1968 Ford Torino

This 1968 Ford Torino GT convertible was delivered new to Cecil Whitebone Inc of San Francisco, California, and is one of 709 examples built with the Pace Car Promotion package, commemorating the similar cars used to pace the 1968 Indianapolis 500. The seller acquired the vehicle in 2020 as a project, and a subsequent refurbishment involved stripping and repainting the body in white, rebuilding the 302ci V8 and the three-speed automatic transmission, adapting Edelbrock Pro-Flo4 fuel injection and a dual exhaust system, replacing the power-operated white soft top, and installing an aftermarket starter and brake booster, Kelsey-Hayes–style wheels, and a limited-slip differential with 3.23:1 gearing. This Torino GT is now offered with refurbishment records and photos, a build sheet, a Deluxe Marti report, memorabilia, blue California license plates, and a clean California title in the seller’s name. Finished from the factory in Wimbledon White (M), the car was stripped and repainted during the aforementioned refurbishment, which also involved replacement of the white convertible top and hydraulics as well as refinishing the chrome trim. Blue rocker-panel striping has been applied, and the car features 302 fender badging, chrome bumpers, and a driver-side mirror. Kelsey-Hayes–style Magstar II 15″ aluminum wheels are mounted with 215/65 Goodyear Assurance tires. Braking is provided by front discs and rear drums. A Master Power brake booster was installed during the refurbishment, and the car also has power-assisted steering. The seating surfaces are trimmed in two-tone blue vinyl upholstery. Lap belts are provided for front and rear occupants. A Ford clock and radio-delete plate were fitted during the refurbishment, and the carpeting was replaced. A wood-rimmed steering wheel fronts a 120-mph speedometer and secondary instrumentation. The five-digit odometer shows 81k miles, approximately 200 of which have been added under current ownership. The 302ci V8 was rebuilt during the refurbishment with replacement pistons and bearings, and it was updated with an Edelbrock Pro-Flo4 fuel-injection system, finned valve covers, a Powermaster starter, and a two-core radiator. The exhaust system was changed to a dual setup under current ownership. The engine stamping is shown above, and a similar stamping on the transmission case is available in the gallery below. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a three-speed C4 automatic transmission that was rebuilt in September 2020. A Ford 8″ rear end houses a limited-slip differential with 3.23:1 gearing. Additional underbody images are provided in the gallery. The warranty number is consistent with a Fairlane-based 1968 Ford Torino GT convertible that was built in Lorain, Ohio, and equipped with a 302ci V8 and a two-barrel carburetor. Further decoding the trim tag reveals the following information: Body 76D – Torino GT convertible Color M – Wimbledon White paint Trim 6B – Dark Blue and Light Blue vinyl upholstery Date 30E – May 30 scheduled build date DSO 720441 – San Jose, California, district sales office; foreign special order #0441 Axle 2 – 2.79:1 rear axle ratio Trans W – C4 three-speed automatic transmission A photo of the same trim tag taken prior to the refurbishment is viewable in the gallery. The Deluxe Marti report shows delivery to Cecil Whitebone Inc and notes the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Promotion and other features and options. The build sheet pictured in the gallery notes “Delete regular GT stripe” and also “Add special C stripe”. Refurbishment records and photos are presented in the gallery. Filed under: fairlane