When I consider full-size Fords, as I have opined before, the ’66 and ’68 editions, such as this ’68 XL two-door hardtop, are my favs. The seller of this “Cool Cat,” as Ford referred to it in their ’68 sales brochure, is considered a project, and not without its issues, but it’s definitely worthy of a review. Tony P. found this specimen, cooling its heels in Rio Rico, Arizona, and it’s available here on craigslist for $3,750.
The Big Three were still trying to inject a performance image into their full-sizers in ’68 with offerings such as the Chevrolet Impala SS/SS427, Plymouth Sport Fury, and of course, the Ford XL/GT. Unfortunately, they were taking on water faster than they could pump it out with these big thumpers; the smart set had moved on to Chevelles, Camaros, Road Runners, Barracudas, Fairlanes, and Mustangs, leaving little market share for leviathans. That said, Ford did pretty well with the XL in ’68, moving about 56K units, most in two-door hardtop form, with the remainder having a top that dropped. Then again, the XL was all about looks, too; it could be built into a serious performer, but in standard form, it came equipped with a mild six-cylinder engine.
The biggest concern with this XL is the seller’s statement, “front frame torque boxes are rusted…,” and that could be problematic. The included image isn’t totally clear, but rusted frames, etc., can often be a bigger problem to resolve than is initially apparent. The body panels of this Ford, however, show pretty well, and there’s no indication of fender, door, or quarter panel rust. Surprisingly, the original XL stripe and the optional mag-style wheel covers are still in place. And those two items make me think that this XL may be outfitted with the optional GT package. There should be a lower fender badge announcing the inclusion of that option, but it’s nowhere in sight. This is an important detail, as that 56K XL count is reduced to just 2,100 copies (according to Bring a Trailer) when you parse the volume to include the GT option.
One notable GT requirement is the engine room; to qualify, it has to be occupied by either a 428 or a 390 CI V8 engine, and the latter is the case here, a 315 gross HP version to be exact. There’s no word regarding motivational capability, but the seller does mention that an improperly shifting three-speed, C6 automatic transmission is on the job, but he will include a “good core” in the sale. Another GT clue is the inclusion of power front disc brakes.
One non-XL standard was the bucket seat/center console combination, but this car is so equipped – it even has a console-mounted tachometer. The interior’s dirt quotient is distracting; sure, it can be cleaned and offer a clearer picture. But what is obvious is the torn black vinyl upholstery, cracked dash pad, dislodged headliner, and missing rear package shelf. Assume the interior will need a redo.
You know, it helps to be familiar with what you’re selling. I’m convinced this is a GT-equipped XL, and advertising it as such would definitely help with the sale. It may even convince one not to dismiss this car right off the bat due to its underside foibles. And, at $3,750, it seems reasonably priced to me; how about to you?
Excellent analysis Jim. I had the same first thought: looks like an XL/GT. I did not know they were this rare, which means there can’t be more than a couple hundred still alive. Typical meager craigslist ad. The rust could be a killer, but otherwise it might be a diamond in the rough. Those mag-style wheel covers and the horseshoe shifter are cool. A Marti Report to the rescue?
I’ve mentioned this before, but just in case,,,,,,right out of HS, I knew a guy, maybe worked with him, he had a car just like this, 1 major exception, it was a 4 speed. Bob is sharp with Fords, and always appreciated, from what this guy told me, there were no 4 speed XLs in ’68, however Automobile Catalog says different.. Apparently, this guys dad worked for Ford in some capacity, and had 2 “company” cars, a ’68 Shelby KR500, and this XL, that he said the 4 speed was a special order for his dad. I never saw another. This kid had his free use of either, talk about some guys with all the luck. Naturally, the Shelby was one of the fastest street cars I ever rode in. The XL, while a beautiful car,, quite frankly, in a car like that, I thought the 4 speed was a hassle, but that’s me. I remember the headlight doors always seemed to malfunction, and wood blocks holding them open. Ford made some outstanding “cruisers”, and this was one of them and no slouch. It did 0-60 in 7.5 sec and the 1/4 in 16.1@ 88mph, the 4 speed a tick faster. The 390 was Fords best engine, I felt.
I worked with a guy from 1995 to 2013 whose dad had been in management at Ford in the 1960s. Dad put in an order for the son and he was able to take delivery of a ’68 Ford Custom, a base 2-door fleet model with rubber floor mats, crank windows, bench seats, no AC, no power steering or brakes. The “sound system” most likely was a one speaker AM radio. But, the car also came from the factory with a 428 4-barrel V8 and a 4-speed top-loader transmission. In order to lighten the weight and boost the horses the factory intake was swapped out for an aluminum dual quad Shelby intake.
That’s a very rare and unusual car, a sleeper I’d love to own today. And, I remember seeing one advertised on BarnFinds some time back, so they did exist in small numbers.
