[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:

http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b1...view=slideshow

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.

[Txbobcat]

First is it matching numbers engine and tranny. I noticed the drum brakes I would change that quick. If it was a vinyl roof I would want to check the whole car but especialy the top with a magnet for repairs and rust issues that it did or does now still have. Where the top meets the body in the back and sides is most important. Original color? PHS? Mileage?

[69Customs]

Everything is Negotiable! Seems a little high priced, especially for a driver. Would like to see more pics of the fit between panels. Front bumper gaps, rear bumper fit, hood fit, door fit. Would think the panel fits would be better than factory if it was restored unless they were going for factory look. Other than a little pricey, its a nice car!

[rememberfireball#22]

I agree its a nice car,but seems about 4000.00 to 6000. to high to me. From what I have seen, good drivers are bringing around 17000 to 19000. The person not willing to negoiate would send me in other direction fast. I believe for the money he's asking, you could buy a much better optioned car, with desirable options like maybe ram air? four speed? I would get in trunk with a flashlite and look around back glass also. I also have a 68 and love it. How does car drive? Will seller let you put car on lift and do a good inspection? Does he have the PHS documents?

[69goatboy]

Originally Posted by rememberfireball#22

I agree its a nice car,but seems about 4000.00 to 6000. to high to me. From what I have seen, good drivers are bringing around 17000 to 19000. The person not willing to negoiate would send me in other direction fast. I believe for the money he's asking, you could buy a much better optioned car,

I agree. Reading between the lines, I would guess that the current owner bought this car prior to the economy turning south and is trying to recoup what he has in it. It's an ugly fact, but today's market is not what is was a few years ago. It does appear to be a very nice car, but I think you can get an equal car for less.

[68pongto]

Originally Posted by rememberfireball#22

I believe for the money he's asking, you could buy a much better optioned car, with desirable options like maybe ram air?

You're not going to find a restored 68 Ram Air 1 or 2 for $24,500. Maybe if someone added it, but not factory, Scott

[Gear_Jammer]

Originally Posted by Txbobcat

First is it matching numbers engine and tranny.

That's what's been represented.

Originally Posted by Txbobcat

If it was a vinyl roof I would want to check the whole car but especialy the top with a magnet for repairs and rust issues that it did or does now still have. Where the top meets the body in the back and sides is most important.?

Good idea.

Originally Posted by Txbobcat

Original color? PHS? ?

Yes & yes.

Originally Posted by Txbobcat

Mileage?

It's belived to have 56,XXX miles on it, but the seller isn't 100% sure of that. The original owner had it until 2003 when he passed away. The only thing the seller can affirmatively represent as true is that it's only been driven 6,000 miles since 1995 as he has service receipts that document that. I'm going to try and contact the person that restored it to get their story on whether it only has that many miles because they allegedly purchased it from the original owner's family and the actual miliage should have been on the title, assuming it was correct.

Would like to see more pics of the fit between panels. Front bumper gaps, rear bumper fit, hood fit, door fit. Would think the panel fits would be better than factory if it was restored unless they were going for factory look.

I'm supposed to be getting some pics of those areas as the seller told me there were some areas where the fit isn't perfect. He said it looks like it would have back when it left the factory, but I want to see it with my own eyes as his opinion may be far different than mine.

I agree its a nice car,but seems about 4000.00 to 6000. to high to me. From what I have seen, good drivers are bringing around 17000 to 19000.

Not to be rude, but I sure would like to know where you're looking for those kinds of deals. I've been searching the internet almost daily looking at cars for at least 6 months and IMHO this is pretty much on par with what I've seen. I have yet to see one listed online that's this nice for under about $28,000.00.

How does car drive?

I don't know yet. The seller is in another state, so I'm going to have to make a trip up there before I'll know.

Will seller let you put car on lift and do a good inspection?

We haven't discussed that yet, but the seller seems pretty willing to do what it takes to sell the car.

I would guess that the current owner bought this car prior to the economy turning south and is trying to recoup what he has in it.

Actually, he bought it within the last year and I'm pretty sure he's losing money at this price. The reason is that he purchased it from one of the big nice classic car dealers and probably paid too much for it. I remember seeing this car on the dealer's website before the seller bought it and if memory serves, the asking price was like $29,000.00.

[68gtoMN]

This appears to be a nicely done driver. There are a few nits to pick, as with nearly any driver car, but overall it appears to be well done (for what it is). There are portions that are over-restored and then those that were not done as well. For the few things that are not done correctly, and the few that are unfinished, I would say that this price is a bit more than I would be willing to offer. Drum brakes, headliner, wrong finishes on items, not body-off restoration, older restoration...

