The Pontiac GTO is considered by many to be the father of the muscle car sector, and even tired examples command impressive prices. When a tidy one hits the market with No Reserve, the bidding action typically becomes frantic. Such is the case with this 1968 GTO. It presents beautifully, with only a few minor issues. The elderly owner recently passed away, and this classic must find a new home to settle his estate. The Pontiac is listed here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bidding has raced to $27,700, and the No Reserve status might lift it from tempting to irresistible.
Pontiac’s Second Generation GTO landed on showroom floors in 1968, with this car rolling off the line during the first production year. It presents well in its original Primavera Beige, with the seller indicating the painted surfaces have been refreshed. It shines beautifully, with the paint cloaking panels that are as straight as an arrow. The car has been garage-kept throughout its life, making the total absence of rust unsurprising. This GTO features a Hood Tach, and while it is complete, the seller indicates it isn’t currently working. The rear bumper shows some age because the owner didn’t reach that point in his restoration before passing away. It is a prime candidate for a trip to the platers, although sourcing a high-quality reproduction is a valid choice. The remaining trim and tinted glass are in good order, as are the Rally II wheels.
Powering this GTO is its numbers-matching 400ci V8 that sends 350hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. This is a genuine muscle car, making its ¼-mile ET of 14.7 seconds par for the course. That V8 might run out of breath at 120mph, but history shows the GTO gets there fast! Those preferring an effortless driving experience will undoubtedly welcome the original owner’s decision to order this Pontiac with power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller confirms the car has always been meticulously maintained, and the winning bidder will benefit from that approach. The GTO runs and drives perfectly, with plenty of power and a smooth-shifting transmission. The seller says the engine sounds excellent, a claim I have little trouble believing.
Describing this Pontiac’s interior as perfect would be a stretch, but the winning bidder will probably consider it comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. There are no rips or wear in the upholstered surfaces, and the only potential fault I can spot is slight discoloring on the driver’s seat base. The carpet is excellent, and the dash and pad are spotless. The deceased owner refreshed every painted surface, helping to lift the presentation significantly. The seller confirms the air conditioning isn’t operational, but it appears they don’t know why. The only disappointment for me is the installation of a modern stereo. The dash was cut to accommodate this, making reversal more complicated than if they had chosen a retro unit. Rounding out the interior is a console with a Hurst “His and Hers” shifter.
Over five days remain on the auction for this 1968 Pontiac GTO, and history shows that the action on classics of this caliber typically intensifies as the end draws near. This gem has already received thirty-four bids, with the scope for that figure to climb significantly. It will be interesting to gauge your feedback and see whether we have readers who are considering pursuing this GTO further. I won’t blame you if you do.
I’m in love.
Everything sure looks good, especially for a car with over 120K miles! but I’d really like to see pics of the underside plus the body data plate and PHS docs if the seller has them.
And I think a pre-purchase inspection is a must.
Good luck to both buyer and seller.
Always thought these were very cool. Can’t remember the last time I saw a 400 cube v8 they used to be everywhere. RIP Pontiac
I can’t tell if that interior is gold or green, but I like it. One of my neighbors sold a red one like this last year. One of my other neighbors, who owns a first gen GTO said that the red car was actually a Lemans – but it had GTO badging and I wouldn’t know the difference, myself. I believe it sold for about what this one is bid to, around $27k.
Looks gold to me. Very unique color combo on this GTO. Personally, I find it refreshing compared to the more commonly seen hues. Seems like a nice, well cared for car, from what I can access via the pics provided. At its current bid, it’d be a bargain, although I am sure it will get just a wee bit more expensive before the auction ends. Good luck to the next caretaker!
My parents’ 67 Catalina wagon had this color scheme from the factory. So, not unheard of from Pontiac.
The interior is Code 221 “Medium Gold” … it looked best with Verdoro Green metallic paint!
Another high-mileage beauty that can be driven and enjoyed without creating a lot of angst. Doesn’t need a whole lot to make this fully functional and show-worthy and I wouldn’t be surprised if bidding passes $30K.
Oh that white GTO that brings back memories I asked husband had one of them I remember driving that thing Lord I love that car that was awesome I was sure would love to have that thing sure is a beauty
i can only wish mine will look that good! Found mine in a barn 2 years ago, with the motor torn down and in buckets. It is a1969 gto 4oo/4 speed , and was a one owner. It is a triple black , and yes the vinyl top is in great shape and is black too. I had the motor rebuilt at our local speed shop, and had it beefed up to 450 hp. I love the get up and go it has but I do not push or race it, just love that thrill when you step in to it. It is a non a/c car, but I am putting in a classic air system to deal with the summer heat. $27k is a give away price for the 68, as these cars can really demand some serious money anymore. Best of luck and fun to the new owner! m knapp of st joseph,mo
A co-worker bought one of these with a four speed manual . It might have been an earlier year , I don’t remember.
I do remember him telling me it could manage 60 mph in 2nd gear and chirped going into 3rd.
I love this 1968 year GTO but what the hell is it with guys who have such high end cars can’t go the extra yard getting its AC operational? It isn’t rocket science or maybe as complicated on other things they’ve done to update this classic. It’s the last and very important option to bring back to life. Especially, with the selling price it commands.
The simple reason is, it is a waste of time. If you own a car like this and I have a few and only use them occasionally, fixing ac units is a waste of money. Most when they sit lose some or all of their charge. Unless it’s a daily, forget it.
I’m pretty sure second generation GTOs hit showroom floors in the fall of ’67.
I’ve done several 60s cars restorations, and it is absolutely not a waste of time or money to get them working again, especially if they are factory AC cars. And especially if you are asking, top dollar for them. Claiming it just needs charging is BS. Do your due diligence and do the job right.
To drive a gto is a neat experience. When you are running through the gears and looking out over that so cool raised hood, you know you are driving a muscle car!mjk
$34700 with over 3 days left. Time to put my 68 GTO up for sale.
You are exactly right. It’s total BS to say it just needs charging.
If that’s the case, then just do it.
I’ve heard that line so often thru my years of buying used.
They never wanted to charge them because they knew they leaked, and may not hold long enough to get her sold!
I think what the one guy meant was that for most of them, after being fixed, when sitting for awhile, they tend to lose their charge anyway after the fact.