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Fresh Paint: 1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible

Although it may not be 100% original, the fresh paint and drivetrain combination means this 1968 Pontiac GTO Convertible perfectly combines stunning good looks and performance. Its condition is hard to fault, and the subdued bidding could make it one of the most affordable driver-quality GTO Convertibles currently on the market. It needs a new home, with the owner listing it here on eBay in Flowood, Mississippi. The action hasn’t been as intense as I expected, with eight bids pushing it beyond the reserve to $25,100.

As with many classics, some paint shades work better than others gracing the flanks of a ’68 GTO. Reader feedback from previous articles suggests Verdoro Green divides opinion. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground. It seems it has a “love it or hate it” impact on enthusiasts. I find it quite attractive, and the overall shine and lack of defects on this car make the seller’s claim that the paint is fresh look plausible. It cloaks equally impressive panels with no bumps or bruises and consistent gaps. The listing doesn’t mention existing or previous rust issues, and none is visible in the supplied photos. As usual, I always recommend negotiating an in-person inspection if possible, but the structural integrity of this GTO shows promise. The trim and glass look fantastic for a driver-grade classic, although we receive no information on the Black convertible top. Rounding out the exterior is a set of spotless Rallye II wheels wearing trim rings.

Lifting the hood reveals an aspect of this GTO that may cause some purists to turn their backs on it. The seller admits it isn’t numbers-matching, with its 400ci V8 from a later vehicle. That means its specifications are unclear, but it sends its power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The original owner selected power steering, although there is no assistance for the brakes. Buyers in 1968 could order their GTO with a 4-Barrel 400 producing 350hp. Pontiac offered more powerful versions, but if we use that figure as a guide to potential performance, this Convertible should effortlessly cover the ¼-mile in under 15 seconds. For potential buyers, there’s more positive news. Not only does the car present nicely, but it runs and drives well. It is a turnkey proposition that seems to have no mechanical needs.

The tidy presentation continues when we focus on this GTO’s interior. The original owner ordered the car trimmed in Green vinyl, with the bucket seats and console adding an air of class. Interior condition is always a prime consideration with classic convertibles because with the top down, there’s no hiding second-rate trim. That isn’t an issue with this Pontiac. The upholstered surfaces show no evidence of rips or abuse, with the carpet, dash, and pad in a similar state. This GTO doesn’t score the ultra-cool hood tach, but the gauge cluster features a factory tachometer. Aftermarket additions include additional gauges under the dash and a retro-style stereo. The new owner of this classic will score an interior of which they can be proud.

This 1968 GTO Convertible probably won’t appeal to a buyer seeking a numbers-matching classic, and the subdued bidding probably reflects that. If it ticked those boxes, I would expect the bidding to quickly and easily push beyond $40,000. Its overall condition would justify that figure, but the non-original drivetrain will impact its potential value. However, plenty of time remains in the auction for this classic to prove me wrong. If it does, I’ll happily admit that I missed the mark. Will you join me to watch the outcome?

Comments

  1. Avatar CCFisher

    I may be in the minority, but I really don’t care for a super-glossy, clearcoat finish on a car like this. It’s far in excess of what the factory was capable of in 1968 and it looks out of place to my eyes. Regardless, this is a very nice GTO. Verdoro green was a *very* popular color, so if you’re going for that true, late-60s experience, you’d best get on board with it.

    Like 12
  2. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Hard to believe the great looking ’68 & ’69 rear bumpers lasted only 1 yr each & what replaced the ’69 was nowhere near as good looking IMO & lasted 3 model years yet!
    Gas filter may need to be changed, tho i prefer the stock one hiding inside the orig q-jet(that can be rebuilt by a good shop today to perform better than new.)

    Like 3
  3. Avatar gbvette62

    Other than that silly little air cleaner, I really love this car. Verdoro Green has always been a favorite of mine.

    Verdoro Green cars put me on the road. My mother had a new Verdoro Green 68 LeMans 2 door hardtop, with the same interior as this car. I learned to drive in that car. About the same time I became friends with a local teacher who played sports cars at night and weekends. He taught me a lot about working on cars, and taught me how to drive a stick shift in his wife’s 68 Verdoro Green Firebird OHC 6 Sprint 4 speed convertible.

    Like 9
    • Avatar Frank Sumatra

      @gbvette- Did you go to Williamsville North High School and graduate in 1971? I spent time in the twin to this car that also belonged to a buddy’s mom and a 68 Verdoro Green Firebird OHC 6 Sprint 4 speed convertible. I firmly believe we lived in the “Golden Age” of motoring and didn’t know it.

      Like 3
      • Avatar gbvette62

        Nope, two years (69-71) at Merchantville High in South Jersey. When Merchantville closed transferred to Camden Catholic in Cherry Hill for my last two.

        Like 1
  4. Avatar Seabecker

    Seller has ended the eBay sale.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar John Oliveri

    I prefer the 69, over the 68, like the dash better, no wing windows, headrests, that green was big my buddy had a 69 same color, but white interior and white convertible top, too much green here

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Pete.k

    Had one in the mid seventies. Red with white interior and white convertible top. Ran it for a couple of years. Bought it for $500, sold it for $200. Who knew ?

    Like 0

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