1968 Ford Torino GT Convertible - Rare Indy 500 Pace Car

This 1968 Ford Torino GT Convertible is solid and straight. It runs well and has good power. The paint is beautiful and in great condition. The previous owner (from Florida) told me the engine was rebuilt about 6-8 years ago and that looks to be true. The engine has 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 good. The steering runs straight and the ride is comfortable (1968 comfortable).

This is strictly an as-is car. It does 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 Holley 4 barrel carb is moody, especially in cold 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. A carburetor rebuild would be high 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 missing a 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. The paint is beautiful and in great condition. 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.

This car does have a unique history. Built at the Lorraine, Ohio, assembly plant in April of 1968, it was one of 159 Torino GT convertibles built for the 1968 Indianapolis 500. This fact is documented with a Marti Report showing that the car was purpose-built for the Indy 500. This car didn't pace the actual race of course but it likely played other duties, like promotional events. This is supported by its build date, it's original wimbledon white paint which is present in hidden places, and most importantly by its very special DSO code of 46999. See the Marti Report in the image gallery.

Although no longer sporting it's original pace car paint scheme, 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. Here's a short video of the car (copy and paste the link): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71e5NYoJbHg&t=1s

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, which I have and will include. 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.

NO RESERVE. I Need The Space Now. Please only bid if you have the money available. I prefer to be paid by bank wire transfer or cashiers check 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.