Life typically involves compromise, and the classic car world is no different. Potential buyers must assess their needs, sometimes trading off one characteristic for another. Muscle cars are traditionally hard-edged vehicles focused primarily on outright performance. However, this 1968 Pontiac GTO is an exception. It is still a powerful beast but is loaded with enough factory options to make life on the road very pleasant. It is worth a close look because it represents a moment where compromise is undoubtedly desirable.
Pontiac launched its Second Generation GTO range in 1968. The company had firmly established the badge in the muscle car market, but this latest edition eventually gave rise to legends like “The Judge.” Our feature car rolled off the line during the first production year, and its paint shade initially seemed a mystery. It is similar to Aleutian Blue. However, the included documentation confirms it is a clear-over-base custom mix. Finding fault with this Pontiac’s presentation is virtually impossible. I’ve scoured the supplied photos for flaws, but the panels and paint appear perfect. There are no visible chips, marks, blemishes, or evidence of developing rust. The custom approach continues below the surface, with the fuel tank cloaked in a patriotic mural featuring The Stars and Stripes. The spotless grille and concealed headlights add to the car’s appeal, as do the rear spoiler, hood tach, and Rally II wheels.
Lifting the GTO’s hood reveals Pontiac’s uncompromising approach toward outright performance. The first owner equipped this classic with a 400ci V8. It features Ram Air cylinder heads and factory HO manifolds and would deliver 366hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a Turbo 400 automatic transmission fitted with a shift kit and a 2,000-stall converter. Power assistance for the steering and brakes ensures the driver won’t raise a sweat behind the wheel. The GTO’s ability to storm the ¼-mile in 14.2 seconds removes any doubts about the car’s muscle credentials. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this gem is numbers-matching, but its engine bay presents as beautifully as the rest of the vehicle. There are visible cosmetic enhancements, and the impression is that this is an opportunity for the winning bidder to fly in and build a relationship with this classic as they drive it home.
This GTO doesn’t seem to have a genuine weakness, with its interior continuing the theme of immaculate presentation. There is no evidence of wear or abuse, with the Blue vinyl trim perfectly complimenting the exterior paint shade. The dash and pad are spotless, and the carpet appears perfect. It isn’t short on creature comforts to make life on the road pretty pleasant. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, a power driver’s seat, a power trunk release, a power antenna, a beautiful timber wheel, a console housing a Hurst “His & Hers” shifter, a tilt wheel, and a factory AM/FM radio featuring reverb and dual front and rear speakers.
This 1968 Pontiac GTO isn’t 100% original, but that factor hasn’t reduced interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Middleburg, Florida. Forty bids have pushed the price to $30,099, although that figure is short of the reserve. There are nearly three days left on the auction for the activity to intensify, and I would be shocked if it didn’t. Is this GTO a car that tempts you, or do you prefer your classics original and unmolested?
It must have been so cool to drive this off the lot for the first time! Equipped perfectly for this old guy.
It looks like it pieced together with many if not most of the convenience options added later in life or during its restoration. I had several friends do the same thing when they restored their GTO’s, it was pretty common in the late-80’s and early-90’s. If this GTO came equipped as it sits now the seller would have shown the PHS documentation. It’s a nice car, the options make it more comfortable to drive in many parts of the country, however, if buyer is looking for a car restored to the way it left the factory there are better options.
Steve R
It looks like it pieced together with many if not most of the convenience options added later in life or during its restoration
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Cornering Lamps on a GTO?
This `68 has to be the first one I’ve ever seen with cornering lamps! If I were to order a `68 GOAT today, I’d equip mine just like this. Very nice!
Who cares when they were added? This GTO would be perfect with a 4-speed
David, you are right, to a point. The added options make for a better driving experience. The problem is, when it’s implied the options a factory installed it’s a way to drive the price higher. Originality is highly valued and commands a significant price premium, PHS documentation is inexpensive and easy to get, when it’s not present it’s a red flag. A car factory equipped with these options would be incredibly rare and valuable, one that had the options added, while valuable would be worth considerably less, that’s why it matters. There is such a thing as deception by omission, that’s why the language in the ad is so important and potential buyers need to pay attention to it.
Steve R
Steve, if a PHS report is anything like a Marti report for Fords, it can easily be faked. The only way to know for certain how this GTO was originally equipped would be for the buyer to request a PHS report.
No argument that options are often added during restoration, but it stands to reason that there were GTOs factory-built like this one. The GTO had very broad appeal, and no doubt some were bought by people who could afford to be very generous with the options list.
Absent the PHS report, the very rare cornering lamps could provide a clue – if the hole is stamped, those fenders were built with cornering lamps. If the holes are cut, they were added later.
Where is the wood grain 8-Track player??? That thing was a kewl touch!
Cornering lamps are an option although you don’t see it much.
So the original owner ordered the Ram air 1 heads? So it comes with 433 rear and No A/C?
I like the 68 better with the 69 front valance, both endura delete and hideaway cars , A and E colors, Reverb, these are great,
Typically I like the bone stock high powered cars like the ones my older brother and his friends drove. However this kind of muscle car always strikes a cord with me. You knew someone had to have done it.
That’s a beautiful car!
VERY nice goat!
Would imagine the reserve is in the $50k region…if not more.
Nice write-up.
Have fun ya’all!
Looks much like my 1969 GTO, my “Senior Car” I shared with my mother. Ordered to my specs. It was not loaded with options, but it had a 4 spd manual, which I would take first before the automatic above if I had a chance. My farmer neighbor here in MT has the same car, but automatic, gathering dust and mice in a barn I can see from my house! Too bad it is not a 4 spd. I would be very tempted. My medium blue color was a bit different and it was spectacular. The blue vinyl roof was slightly darker.
I never saw a 68 goat with the lamps in the fenders. I didn’t know it was an option. Mine didn’t have them and I thought the cornering lamps were the ones at the bottom of the fender, which were also turn signals, which this one has. Still , a nice goat, but .
Well, no one has broken through the hymen yet.
$35,750, still with the reserve.
I kinda get the feeling that this owner is on a fishing excursion.
Oh well, I wouldn’t throw it out of bed just because it drinks gas.