It is often said that we only get what we pay for, a fact perfectly demonstrated by this 1968 Ford Torino GT. The seller’s price looks dirt-cheap, but the buyer faces a mountain of work before it returns to its rightful place on our roads. The Torino will undoubtedly divide opinions, with some readers believing that its future rests as a donor for other projects. However, it deserves a close look before you make that decision. The seller has listed the GT here on eBay in Marshfield, Missouri. They set their BIN at a mere $3,650 with the option to make an offer.
Ford introduced the Torino badge in 1968 as its premium offering within the Fairlane range. The company offered buyers a choice of five body styles, with this first-year example ordered as a GT Fastback. It would have looked impressive when new, thanks to its Wimbledon White paint and Black contrasting stripes, which would have turned heads. Time hasn’t treated it kindly, and the exterior surface corrosion is the least of its problems. Rust has sunk its teeth into the steel, impacting many of the exterior lower surfaces. That is the tip of the iceberg, because the floors, trunk pan, and the rear rails near the spring shackles all resemble Swiss cheese. Therefore, any attempt to return the car to a rust-free state will require completely disassembling the vehicle before the buyer commences cutting and welding. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining tinted glass appears okay. I believe that some trim pieces are salvageable, but others require replacement.
Ordering a ’68 Torino GT brought Ford’s 302ci V8 as the entry-level engine. This car’s first owner teamed the 302 with a three-speed automatic transmission, and with the V8 delivering 210hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque, this GT would have provided competent performance. It is unclear when this Torino last fired a shot in anger, but the appearance suggests the time can be measured in years. It is unclear whether the motor turns freely, but the seller confirms that this classic rolls and steers. Anyone considering this Ford as a project candidate would be wise to factor a mechanical rebuild into their restoration budget.
Trimmed in Black vinyl, it is easy to summarize this Torino’s interior needs with the words “almost everything.” The deterioration is significant, with a retrim the only option to recapture the former good looks. Kits are available, adding further to the restoration costs. However, it appears the dashpad might be crack-free. This is significant because reproductions typically retail for approximately $800. This is a case of a cloud having a silver lining. The first owner didn’t go overboard with factory options, equipping this classic with air conditioning and a factory radio.
It would be easy to dismiss this 1968 Ford Torino GT because it would require deep dedication and a healthy wallet if the buyer plans on returning the car to its former glory. However, the listing has garnered over 590 views in the last day, and 46 people have added it to their Watch List. That suggests that some enthusiasts see its hidden potential. Whether that is as a project or donor is unclear, but the interest is undeniable. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback to discover what you feel the future holds for this cheap but rusty classic.
Always loved this body style, Ford did a nice job. To bad the rust bug has gotten to it. This car will take some time and $$$ to get back on the road. Is is worth it?? I also prefer the Mercury Cyclones .
Can’t save ’em all. Sad.
And this is coming from someone who has already spent time welding the frame on a 68 fastback.
Too far gone for what it is, too expensive for a parts car. Unless the seller is willing to negotiate on his price, this is likely to sit on the market for a long time. People see the term GT and don’t look beyond, this was basically a trim package, there isn’t a lot of parts value in a factory 302 car with a bench seat interior, the rust will make a lot of parts unusable or unsellable and there isn’t a lot of value in the drivetrain or interior.
Steve R
This is one of my favorite Torinos. What great lines these fast backs have. Its just such a shame this one had deteriorated this badly. Sadly it may wind up being a doner car.
As noted too far gone and too expensive as a parts car. I’ve always preferred the notchback coupes or even a 4dr.
When I was a kid one of my first jobs as a licensed driver was as a runner to pick up cars from dealers needing interior work or convertible or vinyl tops. My transporter was a good running but basically beat 68 fairlane/ torino 302/auto, 2 door hardtop. Probably one of the best jobs I’ve had in my many years. Let loose on the streets with a mission where daily driving was the charge. Pushed that thing hard just about every time I got in it. It never let me down.
Too bad this one is so far gone. Good solid machines these 60’s midsize fords. wishing I still had my ‘66 2dr hardtop, another victim of the infernal rust bug.
GT pkg on new mid-size Torino, the Fairline trade-up, did offer stiffer springs, shocks and bigger front sway bar. Gauges should have been standard.
302 2v not much of a “GT” engine. My ’68 Cougar GT-XR7 I owned in late 70’s as comparison came standard with a 390 4v.
The 428cj, new mill for ’68, had even stiffer springs, shocks and a bigger 15/16″ sway bar.
One third of ’68 midsize Fords were the new Torino, at abt. 172,000 produced – buyers liked the new styling apparently.
Have spent 6 years bringing my ’69 GT back to life and look at this mess as possible parts donor – but no way.
Not sure what you wou do with this one, agreeing with robt here, to far gone and too expensive for parts/anything else.
NASCAR tribute rather than complete restoration.
Say #17 Holman-Moody entry for David Pearson, or the #27 Banjo Matthews entry for A.J. Foyt, from the 1968 Daytona 500.
Cheaper prospect, and a few body dents won’t matter.
Because rubbing is racing!
I once had a 73′ Gran Torino that I bought from my brother for $300.
It was a stock 4 cylinder that ran and ran! I can also adjust the rockers while it was running. Nice, sweet and simple!
4 cylinder Torino? You bought the rarest of the rare right there. Ford only made 0 of them.
I’m most definitely not a Ford guy, but when I saw “4 cylinder” my very first thought was “what”?
My very second thought was “junk yard candidate, no redeeming qualities”,
complete rot bucket here. just leave it where it is
Somebody is going to just say F-it and close there eyes and hit buy it now. The price is right and this ride will always be on lots of fav lists. I just hope the new owner yanks that little 302 out and slides a built to death Cleveland in the hole. That way the price for sale will sky rocket.
Well let’s see, Price is right AMD has a lot of parts for this car. My concern would be the frame rails, this car could be restored.
In 1971 I drove a white 68 Torino GT on my honeymoon trip. I’d love to have another but this is too far gone for this 74 year old to tackle. Good luck with the sale, I hope someone saves it
I like these. But, not this one. Too far gone. Sad
The car’s definitely not “too far gone”, it’s just too far gone for me. Or maybe I’m the one too far gone. But for some young pup out there, this is his dream car and I wish him good luck.
Had a 69 candy apple red Torino that was a great car, This is a 302 V8, one of the best engines Ford ever made for everyday use.