration performed to a high standard should be invisible. The panels are laser straight, with no signs of dings, dents, or rust. This last point is no surprise, as the GTO has spent most of its life in the drier climes of California. The trim is excellent, as is the tinted glass. The Pontiac features a set of Rally II wheels that show no evidence of stains or physical damage.

This GTO’s interior presentation is as impressive as the exterior. The upholstered surfaces wear Blue vinyl that is free from wear, stains, and physical damage. The dash is spotless, while the faux woodgrain trim has avoided the lifting and fading issues that can plague trim of this type. The carpet looks surprisingly good for a vehicle of this vintage, as does the beautiful timber wheel. I can’t spot any crumbling plastic or evidence of long-term UV exposure. The original owner didn’t load this classic with optional extras, but it features a factory tachometer, a console, an AM radio, and an 8-track player.

When it rolled off the production line, this GTO featured a 400ci V8, a four-speed M20 manual transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. It is unclear which version of the 400 the original owner selected, but it is fairly safe to assume that it would have produced at least 350hp. Assuming that as the base output figure, this GTO would have happily produced sub-14.5-second ¼ mile ETs all day. For potential buyers, the news initially seems bad. The car is no longer numbers-matching, which would typically impact its potential value. The engine bay now houses a 455ci monster of unknown vintage or specifications. However, the owner retains the original 400 and includes it in the sale. That allows the buyer the opportunity to return the car to its factory specifications at their leisure. They also hold the original Window Sticker, which adds to the desirability. For those enthusiasts intent on instant gratification, this classic runs and drives well. The seller is so confident in its health that they say it could immediately serve competently as a daily driver.

Classic cars with a known ownership history will always spark interest when they come to market, which should be the case with this two-owner 1968 Pontiac GTO. It presents beautifully and is a car that the new owner could enjoy immediately. It may not currently be numbers-matching, but the opportunity is there for the buyer to return it to that state. Doing so would maximize its long-term value, but it is not a strategy they need to adopt urgently. If I found this GTO in my garage, I would probably elect to safely store the original 400 and enjoy the beast under the hood. If I planned to sell the vehicle, that’s when I would return it to its factory specifications. Do you agree?