I agree with Jim and Bob, it just looks like a XL/GT to me. The racing stripe down the side and the mag wheel hubcaps are clues of a GT. Most XLs in 66, 67 and 68 had the 7-Litre type hubcaps. I’m sorry Howard A, I think your buddy was pullin your leg about no 4-speeds in 68 XLs. I’m sure I’ve seen some. I worked at a Conoco station in 1969-1971 and a family would come in with their 1968 LTD 2-door formal roof with a 428 4-speed bench seat. I’m sure that had to be a special order, but what a cool car. Wish I had that car and he had a feather in his nose, we would both be tickled.
Hey Woofer, what do you want from a bunch of kids, however, there was some merit to what he said. I missed this post, but apparently only 740 XLs with a 390 and 4 speed were made, in 1968. Of the 50,000 made, that’s not a lot. Most all I’ve seen were automatic, it just wasn’t the kind of car folks wanted to row through the gears with.
https://barnfinds.com/factory-4-speed-1968-ford-xl-gt/
Those wheel covers are gorgeous. Similar to what you could get on a Chevelle in ’65.
PS What is that cooler front passenger side?
And if you say power steering fluid cooler I’d have to ask is that really necessary in a car like this?
Thats exactly what it is. Common on 390 and 28 equipped fords.
You freaked me out, Bub. I had to go back and look again. A cooler, on the front passenger side? It’s on the drivers side, and yes, a power steering cooler. You have to remember, power steering was ‘fairly new’ in 1968. And it wasn’t rack and pinion either. I picture it with fluid lines going from the pump, fluid lines from one side to the other, a big ol cylinder that held half a quart. These things can get hot!
I had one on my 73 351 Q-Code Torino Sport.
If this car was in California the price would be a lot higher,,,
Even with the needs of this car $3750 is a steal! The body looks rust free , the frame can be repaired I’ve seen and had it done many times living in the north east. I agree that this looks like an xl gt with the visible options. I do like the 69 XL gt over the 68 but if this were closer I would have already bought it.
You might be able to get a frame repaired in the Ne but not out West, Things don’t rot. Besides I don’t it would easy to find anyone with a clue old car frame, Now if your talking about a newer unibody car not a problem.
We do have welders that repair full frame vehicles, I had one repaired 3 years ago, he did a great job looked like it came from the factory. Your lucky you don’t have to deal with rust where you are, here they spread so much salt and brine on the roads it tears up our cars and trucks. It’s nothing to need to replace rotted brake lines transmission lines fuel lines and tanks just due to rust. The frame on the listed car really isn’t bad compared to some I’ve seen, this one is easily repaired.
cool ride @ a good price. needs love but could be cool with some$ put in it.you just don’t see these anymore
Had a blue Ford GT back in the day like this one. Had a white top, was quite the looker. It had the 390/4bbl automatic shift with AC. Loved the car but was quite the gas hog. Probably had something to do with my right foot.
Love the Sportback version. I once had one of these. It wasn’t an XL, but it did have a 390
390/C-6 always meant ‘truck’ to me. I liked a 106 inch WB with 351/builtC4.
Anyway, these cars remind me of when the wage was more inline w/product costs. Big 3 offered an incredable array of options for to tickle a bit more cash from the customer. This car came in: FB (here), notch, vert, station wag, coup, sedan (often – coup/pickUp) AND each had 2, 3 tim levels. It could have 1 of 4 transmissions, one of 5 motors… choices are nice in life.
Today, standin behind the rear wheel looking forward; @ the trunk, face forward – these ford FB’s (torino too) look miles long. May B we’re used to the stang? or other smaller car… but M.G. (no “O”). I’ve often looked’n tought ofa band reinforcement (metal – interior, just under the head liner, dor panels, carpet, etc) at the roof/rear window intersection – that could support the rear to hinge like a lift gate (again, a huge contraption) and gut the back for these fords.
https://www.reddit.com/r/regularcarreviews/comments/1gqbz87/who_bought_a_1974_gto_hatchback_and_thought_it/.
I had a cheb Ventura a lill like that that came OEM hatch. Whadaya think?
Car may have had a rough life with that trailer hitch.
After wrecking the 69 Cobra, Dad ordered a 70 XL, 429-4v. Tried to get him to spec it with a 4-speed, but he got the U-handle C6. It was an ass-hauling machine despite it’s bulk & weight. Nice back seat for cuddling, too.
That 70 was a nice car, well both were lol. I had a 69 XL sport roof and a convertible. With I had them today.
’69 was the last year the 4 speed was an option on the full-sized Fords.
I had a 1970 LTD that I bought new. The car was built in late 1969 and came with those same hubcaps, racing mirrors and a 390 engine. It was a really great car that I put tons of miles on and sold it in 1974.
nope, no thoughts I see~