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