Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

I've been looking for a good solid GTO driver for some time now and I've recently found a '68 that I'm interested in possibly buying. The asking price is $24,500.00 and the seller told me that he isn't negotiable. The car is supposed to be numbers matching and had a frame-on restoration by a previous owner in 2004. Here are some pics that the seller sent me:

Click Here

I've covered the license plate for the seller's protection and mine. If you happen to know where this car is for sale, I would really appreciate it if you wouldn't announce it to the world. I've spent a lot of time and money pursuing this car and would hate to have it all for not.

I would really appreciate it if y'all would take a look at these pics and let me know the good, the bad and the ugly. Don't worry...I don't own the car, so nothing is too harsh. Some of the pics show issues with the car (i.e. scratch on passenger rear glass, torn headliner). I also know that the wheels are not originals - my understanding is that the front tires are 215/60/15's (not sure of the wheel size) and the rears are 255/60/15's (I believe 15X8 or 9). I also know that it was originally a vinyl top car - I would definitely put that back on if I got it. Can someone give me an idea of what that would cost?

If you see something really good, let me know. If you see problem, please make sure to let me know.

Thanks.

/s/D.M. Dalton, Jr.
Dallas, Texas

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

Anyone??? Anyone??? Bueller???

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

Bueller checking in. Took a quick look at the owner's photos. Before I saw the photos I thot for sure you were talking about a convertible for that price. Car is way overpriced. If he is unyielding on his price, I wld recommend to look elsewhere. Don't be in a hurry - there are alot better deals out there. To me, with what I can see and what is claimed it is a $15 to 17K car. Pls check with the real GTO experts though. Phil (Woj) has been tracking these cars ('68s) and can probably give a better assessment of the market. If PHS docs determine it and the options are real.... the good: covered headlamps. Unknown: body panel condition (putty?) and originality, engine originality unknown (sub components too). Trim Tag photo is real fuzzy (why is that on so many of these cars for sale?). Not so good: White, altho I don't mind the color, auto tranny, altho a console hurst dual gate is about as good as an auto tranny gets (in my books anyway), standard engine (nothing wrong with that, but not for that $). Paint condition looks average. I could go on, but I am not impressed with this car for this money.

Others comments? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

No comment on this car..cause I'm no GTO expert, but I have a good friend with a numbers 68 convertible with docs. that is for sale. Give me a shout if you want to explore this option.

wilma

518-821-6406

[email protected]

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

I agree, in this economy, that lots 'o dollars for a base 68 GTO.

Some small gripes...

I think when you said the wheels were incorrect, you knew that 15&quot; wheels were not available on any GTO until much later. Not a big deal, but the seller is asking big money for a car that, assuming you want to make it correct, will take a new set of Rally II's and tires.

The lug nuts appear to be generic acorn nuts. Not a big deal, repro Rally II lug nuts are available, but again, he's asking top dollar for the car.

Hideaway headlights are great, but check the PHS for this and some of those other options. Also check to make sure the headlight doors operate properly. Lots of guys only drive these cars in the daytime, and have no idea that the doors don't open correctly. Also make sure that the headlight doors stay up after sitting for a while. Common problem on these cars.

Top cog belts, and what appears to be a stainless modern flex fan. Chassis looks like it's been driven a bit. Again, not a big deal, but the guy is asking a lot.

The Endura nose is not easy to paint, and many guys use the incorrect paint without enough (or any) flex agent. Check to see who painted the car. If they don't know Endura bumpers, that paint may be cracking as we speak.

Really check out the body on this. As the expression goes, &quot;If the bodywork didn't come out right, paint it white&quot;.

Is this an original white car with black interior? What color was the top?

Overall a pretty car! But check the PHS....

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

The comments above pretty much sum it up...It looks like a low option '68 that should sell somewhere in the mid to upper teens, dependent upon an inspection. PHS is a must to confirm options.

Overall looks to be a nice car, a bunch of little things to address but not that big of a deal.

That being said, if you must have the car buy it and enjoy it!!

Mike

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

I want to let y'all know how much I appreciate the help and suggestions so far. It looks like other than some nit-picky things that everyone likes the car, but object to the price. I've been looking for a nice solid driver for at least 6 months and $24,500.00 doesn't seem that out of line to me. Please don't misconstrue this as being rude, but I would really like to know where and how y'all are coming up with being able to find a nice frame-on restored car for under $20K because I haven't seen it. I've been search Hemmings, Autabuy, nationwide searches on Craigslist and the Classic Car Trader and just haven't seen the prices y'all are talking about for what I want. If someone can give me suggestions on other places to look I would really appreciate it. Like I said, I don't really think this price is THAT out of line, but at the same time, I don't want to pay more than I have to pay. Y'all know FAR more about these cars and the market than I do, so I respect your options on all that.

