1968 Ford Torino GT Convertible 289 V8 C4 Automatic

Description

Reserve is off! Highest bid will win.
This 1968 Ford Torino GT Convertible has a unique history. Built at the Lorraine, Ohio, assembly plant in April of 1968, the car was one of 159 built for Pace Car duties for the 1968 Indianapolis 500. This some-what rare Torino GT is documented with a Marti Report showing that the car was purpose-built for the 500 and not one of the Replica cars built by dealers after the race. This car didn't pace the actual race of course but it likely played other duties, like promotional events, transporting VIPs, etc. This is supported by its build date, its trim details and by its very special DSO code of 46999. See the Marti Report in the image gallery.
Although no longer sporting it's pace car trim, the car today is a serious head-turner. Everywhere I go, people stop to admire the car. And they often ask me if the car is for sale. Well, now it is. I need the garage space. It's time to let someone else enjoy it.
I bought this car from the previous owner in Florida 3 years ago and had it trailered up to Wisconsin.
The car is solid and straight. Itruns well and has good power. The previous owner told me the 289/302 engine was rebuilt about 6-8 years ago and that looks to be true. The enginehas a number of aftermarket performance parts including an aluminum intake manifold, electronic ignition and a Holley 4 barrel carburetor. The transmission is a C4 automatic. The car has front disk brakes and drums in the rear. I don't know the rear axle ratio; but I think it's stock 2.79. It has dual exhausts with older performance mufflers and sounds great. The steering runs straight and the ride is comfortable (1968 comfortable).
This is strictly an as-is car. Itdoes need work. The two most significant items needing repair are: 1. It needs a new power steering pump, and 2. a few months ago I lost all electrical power in the dash, so the instruments don't work or the lights and I can't raise the convertible top. I think this is more serious than just a blown fuse.
The odometer implies 178,800 miles but there is no way to be sure. The Holley 4 barrel carb can be moody in cold weather and in hot weather. And if the vehicle sits for a week or more it can require quite a few turns of the engine to get fuel back into the cylinders. If I keep it, a carburetor rebuild would be on my list of things it needs. The transmission has a slow drip leak which is solved with some cardboard underneath. The brakes are adequate but I think the power booster could be better. It has some minor rattles on the bumps. It's missinga piece of window trim on the driver side and the antenna mounting is loose. It doesn't have seat belts up front. I have the belts and I will include them. It obviously no longer sports its original pace car paint scheme but the red paint which was added likely in 2013 is beautiful and in great condition. The originalwimbledon white is still present in hidden places, attesting to its pace car heritage. The convertible top is generally in good shape but has some red paint overspray on it (likely a masking error). I do have some extra parts including the correct center console ashtray (hard to find) which a previous owner replaced with a tachometer. But, as I said above, the two things it needs most are the dashboard electrical work and power steering pump.
You can see the car in this video from two weeks ago:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71e5NYoJbHg&feature=youtu.be
Here are some good links with info on the 1968 Torino GT Convertible Pace Cars:https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/03/05/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1968-ford-torino-gt-convertible/https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Discussion-c11288_ds493565
Shipping/pick-up is the buyer's responsibility. It will need to be trailered to you unless you live close. The top can't be raised right now and it has no brake lights until the dash electrical issue is sorted out. So we will have to make sure it is trailered to you with a cover. Shouldn't be a problem.I can get you in contact with a transport company who is fair on shipping prices and can be trusted.
Please feel free to ask questions. I will answer your questions honestly and as best I can.
Please only bid if you have the money available. I prefer to be paid by bank wire transfer or cashiers check or cash in person. It is titled in Wisconsin and the title is clean.
The car is available most days to look over. I'm also open to having a hired agent to come and look at the car in person. I'm about 20 minutes outside of downtown Milwaukee.
Thanks and have fun bidding.
Last note: If you have 0 feedback please contact me first before bidding. If you do not your bids will be cancelled and you'll be blocked.