Full-size fun is how I’d describe this 1968 Ford XL – and it’s made that much more so by the addition of the rare GT package. And, as for condition, this one is hard to deny – other than a repaint in its original shale of Wimbledon White, it’s a survivor. MattR found this big XL cooling its heels in San Antonio, Texas and it’s available, here on craigslist for $34,000.
While the XL was a sporty-looking full-size two-door hardtop or convertible, the XL GT actually backed up the swooping, go fast lines with a standard 315 gross HP 390 CI V8 engine, 70 series (wide oval-remember those?) tires, front disc brakes, stouter suspension, 3.25: 1 differential ratio, low restrictive exhaust system, GT stripes and emblem, and “mag-type” full wheel covers. Popular? Not really, there were about 50K XL’s produced but only 141 1,855 with the optional GT performance package.
As stated earlier, this XL has seen a repaint in its original shade but maintains originality beyond that. The seller mentions that “We even found the original NOS GT stripe package” to help restore the authenticity of this GT. The seller further adds, “The car looks amazing!” and I would have to agree – but I am biased, I really like these big, full-sized performance-oriented cars. And it was obvious by ’68, that they were on the way out, their position in the pecking order having been supplanted by a newer and smaller variant of exciting, go-fast rides.
The seller claims, “We went through the complete fuel system, brand new fuel tank, new OEM four-barrel carburetor, etc. We turned (sic) it up and the car runs and drives very well“. And drives well it should, though a car of this size and weight, approximately 3,785 lbs. according to the ’68 Ford Brochure, won’t be a world-beater with just 315 HP on tap. A three-speed automatic transmission hooks up the FE engine to the rear wheels in this case but the Ford sales brochure proudly proclaims, “And you can get a 4-on-the-floor manual stick with the 390 cubic-inch four-barrel carburetor V8 if you wish“.
Equipped with optional bucket seats and a center console, this XL GT’s interior mostly mirror’s the exterior’s condition though the driver’s seat backrest is starting to split and the vinyl upholstery is showing some vestiges of over a half-century of age and a claimed mileage reading of 55K miles. Horsehoe shifters must have been all the rage in this era as Chevrolet and Buick employed their own variation as well. And as is often the case, yes, it’s air-conditioned; no, it doesn’t work. Other than the minor upholstery split, the interior of this XL needs no other attention.
The price for this Ford is a bit stout – these generally don’t trade in the same orbit as say a ’68 Impala SS427, but then again, with only 1,855 copies produced, and who knows how many still remain, this is a rare bird and the ask could be justified. Nevertheless, it will go for whatever a willing buyer and this seller can agree to and the next caretaker is going to be getting himself or herself a pretty special car from a long-ago bygone era, wouldn’t you agree?
The small-town Ford dealer of my youth dealt mostly in sensible four-door-sedans and work trucks. For the 1968 model year, I remember the owner drove a loaded LTD four-door in triple black, sharp car. But I also remember them surprisingly getting in two fastbacks, one red and the other dark green. They were low-option 302 automatic Galaxie 500 models, but I though the fastback roofline looked cool.
This XL GT looks like it is in good shape. Certainly wouldn’t see yourself at Cars & Coffee. I didn’t see a reference to a Marti Report, but I doubt the figure of 141 GT models out of 50,000 XL’s. Now if the 141 refers to some combination of color/trim/options, that would make more sense. It could be from common mistakes made when reading Marti Report data.
I don’t follow the prices on these… is this a big ask?
I got the 141 number from a post that Adam wrote three years ago and that was based on the breakdown in that car’s Marti report. Further “drilling”, as in working around the four-speed manual vs. automatic transmission option says the GT number should be 1,855.
Post corrected.
JO
Good job Jim.
Ask seems big for a ’68 that isn’t a 4-speed or 428. All the interest in big Fords has been in the pre-67 cars. But in this market, who knows? Never thought I’d see a $27k GM Colonnade either, but here we are.
$34,000.00 and no detailing of the engine or passenger compartment? It wouldn’t take much elbow grease to improve their appearance.
Beautiful car, but why on Craigslist, need a broader audience I think.
High price, small audience. Do they really want to sell?