Answering the "value" question is simple - how much are you willing to pay for such a car. When I look at a car to purchase, I don't much pay attention to what another party has invested in it as that is not my concern. Mine is what price must I pay to get it. If the price is too high, I walk away. I can not think of many situations where I will not counter offer. Make it known that you are a cash buyer ready to write a check. Show interest, but don't fawn over the car. Let it be known that you are looking at several examples...

If you want the car and want to pay his price, this is a non-issue. If you want it for less, be prepared to offer less then walk away. Again, I do not let the seller focus on how much THEY have into the car; instead, I focus on what the car is worth to ME alone. I offer based on that.

[Gear_Jammer]

Thanks guy...keep 'em coming!!!

[madtexan]

First off, Nice car.

Not much to pick at except things that were already mentioned like disc brakes are a must. Are you sure you want to drive a Non-A/C car in our incredibly hot and long DFW summers? It all depends on how much you plan to drive it.

The vinyl for the top won't cost much. Probably under $100 but all the trim pieces in nice shape can cost you another $100 - $200 and hard to find. Labor will probably cost about $200. I just got a quote for installing a headliner in my 69 GTO and I would supply the full kit and it was $275 labor here in Plano. I guess I'll do it myself

If you are ok with his price and the fact he said he wouldn't budge, then I would tell him all the things he needs to fix to fetch that price from you. I bet he would then consider lowering the price.

I didn't see anything about the block being rebuilt and when/who did the work and is it documented well?

[webfoot]

This one looks good, has AC, 4spd, less money, cool color, etc. (IMO)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_500wt_1182

[cuz68]

Originally Posted by 68gtoMN

This appears to be a nicely done driver. There are a few nits to pick, as with nearly any driver car, but overall it appears to be well done (for what it is). There are portions that are over-restored and then those that were not done as well. For the few things that are not done correctly, and the few that are unfinished, I would say that this price is a bit more than I would be willing to offer. Drum brakes, headliner, wrong finishes on items, not body-off restoration, older restoration...

Answering the "value" question is simple - how much are you willing to pay for such a car. When I look at a car to purchase, I don't much pay attention to what another party has invested in it as that is not my concern. Mine is what price must I pay to get it. If the price is too high, I walk away. I can not think of many situations where I will not counter offer. Make it known that you are a cash buyer ready to write a check. Show interest, but don't fawn over the car. Let it be known that you are looking at several examples...

If you want the car and want to pay his price, this is a non-issue. If you want it for less, be prepared to offer less then walk away. Again, I do not let the seller focus on how much THEY have into the car; instead, I focus on what the car is worth to ME alone. I offer based on that.

Drum brakes, Came out with a lot on the 68s, No trouble with mine, My 68 is a non # maching car that i have owned sence 74 it has ac power windows,rear window defrost, door gards, I came with a 4 speed, I have a auto in it now, I would like to get 14K for it, It is the same car in my avar, If anyone gets my68 my right aem goes with it...

[cuz68]

Originally Posted by 68gtoMN

This appears to be a nicely done driver. There are a few nits to pick, as with nearly any driver car, but overall it appears to be well done (for what it is). There are portions that are over-restored and then those that were not done as well. For the few things that are not done correctly, and the few that are unfinished, I would say that this price is a bit more than I would be willing to offer. Drum brakes, headliner, wrong finishes on items, not body-off restoration, older restoration...

Answering the "value" question is simple - how much are you willing to pay for such a car. When I look at a car to purchase, I don't much pay attention to what another party has invested in it as that is not my concern. Mine is what price must I pay to get it. If the price is too high, I walk away. I can not think of many situations where I will not counter offer. Make it known that you are a cash buyer ready to write a check. Show interest, but don't fawn over the car. Let it be known that you are looking at several examples...

If you want the car and want to pay his price, this is a non-issue. If you want it for less, be prepared to offer less then walk away. Again, I do not let the seller focus on how much THEY have into the car; instead, I focus on what the car is worth to ME alone. I offer based on that.

Drum brakes, Came out with a lot on the 68s, No trouble with mine, My 68 is a non # maching car that i have owned sence 74 it has ac power windows,rear window defrost, door gards, I came with a 4 speed, I have a auto in it now, I would like to get 14K for it, It is the same car in my avar, If anyone gets my68 my right arm goes with it...

