Indy Pace Cars have been popular collector pieces since the first one rolled off the track and into a dealer's showroom, and this 1968 Ford Torino GT convertible is no exception. It's documented as one of the legitimate 709 pace car replicas built by Ford in '68 and features a clean look, a nice restoration, and a great-running 302 cubic inch V8 just for fun. All the Torino pace car replicas were Wimbledon white with a blue C-stripe, and most... carried a full decal package that made them identical to the cars seen at the Brickyard on Memorial Day, 1968. Some dealers would opt out of installing the whole package, and that's how this car was restored and if you want the full package, replica decals are always available and easy to install. Fortunately, the paint and bodywork underneath are in excellent condition, a perfect foundation for that particular upgrade and looking great just the way it sits. There are a few signs of use and a few careful touch-ups on the finish, and white cleans up so nicely that everything has an appealing, consistent look. It also wears correct GT emblems on the nose and tail, plus '302' badges on the fenders to advertise the V8 inside. I bet you're pleasantly surprised by how attractive this Torino is, aren't you? Too cool. The only sensible choice for the interior is blue, and that's exactly what you'll find here. Handsome bucket seats, new dark blue carpets, and fresh door panels give it a clean, bright look that will look good for years. The car originally had a bench seat, but the buckets are a natural fit and look right, so we'll call that a net gain for the next owner. You also get a great-looking dash pad with four round pods for the gauges, all of which are operational. The steering wheel is original and shows the effects of time and sunlight on plastic, as it's a slightly different color than the rest of the interior, but it isn't cracked or crumbling which is a big plus. A pair of auxiliary gauges were tucked under the dash so discreetly that you almost don't notice them, and there's an AM/FM/cassette stereo in the center of the dash. A power convertible top stows itself easily and includes a matching white boot for a trim look. And the trunk is correctly dressed with a mat and vintage spare tire assembly. The 302 cubic inch V8 runs superbly and has been neatly detailed for a very OEM look. A 2-barrel carburetor means that it's relatively thrifty but there's ample torque to make this big ragtop feel quick around town. There's a long list of new parts, including a radiator, fuel pump, valve cover gaskets, water pump, exhaust system, and rear wheel cylinders, so it's ready to enjoy right away. Correct decals, some Ford Blue paint, and a clean look all mean this is a car you'll be proud to own and show. The recently rebuilt C4 3-speed automatic transmission shifts nicely and with 3.10 gears out back, it's a nice highway car, too. The dual exhaust system sounds fantastic and no worries about major issues with the undercarriage because it's remarkably clean. Handsome styled steel wheels were standard equipment and carry 14-inch BFGoodrich radials all around. Heavily documented with a Marti Report, restoration receipts, and manuals, this is a rare pace car that not only looks great, but drives right. Why not stand out from the crowd a little bit? Call today!
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