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.
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