Numbers-Matching 390/4-Speed! 1968 Ford Torino GT
When the Ford Torino was introduced in 1968, its original concept was to be an upscale version of the company’s already successful Fairlane, and consumers seemed to like that idea as over 170,000 of these cars found homes during the inaugural year. Quite a few buyers also chose the GT model, which got you a 302 as the standard powerplant but even better was the GTs optional 390 V8. Pair that with a 4-Speed and you drove away from the dealer with some potent performance and a roofline that still looks stunning today. If this is all sounding good and you’re in the market for an attractive example, this 1968 Ford Torino GT might be a good car to check out. It’s located in New Castle, Delaware, and can be spotted here on Craigslist with an asking price of $34,990.
We’d like to give out another thank you to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for finding this one and sending it our way! While we don’t get much information about the car’s history beyond finding out that the current owner purchased it a few years ago to add to his collection, the GT looks really good from just about every angle we can see, and the seller uses the word spectacular when describing the paint and body. The jet black finish is said to be deep with a couple of very small chips if you inspect it closely, and there’s not a speck of rust anywhere according to the seller, always good to hear when a vehicle is located in Delaware. The body gaps are stated to be very nice, and the lines down the sides are said to be laser straight.
Things inside are looking nicely preserved as well, although purists are probably going to want to replace that J.C. Whitney-style steering wheel. The dash pad, headliner, door panels, trim, and rear deck lid are all said to be in excellent condition, and there are no signs that the Torino has ever been smoked in. The gauges are stated to be working, including the tach, which is presently disconnected but just needs a recalibration.
The engine compartment is tidy, and the original 390 is said to start right up and settle to a smooth idle. There’s no word on whether or not it’s ever had a rebuild, but an aftermarket carburetor and electronic ignition have been added to help improve the car’s driveability. The 4-Speed engages easily and provides firm shifts, plus the front end parts are all new and the power disc brakes are said to be in excellent working order. Mileage is stated to be 73,000, though this is not specifically expanded upon anywhere in the listing.
Down below, there’s nothing glaring that looks like an immediate cause for concern, and the exhaust system is newer but the seller thinks the pipes are too quiet and suggests a set of louder mufflers might be an improvement to add to the sporty nature of the car. I’m not so sure about that, as I kind of enjoy a soft rumble, but to each his own. What are your thoughts on this 1968 Ford Torino GT, and its asking price just ten dollars shy of 35 grand?
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Comments
As a Torino fan this is one beautiful car!
Fine example of a Ford motor co. automobile.
Only thing to say this is a BAD A$$ Ride. Love it!!
Was loaned a red version of this car in 1976 while my beater was being serviced by
A dealer who was a friend of my dad. Was an AMAZING night cruising with friends.
I have to admit, Pat L. can really spot some winners.
Usually I prefer anything other than black for my cars. Black absorbs the heat from the sun turning the car into an oven. This car however looks absolutely spectacular in black.
What is the average temp increase of a black painted car?
The only problem I see with this car is that damn Edelbrick carb. Put the original Holley with center hung bowls back on there as God intended. The 1968 emission controls were easy to defeat and the throttle response was glorious with a bigger accelerator pump squirter and cam, a little more jet and a lighter secondary spring. Otherwise it’s a beautiful Torino.
I had a ’69 Torino GT. Awesome car. I wish I still had it. Sold it for the down payment on my house. They’re finally coming into their own, price wise.
Wouldn’t mind talking to the seller about this car but I’ll be darned if I can find a way to contact him through the CL listing. Anyone know?
Barney: There is a button in the upper left of the Craig’s List ad labelled “reply”. Click that button and you can either email or call the seller.
My grandmother had one of these back in 1968. My grandfather bought it for her. It was a GT in gold with gold interior. It had an automatic transmission though. She seldom drove it over 45 mph. She would take me to the A&W fast food restaurant and I would have a pizza burger and a root beer float. It was a nice car.
One of the best things about BF is reading stories like this about people’s memories of cars. Thank you Dave!
I had a gold with gold interior and black body strip bought it new $3200 390 4 speed would eat all 325 hp 396 Chevelle’s and base 325 hp 389 ci 1965 gtos loved that car
Was a Ford guy back in the day, had this exact vehicle in a 71 model in white, than got married in 75 and bought a Gran Torino Brougham were great vehicles.
Now here is an owner who knows how to show a car. Nice and worth the price.
Love this car. My first car was a 68 Fairlane 302, and I can only imagine how much giddy up this car has.
Back in the ‘80s these cars were a dime a dozen!! Mustangs were the craze!!! Torinos sucked! However you could go to a wreaking yard and pick up a 429SCJ with a locker rear and top loader for under $200! Which I did so. Many times. By a roller SCJ, CJ, GT ‘68, ‘69, ‘70 for around $1500. But you don’t want to hear about the K9 Fastback 289/271 I picked up for $375 with 32K on the clock. Even had the 8 grand rally pack!!!
Is it just me or is the drivers side shock tower not painted?
Something doesn’t look right about it, that’s for sure.
A Mustang with an attitude! Very nice. The only things i would
change are Weber carbs and crossflow intake, a set of 17″
rims for better handling. And drilled rotors. Brembo or from
Endless because the tiny originals can overheat driven here
in the hilly surrounding. The brakes on this cars are underdimensioned.
Tone in tone interior looks soft but a black dashboard makes
less reflections.
I would trade my 95 Viper for this in a heartbeat.
Nice car. I just wonder why no one took the time to replace the door weatherstriping that is now missing. Or why they painted over the door latch screws.
@ CATHOUSE – after reading your post I had a second look at the pictures – this time with a more critical eye.
I wonder why it looks like they just painted over the corrosion on the underside of the car? Does anyone else see that as well? If anyone else does see it, I sure hope it wasn’t done to deceive potential buyers. I know I wouldn’t touch this car with a ten foot pole. Who knows what else is wrong with this Torino that is hidden from view.
All these people talking about how great the car is and looks, they must be blind. I see a very bad paint job covering up something and to go into it here would be a waste of time. Whenever you see a so-called restored car with the wrong exhaust, carb, valve covers and all the rest, go the other way.
Well I bought the Torino and its a straight body and no rust under it and a relative good buy. The engine however was not as it should be and we ran 13 miles and a bad engine noise developed. It wasn’t a rod and a check shower 30 degrees of timing chain slack. Tear down and the chain was actually lifted off by hands and the cam pin hole wallowed out. Cam,Lifters,cam gear,timing chain and crank gear and runs like it should and no regrets but when you buy like this its where is as is no guarantee lol and its a keeper