[rememberfireball#22]

Classic GTO in Doylestown,Pa 215-794-2885 has been advertising a 69 in Hemmings for several months. Per ad it is Warwick blue,auto,fresh rebuilt engine,auto,buckets,console,fact AC,new vinyl top,hood tach,spoiler. Recent frame-off. Zero rust. Asking price is 19,900.00. Don't know if still for sale or already sold. I know nothing about this dealer or this car, just passing along their ad. They usually run a 1/2 page ad in Hemmings monthly. They seem to focus mainly on rare GTO's and Judges.

[Greg Reid]

The asking price is $24,500.00 and the seller told me that he isn't negotiable.

If this is true, you don't have to rush or worry about anyone divulging the location. He's going to have the car whenever you make a decision on buying it. It's a very nice GTO and I like it but the fact that he's firm on that price would drive me away from it.
The fact is, the market is down and there are too many nice cars that can be bought for that kind of money right now. '68s, although my favorite, are among the most available and generally near the lower end pricewise of all the GTOs between '64 and '72.

The reason is that he purchased it from one of the big nice classic car dealers and probably paid too much for it. I remember seeing this car on the dealer's website before the seller bought it and if memory serves, the asking price was like $29,000.00.

Reason # 2 to keep looking, IMO. You have to be VERY careful when dealing with the classic dealerships. Half the time, THEY don't even know what the car really is or how it was restored.

This one looks good, has AC, 4spd, less money, cool color, etc. (IMO)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_500wt_1182

At least at first glance, I like this one a lot better myself...and $2K cheaper. 4spd, A/C, much better color... Of course, that's all just based on looking at a couple of photos...and considering the seller states it has a 389...who knows?..lol
Frankly, I'd be shocked if it brings what he's asking for that one either.

[madtexan]

The July 2010 Legend magazine has a 68 GTO CONVERTIBLE, lists 400 HO, Auto, Red on Red, Ivory top PHS documented,His n Hers, Hood Tach, Disc Brakes, AM, states interior and exterior in good shape, numbers matching 1500 miles on rebuild for $25,900. Owned by seller for 17 yrs.

And 2 other 68 hardtops priced a little less.

The Legend is the GTOAA monthly newsletter magazine. IF you want to see these ads I can fax the pages over to you.

[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.

[webfoot]

Did you see the link I posted above? Heres another one (in texas) which was frame off restored (allegedly) for less money, auto, ac, etc...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...ht_1700wt_1161

[Bobcat Willie]

Mr. Dalton,
I am not real computer oriented. But my grandson told me about the site for Pontiacs.
I live in Duncanville south of Dallas. I bought my 69 GTO Judge back on March 23, 1969. My car is original and has a 4 spd with the drag racing gear. My wife got the car painted in 2001 for my birthday. I use to race that car in Dallas, TX back in the early 70's. It was fun winning races against the mustangs and chargers.
I hate to sell the car. But I think it would be best. My grandson wants to take the car to highschool. Please let me know if you may want the car. I do not know what its worth. But you are close by so come to my house to see it. The car will have to stay local so that my children can still visit.

God Bless,
Will Folger

[Gear_Jammer]

Originally Posted by webfoot

Did you see the link I posted above? Heres another one (in texas) which was frame off restored (allegedly) for less money, auto, ac, etc...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-...ht_1700wt_1161

Both of those are nice cars, but the first one is a 4 speed my guess is that it's not numbers-matching. The second one is really nice, but I can't live with that color. The first one doesn't, but the second one is an example of the kind of prices y'all have mentioned, but it's still not necessarily indicative of the overall market. I'm not saying that you're wrong - I'm just reiterating the fact that the price of the second might be more of an anomaly. Having said that, I hope I'm wrong and y'all can help me find what I'm looking for.

Originally Posted by Bobcat Willie

Mr. Dalton,
I am not real computer oriented. But my grandson told me about the site for Pontiacs.
I live in Duncanville south of Dallas. I bought my 69 GTO Judge back on March 23, 1969. My car is original and has a 4 spd with the drag racing gear. My wife got the car painted in 2001 for my birthday. I use to race that car in Dallas, TX back in the early 70's. It was fun winning races against the mustangs and chargers.
I hate to sell the car. But I think it would be best. My grandson wants to take the car to highschool. Please let me know if you may want the car. I do not know what its worth. But you are close by so come to my house to see it. The car will have to stay local so that my children can still visit.

God Bless,
Will Folger

I'm not really looking for a 4 speed, but I might be interested in going to look at your car. Please give me your email address and/or phone number and I'll get in touch with you.