Need help buying a '68 GTO

[Gear_Jammer]

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

[Gear_Jammer]

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

[mockingbird812]

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]

[WILMASBOYL78]

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]

[StealthBird]

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....

[68 Vert]

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

[Gear_Jammer]

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.

[GTO_DON]

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.

[mockingbird812]

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!

[olredalert]

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