While it looks pretty rough around the edges, this 1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible would have been a spectacular car in its prime. There is no reason it couldn’t relive its glory days, as it is a solid, complete project candidate. It will take more than a few weekends of tinkering in a home workshop to achieve that goal, but the GTO’s inherent desirability makes it worth considering. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Pontiac listed here on eBay in Conway, South Carolina. The seller set their price at $16,500 with the option to make an offer.

The GTO had firmly established itself in the market by the time the Second Generation hit showroom floors in 1968. The GTO had become the standard by which other muscle cars were measured, and it is this badge more than any other that prompted the horsepower race that was a hallmark of the 1960s. This first-year example left the factory in beautiful Meridian Turquoise with a Black power top. Much water has passed under the bridge since that day, with this Pontiac a shadow of its former self. However, it is far from a lost cause. The seller’s images reveal that, while there is plenty of surface corrosion requiring attention, this GTO lacks acres of serious penetrating rust. The seller indicates that the floors, hood, and rear quarter panels require work, and that there are spots in the lower doors. However, most of the problems may be candidates for well-crafted patches rather than wholesale panel replacement. The top frame is complete, and the seller has included a new Black top with a glass rear window. Most of the trim appears to be present, and there are no visible glass issues.

The seller is candid about the fact that this GTO isn’t numbers-matching. They confirm that the engine bay houses a correct “YS” engine block, allowing the 400ci V8 to produce the factory-quoted 350hp. A three-speed Turbo 400 automatic fed the power to a 10-bolt nodular Posi rear end with 3.36 gears. Power assistance extends to the steering and brakes, making driving duties a breeze. The seller confirms that the engine features an upgraded intake, carburetor, and headers. It runs well on an external fuel source, suggesting that the motor’s needs are purely cosmetic.

The interior shots reveal how generally solid this Pontiac’s floors are and the extent of the surface corrosion. It might look incomplete, but that is an illusion. The deal includes a set of seats, freshly retrimmed in the correct Black vinyl. The buyer also receives a console, a His-and-Hers shifter, and a range of smaller trim pieces. There will undoubtedly be a shopping list to complete this aspect of the build, but it is a case where the results should justify the expense. This is especially true since the original owner ordered the car with Rally gauges and a wooden tilt wheel for added comfort.

How would I tackle the build if I found this 1968 Pontiac GTO occupying space in my workshop? That’s pretty easy. I would completely disassemble the car, send the body for media blasting to remove existing corrosion and rust, and then return the GTO to its factory form. I initially stated that it would have been spectacular in its prime, and recapturing those looks would be worthwhile. Is that the path that you would choose?