Desert Find: 1968 Ford Torino GT 390

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

Buying an older project car from a drier climate will always involve a compromise. While such a climate may be conducive to preserving classic steel, it can exact a high toll in other areas. That is the case with this 1968 Ford Torino GT. It features its original drivetrain and is rust-free. However, its interior has paid the penalty for a life in the Texas sun. It should make a rewarding project, and would turn heads if returned to its former glory. Located in El Paso, Texas, you will find the Torino listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $15,000, although he leaves the option for potential buyers to make an offer. Fifty-five people are currently watching this listing with great interest.

The harsh Texas sun has burned away most of this Torino’s original Highland Green paint. In its place, we see a consistent coating of surface corrosion. However, there is no penetrating rust in any of the panels. The news is equally positive when we look at the vehicle’s underside. Once again, there is surface corrosion but no rot. The buyer may consider a complete nut-and-bolt restoration, and it appears that this classic would be a prime candidate for that approach. The panels have a few minor dents and marks, with the most apparent behind the passenger side door. The rest of the panels look pretty good, and the story is similar with the trim. Some pieces look like they would respond positively to some polish, while other components may require replacement. The tinted glass looks free from significant defects, and the GT wheels appear suitable for restoration.

While Ford offered several engine options in the 1968 Torino GT, the pick of the bunch was the S-Code 390ci V8. That is what we find occupying the engine bay of this classic, while the car also features a C6 automatic transmission and power front brakes. With 314hp available under the right foot, this GT would have stormed the ¼ mile in 15.2 seconds. There are some positives to take away from this classic for potential buyers. The first is that it is a numbers-matching vehicle and appears to be mechanically complete. It doesn’t currently run or drive, and it isn’t clear when it last did. The owner doesn’t indicate whether the engine turns freely, but if it does, reviving it may not be a complex undertaking. However, I won’t be surprised if the next owner treats that 390 to a rebuild as part of the restoration process. If they did, that would ensure that this car had many years of faithful service to offer to them and any subsequent owners.

There’s no hiding the fact that while the Texas climate has been kind to this Torino’s panels, it has done some pretty horrendous things to its interior trim and plastic. While the seats aren’t visible in this shot, they are present. However, like the rest of the upholstery, they will require a re-trim. The dash is reasonable, but the pad is well beyond repair. A trim kit to return the interior to a factory-fresh state will leave no change from $1,600, but a replacement pad will add a further $400 to the bill. If I were to buy this classic, I would put some effort into trying to salvage the existing console. Reproduction items are readily available, but they retail for approximately $700. At this point, this interior restoration has already pushed beyond the $2,500 mark, and that’s without accounting for things like the cracked wheel and reviving the factory air conditioning. That’s a lot of money, but the finished product would be well worth the expense.

Returning this 1968 Torino GT to its former glory will be a significant undertaking, but the car is a long way from being a lost cause. Its overall solid nature and numbers-matching drivetrain would seem to make it worth the effort. It would be ideally suited to an enthusiast looking for a car that is a DIY project. If you fit that description and have been searching for a project car, this one might be just what you were looking for.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Bruce Rolfe

    Love these older BB FE cars. Galaxie and Torino let you cruise in style. But $15k for a car with a BUNCH of unknowns is a little far fetched. A more reasonable $7-9k IMO.

    Like 10
  2. Grumpy

    Toasted to a fine crisp. Pass the jam.

    Like 9
  3. Allen L

    NASCAR tribute, save the $ spent on the interior parts, still gave a fun, cool car. Even Richard Petty drove one.

    Like 5
    • Allen L

      Yes, he drove the 1969 Torino, but very little difference between the two.

      Like 1
  4. Howie Mueler

    $15k for this mess? Seller feedback (3).

    Like 3
  5. Dave

    Looking beyond the pile, these 390’s made a capable street racer back in the day.

    Like 1
  6. MorganW MorganW

    Nice write-up, Adam. I’ll jut add that the S-code 390 wasn’t the top choice for ’68…the 428 was available.

    Like 3
    • StanMember

      Morgan i thought 390 was the top in 68 428 not until 69 ? I could be wrong , i love the big Ford Torinos and galaxies. So many motor and trans options thru the yrs. 289, 302, 351, 390s, 428, was a 429 ever offered ?
      This one appears to have the more powerful 390 they had a name for it , can’t recall. Anyways great choice especially if you were wanting the auto trans cruise-o-matic option. Came with a decent rear gear and these cars aren’t as heavy as they look.

      Like 2
      • Troy s

        The 428 cobra jet wasn’t around until mid year ’68, best known in the small number of Mustangs, but was available in the Fairlane. I believe a detuned hydraulic lifter version of the 427 was first listed in these and dropped early on, so the 390 was tops until the 428 cj was offered. Very rare in ’68.

        Like 2
      • CATHOUSE

        The 429 was not available until the 1970 model year in a Torino.

        Like 1
  7. ed the welder
    • Rick Czopek

      The rag top 302 or fastback 390 in need of work, let the re build begin.

      Like 3
  8. Mike

    ZERO pics of the driver’s side….Hmmm. A ton of body work needed on the side that shows. Engine doesn’t run. No top loader. Windshield cracked. Needing a whole new gut…6500 tops

    Like 1
  9. erik johnston

    In 1978 i bought a 68 GT. My first real driving car of my own. Lots of memories. My first girlfriend started my manhood in that car.(sorry bought that). To this day I think i know where it is.Fun to get it back-thats a dream since i would not have a proper indoor space for it. It had original everything Dark blue, lite blue inside. And a 4spd.

    Like 0
  10. chrlsful

    stand beside that hulk (as in the big green man). That fast back covers many miles! Lub ’em – when one model had 5 or 6 offerings (FB as in here, notch, waggy, sedan, coup), 5 motors, 3 or 4 tranies… back when wage match product (so co.s offered more so as to capture sales.

    This ‘un follows my point – what isa hot rod? A car w/a truck motor’n transmission. That’s where I seen most these drivetrains…

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds