This 1968 Pontiac GTO is more than just a pretty face. It has survived for over five decades without suffering significant rust issues or being burdened with aftermarket additions. This classic muscle car also retains its numbers-matching mechanical components, a major consideration when assessing the relative worth of any vehicle as a long-term investment proposition. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the GTO listed here on Facebook in Loudon, New Hampshire. You could take it home once you have handed the seller $29,500.
By 1968, Pontiac’s GTO had cemented its spot in the American market and was acknowledged as the first genuine muscle car. This model year marked the release of the Second Generation, a vehicle featuring radically different styling from its predecessor. The first owner ordered this ’68 in Verdoro Green with a Black vinyl top. The car’s overall presentation is nice for its age, with the paint retaining a healthy shine, and any flaws relatively minor. The seller states that the news gets even better when we delve below the surface, with no rust in the floors, trunk pan, or rockers. However, that doesn’t mean that this classic is rust-free. The last photo in the article reveals bubbles under the vinyl, indicating that there might be an unwelcome surprise awaiting the buyer. It is unclear how extensive the problem is, but an in-person inspection would probably be wise. Otherwise, the trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.
All buyers ordering a GTO in 1968 received a 400ci V8, although there were four versions on the Order Form. The least potent delivered 265hp and 397 ft/lbs of torque, but this option wasn’t popular. Most buyers wanted their GTO to be a genuine muscle car, opting for the 400 that placed 350hp and 445 ft/lbs at their disposal. This car features that engine, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission, a 12-bolt Posi rear end, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller states that this GTO now features headers, an Edelbrock intake, and an updated camshaft with an unknown grind, but that its drivetrain is numbers-matching. The changes are reversible for those preferring authenticity, and it is a path that many enthusiasts would probably choose. There is no information supplied on how this gem runs or drives, but an embedded video in the listing confirms that this GTO does move under its own power.
This GTO’s interior is tidy, with no evidence of significant wear or physical damage to any of its Black vinyl upholstered surfaces. The dash and faux woodgrain are clean, and the pad is crack-free. That doesn’t mean that it is perfect, because there is a hole in the dash where the factory radio should be, and many of the air conditioning components from the engine bay are missing. However, sourcing replacements for these missing items shouldn’t be difficult.
This 1968 Pontiac GTO is a classic that the new owner could enjoy immediately, addressing its shortcomings as time and circumstances allow. I would probably prioritize the bubbles beneath the vinyl, but the chances are that these won’t deteriorate much further in the next few months. Therefore, tackling the shortcomings would be an excellent way to while away the time when winter shows its face again. Is that a prospect that you find difficult to resist? I will understand if it is.
“Pending” – That didn’t take long.
For the life of me, I don’t get why sellers won’t take twenty minutes out of their day prior to taking pics and vacuum the interior. Hopefully whoever the car is “pending” to got a close up inspection of the upper quarters and around the rear window. Looks like there is a decent amount of rust hiding beneath that vinyl top and some near the trim.
It’s nice to see this gto setting high like they used to not hanging on the ground like a sled!
Love that tall proud stance camino. 👍
Being a car from one of the northeast states, and considering what’s going on under that vinyl roof, I would have liked to have seen a couple of pictures underneath the car to go along with all those other nice pics. Also there are no pictures of the headlights while hidden.
Like you said, it’s especially concerning when there are no undercarriage pictures when a lift is in the background. It almost makes you think the seller is trying to hide something.
Steve R
My wife and I had this exact color combo car in college. Raised in back, and all. Two things I remember most were: 1. The radio had a “reverberator” button that delayed the rear speaker just a bit and made it echo (not sure why GM thought that might be cool??) 2. The floor shift automatic had a gate on the left where you could select your auto gears as if you were shifting (that for me was just about as useful as the radio reverb, but oh, well!).
Great fun car!
Sold my ’64 425 cu” Wildcat Coupe to get one of these, 400 cu”, same color w/black vinyl top in 1970 … one word, QUICK , even compared to the Wildcat .
I had a ‘63 Wildcat with the 401…wish I still had it!
In 78 I sold one like this–only thing wrong with it was .The door had a small ding in the drivers door. I sold it for $140 –with a promise.He would NOT sale it to this one guy. He sure did and about a week later he was shot in Va and killed. He caught his wife with another man. I t ran really good and was easy on gas. It had the 400 motor and same shifter.. It was a good car. The last guy that bought it—tore it up in 2 weeks. He,d tear up every car he bought. He,s dead now.
Is it me or do these just get better looking?
My brother had almost this exact car. He ordered it with the matching green interior and vinyl top. Left it in my care when he went into the Air Force (Big mistake!). My prom date liked it so much that, well, let’s just say I had a great night!
I sat in the back seat of my friends almost new verdoro green ’68 GTO. The three of us took a trip from Minneapolis to Milwaukee, and back. After spending eleven hours back there I can say that it was very roomy, and comfortable. The speed limit was 70 mph on the Interstate. On the way back I got a feeling to turn around, and look out the back window. I saw a Wisconsin Highway Patrol car following us with it’s roof lights on, but no siren. I told my friend to look in his rearview mirror. I had no idea how long the trooper had been following us. After we pulled over, the trooper told my friend he had been speeding, but it was under the threshold for getting a speeding ticket. One of my favorite memories.
💑 🚗 😲
My father had a 68 Lemans that was this color. As a kid, I remember we went on vacation (around 72-73) to Gatlinburg, TN from Ohio and as my dad was backing out of the driveway, the exhaust broke off. He drove it anyway even though it was loud and was going to get it fixed somewhere in Tennessee. My mom made cookies and had them in Tupperware in the trunk and the heat from the broken exhaust melted the Tupperware container and the cookies!
Worst color ever, and an automatic.Let’s forget about this one.
Almost forgot about that ridiculous vinyl top. 👎
I have to respectfully disagree, Joe. There was no better color choice than verdoro green on a 1968 GTO with redline tires, and Rally II wheels. A stunning combination.
Aww come on guys, but it’s got a dual gate shifter!!
sold.
Man that Verdoro green sure was popular on Pontiac back in the day. It seemed like it was painted on nearly every car in our neck of the woods.
This color is what pops in my mind when this era GTO is mentioned. I like it.
That was a deal. I just restored a 68 gto conv in verdoro green. Original color