From the days when full-size performance still had game is this 1968 Ford XL and it’s a convertible to boot! Regardless of condition, full-size bruisers like the Ford XL, an Impala SS, or a Plymouth Fury don’t enjoy the commanding values that their smaller brethren attain and that’s unfortunate as they’re less common, and in many instances, still provide a palpable punch. This Ford convertible is located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $2,050 with six bids tendered so far – let’s look her over. Thanks to Larry D for this find!
Whoever first acquired this Ford (it is supposedly being sold by the original owner) went for broke as it was specified with Ford’s top available engine of the time, a 340 gross HP, 428 CI V8. Unfortunately, the 428 was given the bums rush and a 390 CI V8 of unknown provenance has taken up residence in the engine room. Engine swaps are OK but generally, you want to swap up and not down. The seller adds, “The vehicle needs work and is not regularly driven“.
The seller states that the convertible top needs to be replaced as well as some bodywork performed. A sound convertible top, even on a car left outside, can be problematic as they don’t seal that well as they age and that becomes an invitation for water/moisture intrusion. In the case of this convertible, it appears that a tarp has been employed to cover over part of the top but not the entire thing. As for the body, there is rust-through present in both lower quarters but all-in-all the body panels still appear to be straight and wearing what looks like its original shade of Highland Green, faded as it is. The unique XL trim looks to be all in place and based on the moss effect, it would seem that this Ford has spent some time under a tree.
The interior is another kettle of fish, it’s in rather ragged condition. The upholstery appears to be shredded as if it has been exposed to the elements – that convertible top matter. It’s unfortunate as it’s a desirable bucket seat/center console combo. The dash pad is done and the steering wheel is showing the effects of sun and heat exposure. There is still carpet in place but it looks as if it has been heavily water stained and thus a concern for floor pan condition. Of note, the top of the automatic transmission horseshoe gear selector has gone missing and there appears to be an under-dash, stand-alone eight-track player in place – they were all the rage in the ’70s.
Existentially speaking, this Ford is a nice find – it’s a desirable model that is equipped well – though not as well as it would be if the original engine was still in place. A good start for a project? Perhaps, but the deciding factor will be how much of this Ford XL is seriously not right, those items only being identified upon close inspection. What do you think, worth checking out?
What’s the quarter mile ET? Oh, sorry, nobody cares.
You’re right! Besides, it would depend on how fast you could push it.
JO
With some decent tires, gears, a converter, some tuning and a whiff of nitrous, about 3 seconds faster than it was in ’68.
When the seller says “great donor car”, you can bet it may beyond repair…that would be a shame, as this car deserves restoration…if this was a ’68 Impala SS427, the bidding would be at least triple…
And that would be without the engine and transmission
I would be interested in what shape the floors and trunk floor are in. That and is the frame undamaged or cracked? The desirability of it, for me, is that it probably is an XL built before the summer uaw strike against ford. Most post strike XL had bench not console. It became optional.
The frames on these rusted bad where the longitudinal section attaches to the front clip and rear clip.
Let down
$2,716 now. Pass.
That would be a great project for an apprentice or young panel beater who has access to all of the tools required to bring it back and then sell it to make a few dollars on to buy his first house. It would be worth good money in nice condition.
If the original 428 was still there, you would have something to work with. Without it, especially in its present condition, it’s just a parts car.
The seller says:
“Family owned since new which makes it incredibly special.”
Then the seller says:
“Great donor car”
Does that make this car an “Incredibly Special Donor Car”???
Even though this car is a convertible to the NO A/C is a big downer in today’s vintage car market.
every once’n a while I C this – tonload of pic, dont really show anything.
I think one yr earlier shows one of my particular favs – the stacked hdlghts on these “bigger” cars. See wike for the yellow @ top, gold 1/2 way dwn and the very sweet Ranch.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Fairlane_(Americas)
I know I posted this picture before, but I am including a picture of my Mom’s ’68 XL convertible. It was in FAR worse shape than this one looks. It was her daily driver. My friends in cub scouts always wanted to ride in it because of the rusted out floorboards. They all thought it was neat watching the road go by, their cars all had floors lol. A lot of good times in that car! Mom’s 2019 Elantra is far more reliable and comfortable, definitely more economical, but it just doesn’t have any personality. I hope someone saves this car!