We’ve recently seen a few project candidates cross our desks at Barn Finds that would be ideal for rookies considering their first restoration. This 1968 Ford Torino GT is one of the better prospects because it’s not only rock-solid, but it also runs and drives. The original 390ci V8 should provide impressive performance, and the indications are that this Torino’s needs are purely cosmetic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GT listed here on eBay in Costa Mesa, California. The seller set their BIN at $11,750 with the option to make an offer.
It is easy to judge a book by its cover, but doing so can cause people to miss critical information about a project candidate. Such is the case with this Torino. Its Seafoam Green paint has definitely seen better days, looking baked and generally tired. However, it appears that this classic has spent its life in sunny California, protecting it from the snow and salt that are commonplace in other locations. The underside shows signs of surface corrosion, but this GT lacks penetrating rust. Treating the corrosion to prevent deterioration would be wise, but the new owner won’t face hours of hard graft with a grinder and welder. The panels have accumulated only minor bumps and marks, and the glass shows no evidence of major problems. The buyer might consider sending some bright trim pieces to the platers, but I would spend some time attacking those items first with a high-quality polish, as that may yield results they consider acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.
If the buyer takes a DIY approach to this Torino’s restoration, the most expensive aspect could be whipping its interior into shape. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it has suffered at the hands of the Californian sun. It would probably be quicker to list the items not requiring attention, but the shopping list will include seatcovers, seat foam, a dashpad, carpet, and a selection of smaller items. The Torino isn’t the cheapest vehicle in terms of interior trim, and returning its interior to a factory-fresh state will probably cost around $2,200. However, thanks to appointments such as air conditioning, bucket seats, and a console, life aboard this classic would be pretty pleasant once the work is completed.
The first owner ordered this GT with a 390ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. They selected the Y-Code version of the 390, which produced 265hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. The car’s performance would have been respectable, but it may offer more today. Somebody scrapped the original two-barrel carburetor and intake and replaced them with a four-barrel setup. That should have unlocked more power and torque, pushing it close to the 314hp and 427 ft/lbs produced by that year’s S-Code variant. There’s plenty of good news for potential buyers, because the Torino is a turnkey proposition. The seller replaced the fuel tank, fuel lines, and sender unit. They installed new soft brake lines, rear wheel cylinders, and a battery. The final piece of the puzzle was rebuilding the carburetor. The results justified the effort and expense because the embedded video in the listing confirms that the V8 sounds as sweet as a nut, produces no smoke or odd noises, and effortlessly lights up the rear tires.
If you are looking for a productive and rewarding way to spend the upcoming winter months, locking yourself in your workshop with this 1968 Ford Torino GT might be a great idea. That would allow you to address its cosmetic needs, ensuring that once the next spell of warm weather arrives, it will be ready for action with you sitting proudly behind the wheel. If the new owner takes a hands-on approach, returning the Torino to its former glory needn’t cost a fortune. That is why it deserves a closer look.
As always nice write up Adam and find Curvette. Upon a personal inspection this could be a really nice project at a good price. Love the original wheels, covers, w/ whitewalls and would look great cleaned up. Drive it until you get around to the body and interior work.
Agree…..just don’t see many of these – were’nt saved in wrecking yards vrs the Mustangs…..the seat/inside might be the easy thing to do….body/chassie looks good and it’s a runner…..
We had a new 68 Torino in 68 – 74. Its formal roof, was beautiful, so much classier than the fast back. Had a white vinyl roof with a turquoise bottom. The interior was a turquoise “double knit fabric” that held its color and comfort! And it drove easy and was fast! Great memory, thank you for bringing it to mind!
Abundant power, all the important options and no need for rust repair. Take care of the paint and interior and for a modest (by today’s terms) investment one could roll around in a fine example of a late ’60’s intermediate. While the color is a subjective matter, I like it a lot – a Deluxe Marti would likely reveal this example to be rare in its day, way more so now.
Lovely looking car. 1968 has always been my favourite year for Ford. I hope whoever buys this car can fix it up and enjoy it. I could be wrong of course, but I would think the GT stood for the Gran Torino. I find this way more attractive than the 1972 Gran Torino. I can imagine Clint Eastwood’s Walt Kowalski driving one in the movie.
GT = Grand Touring
The Gran Torino didn’t appear until 1972
Huge thread in the Mustang Forum about the cost of a paint jobs.20-30 thousand is the norm.Some are considering Maaco or even trying to paint the car themslves.
Yes, I read that last night too. Several mentioned the high cost of labor in body shops, many who didn’t want to do any work other than for insurance companies. Why, because they may never receive the money from private individuals. Also mentioned on the 3 or 4 pages was the increase in the price of paint, maybe raised three times in the past 10 years. So, with practice, some are trying their own prep and paint for maybe a fifth of the cost. Others recommended doing your own prep and item removals and seeking different Maaco’s for the spray. They also talked about why we may want to go the patina route, as the value of the car was not worth the cost to paint it. I am glad that my truck came with a “10 foot” paint job already. That will be that.
Hey glad you saw that to back up my post. I joined 2 years ago when I got my 66′
looks fairly solid from the pics. the interior will hurt your pocket as it needs everything. really hard to drive it with it in that condition. good bones but i think the seller needs to adjust the price from where he is at.
How hard would it be to match the color and paint just the areas on hood, fender and rear light with some flat paint? Or leave it as is with some flat clear coat? Foam for the seat with a cover, as stated. Clean up the engine compartment.
Would’ve thought the GT would’ve automatically gotten a 390 4 barrel. I wasn’t a Ford man but most of the ones I knew of at the time were 390 four barrel. Don’t remember seeing a 390 2 barrel at all except in trucks.
There was something that made the coupes better than the fastback models. It just has a classier look to it, and with that 390, there would be some people surprised at how quick this car can be! A little work (okay, a fair amount of work), and a lot of work on the interior, you will have a great car on your hands!
Being a conservative id give $1200.00 for this. It looks like the front and the hood have been sand blasted on many desert roads. Seen it before. anyway 12 hundred.
I think this car has a lot of possibilities and could make a nice driver quality car. It says OBO I would attempt to get it a little cheaper and have more wiggle room in cosmetic restoration.
My friend in high school had a Fairlane 390 C6 auto dark blue with magnum 500s had a Holley 750 dbl pumper and cherry bombs ! It freakin screamed 4.10 posi ,9 inch someone must have ordered it that way and it had a bench seat to boot ! I watched him beat a 427 Maverick one night in a street race , the maverick kid was pissed lol
Wow, I hope this one falls into the right hands. Not seeing or inspecting the car, the price seems fair. It’s going to take some cash to bring it up to speed, but the potential.
Good potential, but a little high priced
Paint it black put some torque thrusts originals on it new gut and go have some fun with it! It’s not like you’re going to see a bunch of them at cruise night just like it. And it’s not a stupid Chevelle or Camaro SS “Tribute” I’ve had 1 fairlane and 2 torinos , it’s cool and doesn’t seem to be a rust bucket under neath! It’s a nicer body style than the fastback 68-69s. You can use the rustleum professional and put urethane hardener in it and be suprised how nice it can look
Didn’t David Vincent drive around in one of these as an alternative to his usual Galaxie 500s/LTDs in The Invaders?
Lovely looking car. I’ve always loved the 1968 Ford Torino.
This listing sold on Tue, Sep 1 at 2:31 PM.
US $9,900.00
I hope this car goes to a good owner, one who will enjoy it and care for it.