84k Original Miles: 1968 Ford Torino GT Convertible Indy Pace Car

Many vehicle manufacturers view being selected to supply the Official Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500 as a great honor, and it was one accorded to the Ford Torino GT in 1968. The company followed a traditional trend, producing a limited production run of replicas, allowing the buying public to get a slice of the action. This ’68 Torino GT Convertible is one of those vehicles, presenting nicely as a survivor-grade classic. It has no rust or other major issues, and is ready to provide its new owner with motoring joy during the fast-approaching summer months. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Torino listed here on eBay in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Bidding sits below the reserve at $22,000 with a BIN option of $35,000 available for those viewing this Pace Car as a must-have.

Launched in 1968, Ford offered First Generation Torino buyers a choice of five body styles. This car’s first owner selected a GT Convertible. It wears the correct Wimbledon White that graced the panels of every Indy Pace Car, complete with the predominantly Blue decals and matching power top. The seller’s description is somewhat vague, making it unclear whether this classic is a genuine survivor or has undergone some form of restoration in the past. The paint shines extremely well, with no chips and only a couple of minor imperfections. The panels are straight, with the seller confirming that the floors and rails are rock-solid. The power top is presentable and operates correctly. Once again, the seller is unclear whether it is original or a replacement. The trim is in good condition, and the tinted glass appears free from defects.

The 1968 Torino GT Indy Pace Car was V8-only territory. This car’s first owner paired a 302ci engine with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes, providing an effortless driving experience. Ford’s Sales Brochure quotes a power output of 210hp for this V8, and while that doesn’t make it the most potent version of the GT, it should easily cope in most circumstances. The seller states that the odometer reading on this classic is 84,000 miles and believes it is genuine. They don’t mention verifying the evidence, but they include a wide range of documentation tracing the car’s history back to the showroom floor. Otherwise, this GT runs and drives exceptionally well and is a turnkey proposition.

If this Torino’s interior is original, its condition is impressive. Trimmed in two-tone Blue vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, a tachometer, deluxe seatbelts, an aftermarket stereo replacing the factory AM radio, and a remote driver’s mirror. The seller identifies a small rip in the lower outer corner of the driver’s seat back as the only genuine flaw, although it isn’t visible in the listing images. Beyond that, any wear is consistent with a survivor-grade vehicle that has been treated respectfully. One genuine positive is the crack-free dashpad. These items are prone to problems, and reproductions typically retail for over $800. If I became this car’s new owner, I would add a removable dash cover as cheap insurance that will protect the pad from harmful UV rays.

This 1968 Ford Torino GT Convertible is an extremely tidy classic that its new owner can enjoy immediately. Interestingly, these are not the rarest vehicles on the planet. Ford supplied 80 cars to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for official use, and a further 160 cars to dealers within the Indianapolis area. It also built 709 cars for nationwide distribution, bringing the total production to 949 vehicles across all variants. The most keenly sought are those featuring the 428 Cobra Jet, although those cars tend to command eye-watering prices when they hit the market. The seller’s BIN appears realistic, and the listing statistics indicate this classic drop-top has attracted significant attention. If you harbor a desire to own a 1960s Ford Convertible, could this Torino GT be a contender?