Factory 4-Speed Project: 1968 Pontiac GTO
This 1968 GTO is said to have spent over three decades in a garage, with that tenure beginning in 1988 and not ending until 2020, so to be this far sunk into the ground after only 4 years it’s probably safe to say the tires were already deflated before the Pontiac got moved outside. This one’s also stated to be a one-owner example, with the seller hoping to either sell or trade the car for something else, although he doesn’t mention what might appeal to him regarding a swap. The GTO is located near the Western Springs area of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and can be found here on Craigslist, with the asking price set at $15,000. We’d like to say thanks to Barn Finds reader Zappenduster for the tip here!
Probably the best news is that this one remains original and numbers-matching, and it’s also a big plus that this GTO is a factory 4-speed. The seller mentions that the last time it ran was in 1988, but there’s no reason given as to why the car was parked that year never to be driven again afterward. It’s not specified if the 400 will still turn all these years later, but even under a best-case scenario, it’s probably safe to say the drivetrain will need a thorough going-through.
The exterior seems mostly complete, but there are a few dents here and there plus some rust, with the latter appearing more prevalent on the driver’s side. Fortunately, the seller is fully aware of all the work that will be required to get this one back on the road, as he clearly states that this GTO needs a total restoration. We don’t get to view any photos from the underside, but with the platform so close to the earth, it’s a possibility that the frame may need attention as well when the restoration begins.
The three pedals and stick shift are probably the visual highlights of the interior, with the seats and door panels showing plenty of grime along with a toasted package tray. The A/C is said to have been added by the dealer, but it’s time to consider losing it once the inside gets refreshed. I’m thinking with this 1968 Pontiac GTO being a numbers-matching 4-speed car, it’s probably worth saving, but fifteen grand may be a bit much of an initial investment for one in this condition. What do you think?
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Comments
Looks like alot of work here Stephens.
Its really interesting to see a 68 Goat without the Endura bumper like we are all used to, to have 2 chrome bumpers and a bench seat with the 4 speed. I dont ever remember seing one like this. ( Although lately I dont really remember much anyways. ) I’d like to see this restored to stock just because its unusual.
A friend of mine ordered his green ’68 GTO, with a black LeMans bench seat with the folding center armrest (bucket seats were standard), and the hideaway headlight option. I’m not sure if he had to pay extra for the bench seat. It had the base 400 with a three speed on the floor.
A chrome bumper 68′ GTO is subtantially rarer than an Endura bumper one,only 2108 of the 87.684 made in 68′ had this delete option.I personally prefer it..loved Pontiac chrome bumpers.
Interesting car, the seller needs to show documentation, which is easy to get and relatively inexpensive, to prove its a 400HO car and came with a chrome front bumper, rather than wrecked and replaced. If it’s a numbers matching 400HO and there isn’t too much rust it might be worth trying to make a deal.
Steve R
If the documentation checks out, and it is a factory chrome bumper car, it would be worth picking up (albeit a tick over priced).
Leave the add-on AC, do a sympathetic resto on the interior, get the mechanicals in order, and drive it until the apocalypse.
This car at 15k is a steal. When you consider a 68 rusted out charger will go for 30k with no motor or transmission. Factory rare chrome bumpers, 4spd, original motor, bench seat. This is a rare goat and absolutely needs to be saved. If eggs weren’t seven dollars a dozen and my electric bill wasn’t 900 dollars a month I’d grab it.
David, I think if it was a bit less expensive, it might be worth it. At 15K to start, your grand kids may be able to make a slight profit on it The amount you would have to put into this makes the price a bit too high to be reasonable.
I didn’t know the GTO was available with a chrome bumper!
The endura delete car in an E code blue Black bucket interior vent windows , little reverb doo dad. 4 speed no console, this car is not the dark e code, but it’s not a northeast rot box , it’s a very special car. Motor trend car of the year.
My guess is the motor spun a bearing( ya think),
To me the ACode and The E code are the best color, no vinyl top, The hideaway car really Pops in the Starlight black, Yea 69 had the judge, but I don’t like the change in the interior or the missing vent windows, but I do think the 68 looks better with the 69 valance especially with the chrome bumper, friend had one every one told him it was a lemans, im sure the 433 rear ate up a lot of Ram air one and two bearings as well.
A Colorado car, exciting, look how much you save already.
Looks more like a Tempest than GTO,, something is not right there
242 real deal w/ chrome bumper. as stated, a rare option
My 350 hp 68 GTO had a dual snorkel air cleaner. Wouldn’t this car have had one?
The stitching on the seat is the wrong thread count…
The front windshield is angled .000000001 degrees from factory stock specs…
Junk….
Give you $5.00 delivered.
Thanks
Rick.
Actually not seeing a lot of rust around that back window or top……or is that just me ? Like Steve said – a PHS doc purchase would go a long way on the sale.
$15k begins your bankruptcy. Unless somebody could do the work themselves, you’ll be pouring a ton of bank into this to get it right, money you’d never get back. $7500 tops as it sits.