Describing a classic as perfect is a dangerous strategy. Experience shows that if a vehicle is scrutinized, tiny flaws and defects will emerge. However, when a car has only covered a few test miles since undergoing a meticulous restoration, the chances of finding such problems are reduced enormously. That is the story behind this 1968 Pontiac GTO. From its sparkling paint to its numbers-matching drivetrain, the builder has left no stone unturned in their quest for perfection. Someone is set to benefit from this attention to detail, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the GTO listed here on eBay in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Cars of this caliber are rarely cheap, with the seller setting their BIN at $54,995 with the option to make an offer.
The 1968 model year brought a dramatically restyled GTO to the market, with the entire General Motors A-body range receiving a more curved appearance that added a sense of presence. This generation would remain on sale until 1972, and would be viewed by enthusiasts as the last of the genuine American muscle cars. This ’68 GTO recently emerged from a nut-and-bolt restoration that left it presenting in as-new condition. The builder was given a head start, with the car proving to be solid, and not a rust bucket requiring hundreds of hours of cutting and welding. They massaged the panels until they were laser-straight before applying the dazzling Aleutian Blue paint. The GTO has only clocked a few miles since the restoration ended, not having a chance to accumulate chips or other marks. The trim is as impressive as the rest of the exterior, and the new glass is crystal clear. However, any enthusiast worth their salt will tell you that the true beauty of a GTO only reveals itself when you open the hood.
The GTO is considered the father of the American muscle car scene, and one look at this car’s specifications makes it easy to understand that sentiment. The 400ci V8 sends 350hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque to a 10-bolt rear end via a three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission, while this car’s first owner also ticked the boxes on the Order Form beside power steering and power brakes. Contemporary road tests confirmed that this configuration could comfortably return ¼-mile ETs of under 15 seconds, making this a formidable beast in 1968. The seller confirms that this classic is numbers-matching, a vital consideration when the time comes to assess its potential value. The restoration included a fairly thorough mechanical refresh, with every aspect receiving TLC. It has only covered a few test miles since work ended, meaning that this is probably as close as you can come to buying a brand-new 1968 GTO.
If the Pontiac’s exterior makes a positive impression, its interior doesn’t disappoint. It appears that the build included a retrim in the correct Aqua vinyl, and the lack of use shows on every surface. There is no wear or other imperfections, with the GTO scoring desirable features like a factory tachometer, a console, and a His & Hers shifter. There are speakers mounted in the rear parcel tray that suggest there might be a hidden stereo somewhere, while the underdash Hasting gauges are cheap and acceptable insurance to monitor the health of things under the hood.
The seller’s BIN figure for this 1968 Pontiac GTO is hardly chicken feed, and it sits around what Hagerty typically quotes for a pristine example. It is above the market average at a time when values have contracted slightly, raising the question of whether the price is justified. On paper, the answer would seem to be a resounding no, although classics of this caliber are often bought with the heart, not the head. If you bought a fairly rough but solid ’68 GTO and treated it to the same level of TLC as this one has obviously received, it would almost certainly cost you more than the BIN price if you wished to achieve the same level of finish this builder has achieved. Therefore, maybe the price is realistic, after all.
Wonder if the manual cars that encounter high rpm shifts, hard launches etc received the corporate 12 bolt rearend 🤔
Nice looking goat 🐐 👍 great color.
No. The only GTO’s to ever receive a Chevy 12 bolt were 1970-1972’s powered by a 455.
Steve R
Completely wrong, sorry! Any ’68 or ’69 built in Oshawa, ON came factory-equipped with a 12-bolt Chevrolet axle. Same goes for any Buick GS, Olds 442, or, of course Chevelle SS.
Nicely redone-but for the money the ‘69 featured previously would be more appealing to those that want to drive rather than preen..
It is missing a few things on the front end that I can see. The emblem is missing from the top of the front bumper and the chrome on the valance is missing as well. That exhaust doesn’t look right either and is missing the correct tips
They also installed a cheap aftermarket wood steering wheel and recovered the console which now has stitching.
It looks good at first glance, but seems to have had a significant number of shortcuts taken. Saving money by substituting less expensive parts is a red flag that the restorer might have done the same when it came to labor intensive areas of the restoration too.
Steve R
There are quite a few little things that add up quickly. The rear bumper chrome isn’t that great. The rally wheels were repainted in the wrong color, and masked poorly. The dash courtesy light is falling out. Brake pedal trim missing, radio volume knob missing. The front bumper to fender alignment is off, the hood has a slight bow in it. The GTO fender emblems should have been replaced, or at the minimum restore the painted area.The rocker trim may need attention, but hard to tell by the photo quality. Rotate those tail pipes upwards to the correct orientation…lose the air cleaner sticker. No underside photo’s, no trunk photos. No PHS, which is just about a requirement for selling any collectible Pontiac. $55k is quite the ask for this factory low option 68.
… Not picky to say fix that exhaust !
Hangers ?
Loosen the clamps at the muffler, loosen the rear hangars and rotate the pipes upwards… done.
Brand new used car. Good color in case you have issue with green. Automatic will stall out some shoppers. I think this would be perfect for a Saturday cruise or Sunday drive.
They do a restoration, but put a Buick style callout on the air cleaner lid. Pontiac didn’t use them.
My dad had a car that was really similar to this as far as body style and color back before I was born. I’ve only seen pictures. However, his was a manual shift, with a “small” V8 (his words), white seats, and no AC. I don’t know what engines were offered in the GTO of this body style. I’m seeing a 400 as the base engine and (and a 350 as the base engine for the Lemans)?
Anyhow, he said it was sort of a base model, rode rough, and just felt “cheap”. He replaced it with a 73 2 door Caprice with a 454, so maybe he did think the 400 was small… The Caprice was more family oriented, obviously, and we used it as a family car until 1989 or so.
Very nice car, but I think that a few things that some other readers have brought up are valid. They are asking concours quality money for a car that I don’t believe was restored by a true Pontiac restoration shop. Just too many little things that are amiss. The other thing that I believe will hold the price down is the automatic. While the auto would make it a breeze to drive, I am of the opinion that a GTO should be a 4 speed. I know that there will be those that disagree with that assessment, but that is my opinion, right or wrong.
I’m familiar with this dealership in Iowa. I do believe they are one of if not the first special interest antique and classic car dealerships in the business.
They have grown and expanded and I believe they are ran by second generation. The passion may be different from the original founder as is the case with many 2nd and 3rd generations. I haven’t been there in years but have passed by in my travels.
I highly respect the input of the writers members and readers especially those who set the records straight on what is isn’t and should be. You all are the gatekeepers that help maintain the originality as it was intended.
this clapper has been on eBelch for a month now – no one wants it.
This car right here is the textbook example of the Honest Charlies used car to run away and hide from. There are so many issues with this car I won’t even attempt to list them. And no, I’m not Talking purist snob items here. This looks like it COULD be a driver quality car but even that 10 mile claim is a scary statement. I have a feeling there is going to be quite a list left to do on this car to actually get it to reliable driver status……..
Steve,
Do keep in mind dealers are out to sell cars not make friends except with Benjamins. When a salesman addresses you as bud buddy pal etc it’s time to cut it short.
Frog, you hit the nail on the head. What’s funny as you don’t even need a salesman in the room, each picture of the vehicle says “ Bud/Buddy/Pal”
Right there in front of you….. :)
This car is nowhere NEAR “pristine”, lol!!! I wouldn’t give half of what they’re asking for this cobbled-together mess. Those tailpipes are HORRIFIC!