Cost Concious: 1968 Ford Fairlane Torino GT – NOW $18,900

September 18, 2023 Update – The seller lowered their asking price from $22,300 to $18,900 in their existing Craigslist ad.

With prices of late 1960s mid-size General Motors (“GM”) and Chrysler convertibles regularly trading hands well above $30,000 these days, what’s a cost-conscious muscle car enthusiast to do?  One alternative is Ford’s Torino line, introduced in 1968 as a premium subseries within Ford’s redesigned Fairlane line.  Outside of the rare 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet powered versions, prices of late sixties Torinos continue to lag behind their GM and Mopar contemporaries.

Our latest example is this red 1968 Ford Torino GT convertible for sale, first spotted on Craigslist in August 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona.  With its 302 cubic inch small block, automatic transmission, and 2.79 rear axle ratio, this example leans more towards “Meek” than “Muscle.”  Adding to the cruiser vibe is a modern Vintage Air A/C system, which is a nice upgrade to keep the desert heat at bay.

Currently offered for $18,900 (the original ask was $22,300 or best offer), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is well below this guide’s six-month rolling results trend for first-generation Ford Torinos of all body styles made in 1968 and 1969.  We caution that sales shown in this cohort appear to be largely fastback versions that are starting to trade at higher sums.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls right at this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $22,400.

The 1968 Ford Torino GT was a mid-sized car that epitomized the muscle car era of the late 1960s. It was part of Ford’s Fairlane line and served as the performance-oriented version of the Torino model range. The Torino GT was designed to compete with other powerful muscle cars of its time, such as the Chevrolet Chevelle and the Plymouth Road Runner.

The 1968 Ford Torino GT featured a bold and aggressive design that reflected the essence of the muscle car era. It had a long hood, short rear deck, and fastback roofline, adding to its appeal. The front end showcased a prominent grille with horizontal bars and two headlights, giving it a sleek and aggressive appearance. The car’s profile was characterized by muscular fender lines and a distinctive crease running along the sides, emphasizing its dynamic stance.

Inside, the Torino GT continued its performance-oriented theme. The interior was designed with a driver-centric approach, featuring bucket seats and a center console. The dashboard was straightforward and functional, with various gauges and controls to monitor the car’s performance. The focus was on providing a comfortable driving experience while still emphasizing the car’s high-performance capabilities.

One of the most significant aspects of the 1968 Torino GT was its range of powerful engine options, which was a defining characteristic of muscle cars. Buyers could choose from various V8 engines, ranging from the more modest 302 cubic inch (4.9-liter) V8 to the potent 428 cubic inch (7.0-liter) Cobra Jet V8. These engines were mated to different transmission options, including manual and automatic transmissions.

The Cobra Jet engine, in particular, was the highlight of the Torino GT’s performance offerings. It was known for its impressive horsepower and torque figures, making the car a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip and the streets alike.

The Torino GT featured a robust chassis with front coil springs and a rear leaf spring suspension setup. While its primary focus was on straight-line performance, Ford engineers worked to improve handling characteristics compared to earlier models. The car’s suspension tuning aimed to strike a balance between ride comfort and improved cornering ability, making it a more well-rounded vehicle in terms of performance.

The 1968 Ford Torino GT is remembered as a quintessential muscle car that captured the era’s essence. Its combination of powerful engines, striking design, and performance-oriented features contributed to its popularity among car enthusiasts. The Torino GT played a role in the muscle car wars of the late 1960s and early 1970s, leaving a lasting impact on automotive history.

The 1968 Torino GT remains a sought-after classic car today, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its significance in automotive and cultural history. It represents an era when American automakers pushed the boundaries of performance and design, resulting in some of the most iconic vehicles ever produced.

The Cars & Stripes YouTube Channel features this 1968 Ford Torino GT commercial highlighting the line’s new fastback model:

This red 1968 Ford Torino GT convertible for sale, with its standard 302 cubic inch V8 and automatic transmission, might be a tamer example of the brand. However, knowing the car is well-sorted mechanically combined with a working  Vintage Air AC system makes this Torino a compelling and more cost-effective alternative to most GM intermediates of the day.

If you are serious about buying this Torino GT convertible, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their Ford featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: what would you do with this red 1968 Ford Torino GT for sale? Please comment below and let us know!