My ideal car is a nice solid driver hardtop '68 or '69 GTO. If it's a '68 then it must have a his/hers shifter and would like hideaway headlights, hood tach and AC (or at least a car with 2 of those 3) in white, black, red or one of the blue colors. If it's a '69 it has to be an automatic and would like to have hideaway headlights, hood tach and AC (or at least a car with 2 of those 3) in white, black, red, one of the blues or silver. I think those are pretty reasonable options to look for considering how many '68 and '69 GTO's were made.

Please help me find my dream car for the right price.

Thanks.

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

First of all,Stop looking at dealers cars unless you want to pay full market value,Second 68's are the bastard childs of GM cars to buy.That car is not a frame up restored car. Its just a driver with a repaint in my eyes but maybe Im splitting hairs. A 69 is worth alot more even thou I like 68's. All 68 GTO's that have bucket seats have a his and hers shifter so thats no big deal. If you would like I will give you my number and I can help you find a good car fot the roght price. I see these cars all the time but I dont buy automatics. My name is Don and my number is 267-246-6903 feel free to give me a call. Its a shame your not a chevy guy because Ive got a real nice 68 SS 396 chevelle with Ice cold air and other nice options in a good color that i would sell for 20k. I will talk to you soon.

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

D.M. -- you'd be smart to heed Don's suggestion. You can get a lot more car for the $ or the same car for a good bit less.

Good luck!

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

-----Dons the MAN!!! If he wants to help, make sure you give him a call. You wont regret it.......Bill S

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Second 68's are the bastard childs of GM cars to buy.</div></div>

Don, why is that? Are you referring to all 68 A-bodies, or just the GTO? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img]

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First of all,Stop looking at dealers cars unless you want to pay full market value,Second 68's are the bastard childs of GM cars to buy.That car is not a frame up restored car. Its just a driver with a repaint in my eyes but maybe Im splitting hairs. A 69 is worth alot more even thou I like 68's. All 68 GTO's that have bucket seats have a his and hers shifter so thats no big deal. If you would like I will give you my number and I can help you find a good car fot the roght price. I see these cars all the time but I dont buy automatics. My name is Don and my number is 267-246-6903 feel free to give me a call. Its a shame your not a chevy guy because Ive got a real nice 68 SS 396 chevelle with Ice cold air and other nice options in a good color that i would sell for 20k. I will talk to you soon. </div></div>

Are you going to be free to talk tomorrow and/or over the weekend?

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: StealthBird</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Second 68's are the bastard childs of GM cars to buy.</div></div>

Don, why is that? Are you referring to all 68 A-bodies, or just the GTO? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif[/img] </div></div>Its just pretty much the truth. I happen to like 68's and there are some cool one offs like Ram II cars and Hurst Olds cars ETC,but 68 Vettes are not as strong as 69's,GTO's same,67 Firebird 400 and 69 Firebirds bring more money than 68 firebirds and If my 68 ss 396 was a 69 it would be gone for what Im asking right now and I cant think of a single GM car built for 68 that tops a 69.
Gear jammer I will be around to speak to you anytime you want! Bill Thanks for the props, I dont know if Im all that but I can definetly set him in the right direction for a Goat if thats what he wants...

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> All 68 GTO's that have bucket seats have a his and hers shifter so thats no big deal. </div></div>

This is not true. Standard placement for the automatic shifter was on the column (regardless of seating). If you ordered the console, then you got the Hurst Dual-Gate (&quot;His and Her&quot; was the aftermarket name for the product).

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Second 68's are the bastard childs of GM cars to buy.</div></div>

I'm really surprised to see someone say this. Other than Vettes, I find this to be far from the truth.

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

Although I like many 68s better than other years, the bastard child is a fair generalized statement. That said, I think that is great for those who enjoy 68s. I don't think the 68 GTO shown above is way overpriced as many are saying.

I sold a fixed headlight, chrome bumper(endura delete) 68 goat that was green on black for low 20's a few years back. I know a few years back was a bit different. the car was base engine, 4 speed, buckets, no console, tach, PS, rally IIs, no other options.


Jason

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

The 1968-69 4-4-2 is a bastard child compared with the 1970. Same thing with the GS. The 1968 SS396? I don't think so, although it doesn't have the COPO option like the 1969 does. Camaro? 1969 seems to be king, but I don't think the '68 is a bastard in comparison; if you did, then would you consider the '67 in the same manner? What about the '68 Nova SS? Well, they made a lot less of them than in 1969, so perhaps it's an unfair comparison.