Interesting cars will get forwarded and posted to special interest sites like this. Apps such as search tempest ensure very few cars with a strong following fall through the cracks.
Steve R
It is not a bad looking XL. The GT Package helps enhance it’s appeal. I like the hidden headlights and the bucket seat/console option, equipped with the larger engine. That said, 34K, IMHO, is completely unrealistic for this type of car. Not on your best day. Even if it was completely restored, and it is not, I would question this price. Just because production numbers are low, doesn’t necessarily make it top dollar valuable. You see this often in the classic car market. Is the Seller going to price the car to sell, or price the car to what they think it is worth? These are two different things entirely. 34 large is a lot of green that can buy a whole list of very desirable cars. An uncommon and good looking car nevertheless.
Nice car. 390, 3spd cruise-o-matic automatic, good rear gear 👍
Another BIG GIRL After My Heart. Now this is a Sweet Ride, I’ll be watching to see what it goes for.
It’s a shame that someone went to the trouble of locating NOS decals only to install them wrong.
I came close to buying this car when it was on EBay. It did not sell at a bid price, (reserve not met) . The seller is very good to talk to and he sent the car right into the paint booth which killed my interest.. I wanted the car in it’s unmolested condition and was willing to go to his location in Texas to inspect it, and we had agreed on a price at that time. However, he had a change of heart and our deal fell thru.. Nice car and I wish I could have purchased it before the paint job. It’s rare and as always, the price is all in the eyes of the beholder.. What’s too much for one person, may be a great score for another.. I wish him all the best on it..
Cool car! I’ve seen a lot of cars over my sixty-some years but I don’t ever recall seeing a horseshoe shifter in a Ford before so that makes this car double-cool for me.
For that money, I’d look for a pristine ’69 or ’70 Mercury Marauder X-100 429.
Try and find one
notch, FB, waggy, vert, sedan, coup – 5 or 6 motors – 3 or 4 transmissions…
Bring back THOSE times.
390/C6 always reminded me of a truck tho.
Whats a factory hot rod? One of these (wanna down sized model tho – more on the phony idea).
Hello fellow BF devotees! Boy are guys gonna be tired of me today lol. I get to spend a long time at the doc’s office waiting with my little girl. So I have plenty of time to opine!
Let me begin with stating some notions I have on rarity and value. Of my cars #1 is 1 of 927, #2 is 1 of 2200 and #3 is 1 of <1700.
The simple truth is what we all know. Rarity doesn't create value. A 1 of 564 Chevy Chevette is worthless. While a Ford GT is very valuable regardless of production numbers.
The sweet spot of course is when you have a car that is very desirable AND very rare.
While this Ford may not be quite at that level, it is an excellent package as far as looks and power and condition. Add to that it being 1 of 1800 and you have a more valuable total package. Whoever buys this should love it.
Okay, never heard of the “GT” option on Fords top of the line, more of a Mustang/Fairlane/Maverick thing, however, if you may recall, right after HS I hung around a guy whose dad worked for Ford in some capacity, and “gave” this kid a ’68 KR500 Shelby, to “use”, and a white ’68 XL just like this, with an unheard of 390, 4 speed. He CLAIMED, the 4 speed was not available, but his dad got one, somehow. It wasn’t a “GT” either, and if ANY XL with a 4 speed would be a “GT”, that one would have been. Nice car, dreamin’ at $35g’s,,,with a/c belt gone a missin’, this car will be a can of worms for the next happy go lucky, unsuspecting sap, trying to relive their youth.
Hemming did an article a few years back talking about the “GT” package. 1968 & 1969 only. The 1969 they featured was a red convertible.
They also did a feature on a black 1968 LTD 4 door hardtop with factory 4 speed.
My Mom had a ’68 Galaxy 500 XL convertible as her first car before she had the ’73 Riviera. As a little kid, I was intrigued by the hideaway headlights! I’ve loved convertibles ever since.
I remember seeing these on the road in the late 60s. I’ve always liked the roofline and that huge rear window. Maybe that’s why I got 2 Buick Rivieras, boattails, huge rear window
This is the original EBay listing on the car when I wanted to buy it.. https://www.ebay.com/itm/334221664190?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=7Dh45uoF10BGgr%252BTiAM2QKFQFQI%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc
Check it out.