Buying a classic car is a significant commitment. The reality is that you are about to spend your hard-earned cash on what is, after all, a luxury purchase. Hesitating is understandable, and taking the time to complete your homework is invariably wise. Classics with a known history typically generate the most interest, and such is the case with this 1968 Ford Torino GT. It is a one-owner vehicle that presents acceptably as a genuine survivor. However, it would take little to lift its presentation to a far higher level for those seeking perfection. The bidding has been frantic since the seller listed the GT here on eBay in Douglasville, Georgia. The action has pushed the price to $11,711, although it remains below the reserve.
Ford introduced the First Generation Torino in 1968 as the premium model within its latest Fairlane range. Buyers could choose from several body styles, with this car’s seller selecting the SportRoof variant for their GT. They decided to cloak its exterior in iconic Raven Black with contrasting Gold stripes. It isn’t perfect, but it is a genuine survivor with only minor issues. The seller admits it once made a bid for freedom, stopping when it collided with a mailbox. This adventure inflicted minor panel damage to the hood and front fender, which is the only accident in this garage-kept classic’s life. It is repairable, although some potential buyers may consider splashing the cash on replacement panels to avoid the dreaded Bondo. The positive news continues when we confront the question of potential rust issues. This gem isn’t rust-free, but its problems are limited to a couple of small areas near the rear wheel openings. Otherwise, the floors, trunk pan, and lower extremities are as solid as the day the seller took delivery of the Torino from the Ford dealership. The trim and glass are comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and the GT rolls on its original wheels.
Potential buyers might be thrown by the cosmetic enhancements found under this Ford’s hood, but they have been part of this car since Day One. The seller had the valve covers and air cleaner installed by the dealer, but they look pretty tired now. Restoring them is possible, as is sourcing replacements to achieve a fresh and clean look. This engine bay houses the original F-Code 302ci V8, producing 210hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque. They backed the 302 with a three-speed automatic transmission, adding power steering for a lighter driving experience. The performance will be more competent than dazzling, although the drivetrain combination should guarantee that this GT is equally at home in city traffic or on the open road. Some owners can be hit-and-miss with vehicle maintenance, but that isn’t the case with this Torino. The Ford dealership has always serviced it, and all parts are genuine. There are no cheap and nasty items that could compromise the reliability of a car that runs and drives perfectly. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition, and with the included documentation, there will probably be evidence verifying the odometer reading of 130,000 genuine miles.
The interior might be this Torino’s only weakness because the Parchment upholstered surfaces show their age. It is serviceable, but a partial retrim would make a significant difference. The required parts are readily available, and the results should justify the expense. The best slice of news surrounds the pad, which has avoided the typical cracking that plagues these cars. That can’t be underestimated because replacement pads are pretty expensive. I would probably add a cover as protection if I found this GT in my garage, as it represents cheap insurance. There are no aftermarket additions, with this classic retaining its ice-cold factory air conditioning and AM radio.
This 1968 Ford Torino GT is an excellent survivor that has generated significant buyer interest. It has attracted forty-seven bids, with the potential for that figure to climb far higher as the auction winds down. I would typically quote a potential reserve or sale price, but I feel the time is right to let our knowledgeable readers provide their opinions. So, the reserve and sale price? What do you think they will be? Over to you.
Beautiful car, black and gold, go so much better together than black and red.
My only criticism is, a front bench seat in a GT??????
Over here, back then, front bench seat was restricted to bottom of the range, family hacks.
Anything that was “GT, muscle car, or sporty” had buckets and a floor shifter, (manual or auto).
I do like that it’s still wearing it’s 12 slotter’s.
I bought one new off the show room floor colors just the opposite gold with black stripe gold interior buckets and console it was a 390 4 speed loved that car had Firestone wide ovals tires anyone remember them
Bench seats 💺 sleep 😴 2 Aussie Dave😲 🍻 💅
That’s what swags were invented for, bit the back seat also does the job, if you know what I mean? 🤔
The GT was possibly the neatest car Ford made other than the Mustang. Beautiful rugged looks and all sorts of power. Nice example here.
99% of these must of had the 302, both boring and slow in a car this size, not much GT here.
mine was a 390 4 speed and it was quick friend had a 1965 goat 325 HP 4 speed Torino beat it every time
I hadda 66 GTO, 389 with 4/spd, Wish i had known ya back then, You, I promise sir, Would seen nuttin but that Goats tailights!! Lol. You just thought that Ford was fast, I hadda lightning bolt i would like to have introduced you too!!! Just pickin fun, Have ah great day!!!
My ’69 GT had a 351. White w/black stripes with parchment bucket seats. Not a world beater. But it’d hold it’s own.
Saxby I know the Torino was fast in fact the car I traded in for the Torino was not as quick and it took beat the goat I also bought that one new it was a 1967 Vette 327 4 speed now I’m not talking about the tri power GTO it was a base 389 325 HP now before everyone starts about trading new Vette for Torino since buying Vette got married and was expecting first child
When I was very little my older brother had Aurora T Jet slot cars and if anyone remembers Aurora Cigar Box cars and he had a white Torino GT fast back. I “borrowed ” it. Thats when I first fell in love with this body style. This is just nice and if the bench seat is factory Id leave it and restore the seats to original. This is beautiful with the black and gold too.
Oh yes, the bench seat. And column shift.
I have both in my Torino GT – which is no where near as nice as this one.
I believe you can have a GT without a hi-po motor… better than a hi-po mill and no GT equipment!
Even with heavier 428 my Torino GT handles fine and brakes well with PDB.
Bucket seats do not make a GT but would have been nice to have!
Would like to drive this one to see but looks like it needs a better caretaker.
I agree with Driveinstile… beautiful and great the way it is!
Worth a look!
Right front all smashed to hell. Not a choice vehicle. PASS !
An underrated car that doesn’t get the respect of a GTO or SS396 because of blockier styling, IMHO. Besides the body damage, the only debit is the 302; even though performance upgrades are plentiful, this car would fetch far more $$$ with a 390 or 428. As is, I would go no higher than $12K .
WTH was the mailbox made out of?
Probably a mailbox mounted in a brick pedestal, those are pretty common in that part of the world. A car might knock it over but it’s going to do some damage.
LOVE fast bacs the price should make it affordable. Cragar wheels and we’re rollin.
Circa 1974 I bought a ’71 Torino GT that a fella in our town had ordered new. He wanted a “sleeper” with nothing…no decals, stripes, and no logos other than “GT” to reveal its potency. It also had the hideaway headlights, which looked killer on this series. And lurking under the hood was a 429 mated to a 4-spd with factory Hurst. It came to me with only 16k miles and it was pristine. Overall I thought the 70-71’s made the previous series look dated (though I still like those) even if the rear quarters on the 70-71 are way too bulbous.
That car ran very strong but was civilized and smooth, even quiet for a beast. However, I preferred the raw brutality of my ’68 Cougar XR-7 390, and the handling and visceral feel of my ’67 GTO. I also found the interior on both series of Torino were not anywhere near as sporting as they should have been. No comparison to the beautiful and sporty dash and interior of my beloved ’69 Chevelle SS for example.
But I wish I had that Torino back, along with a couple dozen other favorites I owned.
My 68 was a coupe, ivory with bench seat, auto on column, and a 390 2bbl. And, yes, it was a GT.
Adam,
Just an FYI, the A/C on this car was not factory installed. You can tell that just by looking at it plus the seller clearly states in the text of the listing that the A/C was dealer installed.