The marketing in 1969 was more sophisticated than in 1968, but I think that has little bearing on determining bastard child status.

I still only believe the '68 Vette is the true bastard. :-)

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

Well, I think since the 68 GTO was the &quot;Motor Trend Car Of the Year&quot;, it received a ton of publicity. The first A-body to get hideaway headlights, that nasty Endura bumper, and the overall look....very aggressive.

As for Firebirds, the 67's do appear to bring a little more than 68's, probably because the 67 was the first year. And then the 69's were almost totally restyled. Many people dig the wider, lower look of the 69's vs. the 67-68 in both Firebird and Camaro form. Yes, the 68's seem to be stuck in the middle, and often forgotten, unless it's a RAII car.

The 1968 Corvette was such a horrible car when it was introduced, so many negative press reviews written, they were (unfortunately) never very popular, but the styling was incredible. In the case of Corvettes, yes, the 69's bring more.

But 1968, in general, was a banner year for all the manufacturers. One of the most significant of all the Musclecar years.

Some notables:

-The new A-bodies from GM, a complete redesign, they were like spaceships compared to the 1967's.
-The all-new Corvette, while riddled with bugs, was a styling masterpiece.
-A wicked two-seater called the AMX put AMC on the map.
-Plymouth's all-new 1968 Road Runner, could have &quot;Car Of The Year&quot; if it weren't for the GTO.
-1968 Hurst/Olds gets a 455 cube engine from GM, bypassing their 400 cube mandate. Still remarkable they made the car.
- All new 1968 Nova

I actually do like 1969's (in general) better, as the engine choices were wilder, and of course the Aero Wars were full-on. But I credit the 1968 GM A-bodies for their revolutionary designs. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/burnout.gif[/img]

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

nothing wrong with '68s except when you want to sell one, then you will feal the pain of selling one, good advice is to not buy one unless you go in cheap and will have to sell cheap when your done with it.

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

I completely agree with Don's assessment of '68's being the unloved years of GM musclecars. If you compare to '67's and '69's, Vettes, Chevelles, Camaros (esp Z28s), GTO's, Firebirds, etc, they're almost always a harder, and ultimately cheaper, sell. I think its a combination of evolutionary styling really getting &quot;nailed&quot; in '69 for many of these cars, and the colors offered. I strongly prefer the GM colors offered in '67 and '69 over those offered in '68.

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

68's always have the documentation issue to face, well except Pontiacs with PHS. 67s had the trim tag and 69 Camaros has the trim tag X codes.

Although, many 68s had special body models to designate SS396, etc.


Jason

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GTO_DON</div><div class="ubbcode-body">First of all,Stop looking at dealers cars unless you want to pay full market value<span style="font-weight: bold">,<span style="font-size: 17pt">Second 68's are the bastard childs of GM cars to buy ... A 69 is worth alot more even thou I like 68's</span> </span>... </div></div>

that holds true for NEARLY all makes (not just GM) ... heed his advice

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: budnate</div><div class="ubbcode-body">nothing wrong with '68s except when you want to sell one, then you will feal the pain of selling one, good advice is to not buy one unless you go in cheap and will have to sell cheap when your done with it. </div></div>

there you go ... sound advice

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tom406</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I completely agree with Don's assessment of '68's being the unloved years of GM musclecars. If you compare to '67's and '69's, Vettes, Chevelles, Camaros (esp Z28s), GTO's, Firebirds, etc, they're almost always a harder, and ultimately cheaper, sell. I think its a combination of evolutionary styling really getting &quot;nailed&quot; in '69 for many of these cars, and the colors offered. I strongly prefer the GM colors offered in '67 and '69 over those offered in '68. </div></div>

Comparing a '67 with a '68 is not a good comparison because it's a different generation that has different appeal in the market.

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

I may be a newbie here but I agree with Don's statements about the 68 model year being a bastard child for most muscle cars. I don't know why but they seem to be.

I found a couple 69 GTO drivers for you to look at that compare favorably if not better than the white '68 GTO you have been looking at.

For $24,500 you can buy a real PHS documented '69 Judge
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-PONT...=item53e2436b4e
http://i.ebayimg.com/13/!Bv)mCYQ!2k~...V(3Vg~~_35.JPG

For $22,000 you can get a super nice '69 GTO that was owned by the same guy for 30 years.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...828019475.html
http://images.craigslist.org/3n03k13...d492e21369.jpg

Neither of these cars are mine however I feel they both appear to be excellent candidates for you. Green isn't so bad when the paint is new.

Re: Need help buying a '68 GTO
 

I have a 68 HO GTO and had a 68 RS/SS 396... but I too refer to 68's as the Bastard Child! A 68 Yenko or a 68 L89...