1968 Pontiac GTO Hardtop

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Pontiac drastically redesigned the second-generation GTO for 1968, featuring a shorter 112-inch wheelbase for the two-door models and a curvaceous body that departed from the previous GTO's linear design.  

One of the most notable innovations was the Endura front bumper, a body-colored, flexible material that could withstand minor impacts without damage.  The '68 GTO also introduced hidden headlights with vacuum-operated doors. Standard engine was a 400 cubic-inch V8. The interior also received a makeover, with a redesigned dashboard that included three pods: a 4-in-1 gauge for fuel, temperature, oil, and generator, along with a 120-mph speedometer and a choice of tachometer or clock. An optional hood-mounted tach was also available. 

The model's performance and design innovations were widely recognized, and it was named Motor Trend Car of the Year. 

According to the laminated window sticker for this 1968 GTO Hardtop, the car was ordered with multiple options, including a Cordova top, Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, retractable headlamp covers, air conditioning, power steering and brakes, and a center console. Under the hood is a 330-horsepower, 400 cubic-inch V8 with four-barrel carburetor. The radiator cowling has been signed in silver paint pen by Detroit public relations executive Jim Wangers, known for his role as the godfather of the GTO. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Starlight Black paint with black vinyl hardtop over black vinyl interior  

• Hood-mounted 8000 rpm tachometer 

• Radiator cowling signed Jim Wangers 

• Upgrades by previous owner: 

  • Replaced original engine with rebuilt (and correct) 400 cu-in V8 with four-barrel carburetor, originally rated at 350 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque 

  • Replaced original transmission with Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 three-speed transmission with Hurst Dual Gate Shifter ("His and Hers" shifter) 

  • New camshaft 

  • New suspension with adjustable shocks 

  • All wiring was redone 

• This 1968 GTO Hardtop ($4,355.90) was ordered with the following options: 

  • Cordova top ($94.79) 

  • Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission ($236.97) 

  • AM pushbutton radio ($61.09) 

  • Rear seat speaker ($15.80) 

  • Retractable headlamp covers ($52.66) 

  • Outside remote control mirror ($9.48) 

  • Deluxe wheel discs ($21.06) 

  • Console ($68.46) 

  • Deck lid remote release ($13.69) 

  • Wonder Touch power steering ($94.79) 

  • Wonder Touch power brakes ($42.13) 

  • Tilt steering wheel ($42.13) 

  • Soft Ray glass ($34.76) 

  • Air conditioning ($360.20) 

  • Dual stage air cleaner ($9.48) 

• The chassis number (242378R185917) decodes as: 

  • 2 – Pontiac 

  • 42 – GTO 

  • 37 – Hardtop Sport Coupe 

  • 8 – 1968 model year 

  • R – Arlington, Texas, assembly plant 

  • 185917 – Sequential production number (in 100001 series, indicating V8) 

Features 

• Upgrades under current ownership include new exhaust and a remote-controlled aftermarket AM/FM radio, mounted in trunk 

• Dual horns 

• Recessed windshield wipers 

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel 

• Woodgrain dash with 120 mph speedometer/odometer 

• 15-inch PMD (Pontiac Motor Division) wheels 

• Coker Classic P235/70R15 redline tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint imperfections, commensurate with the age of the vehicle 

• Stone chips on grille and front bumper 

• Bondo on the hood, which is chipped and cracked on passenger side front 

• Engine’s rear main seal has a small leak 

• Horn relay missing 

• A/C compressor, receiver dryer, condenser, and evaporator missing 

Included 

• Laminated window sticker 

• Optimo H724 spare tire 

• Jack 

• Lug wrench 

• GTO floor mats 

• Car cover 

• Fire extinguisher 

• TopPost Battery Disconnect switch 

Ownership History 

According to the window sticker, this 1968 Pontiac GTO Hardtop was sold new by Atwood Pontiac in Kusciusko, Mississippi. The car’s California owner bought it in January 2015.