This 1968 Pontiac GTO is another sad story where the seller began disassembling it with a restoration in the works, but due to an unfortunate family illness, those plans have fallen through, and now the goat is in search of someone else to take over. The GTO is said to have had only one owner since 1970 and hasn’t been passed around as often as many muscle cars from this era, so if you’re looking for a winter project, this one may be worth considering. It’s located in Terre Haute, Indiana, and can be found here on eBay, where the opening bid of $10,000 has yet to be placed as of this writing.
The seller says the GTO is all original and that the 400 engine starts and runs, and emphasizes this by stating it in bold text, so maybe a rebuild wasn’t planned for the restoration. On the other hand, it’s possible he just hadn’t gotten to the point of pulling the motor out yet, but it’s reassuring to know that the V8 is operational in at least some capacity. There’s no word on the functionality of the automatic transmission, but the shifter is still intact inside, so that’s a potentially good sign.
The passenger side door and fender seem to still be in decent shape, but it’s a bit more difficult to see these same components on the driver’s side. Hopefully, they’ll also be salvageable, and the hood still appears to be OK as well. Probably the most concerning outside sheet metal areas are the quarters, with the owner specifically mentioning some rust around the fender wells. Perhaps a skilled body man can rid these of corrosion and massage the panels back into shape, or maybe just replacing them is a better option. Some more positive news is a new chromed rear bumper is included, and the trunk lid still looks acceptable.
A peek inside reveals an interior that’s still pretty much intact, with the carpet being the most major eyesore here. If the next owner chooses to delay giving attention to an area, maybe with a serious cleaning it’ll do in here until he’s good and ready to take things inside to a higher level, such as after the body issues are completed and the outside has a shiny new paint job. This may not be among the most desirable GTO examples in the marketplace, but the opening bid sounds reasonable, and I’m guessing before the gavel falls it will at least hit the minimum mark and probably more. Does this 1968 Pontiac GTO seem like good project material?
It’s always unfortunate to see health or death as the reason for a sale. No mention of the undercarriage or roof which previously had a vinyl top. Assuming they are OK, it seems like a better than average starting point for a restoration.
As mentioned above, it’s sad when health or age force the sale of their belongings.
This GTO is definitely worth a look for someone in the market and lives close to the seller.
Steve R
This Pontiac is a good restoration project. I would want to here it run and I would put disc brakes on the front!
I see it comes with a can of my favorite cookies in the back seat.
Sorry to hear of the families health issues.
Why the low interest? Not one of the more desirable examples? Hey, it’s a GTO, it has a 400 engine, and it looks to all be there. I already have too many projects or I would be on this in a minute. I would give 10 for it without looking at it or hearing it run. It is worth 10 as a parts car. A 69 is a very desirable year and the main difference in this and a 69 is where the ignition switch is mounted. This car should bring up to 15 or maybe even 20 before it is done. But maybe I am not as smart as I believe I am.
I’d bet it doesn’t draw a $10k bid, the market just isn’t there anymore
Would they consider selling the entire engine? I have a 1969 GTO that needs an engine and I believe the 68 engine will fit and work in my 69.