Restored 1968 Ford Torino GT 390 Fastback

Here is a 1968 Ford Torino GT Fastback which is an original California car, mechanically restored by a hobbyist whose first car was a 1968 Torino.  The documentation through photographs of the restoration process reflects commitment, knowledge and an appreciation for the marque – whose first year was this 1968 model year offering dual headlights on each side as well as specific-to-Torino graphics and emblems.  This example was imported to Ontario in 2005.  It includes a Deluxe Marti Report, a document familiar to Ford aficionados and appearing in our gallery.

The current owner purchased it in 2020 and took on the mechanical restoration project.  Originally finished in Seafoam Green, it wears a shade of maroon, applied while in the custodianship of a prior owner, over an original black interior.  It also retains its stock 390 cubic-inch High Performance V8, paired with the original C-6 three-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels.  In addition to the restoration photos shown in the gallery, the car includes much documentation and spare uninstalled parts detailed in this listing.  An indication of originality, this car is currently registered with “Collector status” in B.C.

The black interior remains stock.  For instrumentation, there are four large round gauge pods, with a 120 MPH speedometer in a central position beyond the two-spoke steering wheel.  The incorporated odometer shows under 37,000 miles, though true mileage is unknown (TMU).  Other instrumentation includes a combination fuel gauge and water temperature light; a 6000 RPM tachometer; and a clock.  There are front bucket seats, an upgrade from a bench, separated by a console with a floor shifter.  The vinyl coverings present well, though there is a seam split in each of the front buckets depicted in our gallery.  The rear bench is in a matching black vinyl and is furnished with three seat belts.  The front lap belts are supplemented by attachable roof-mounted shoulder belts, another period look.  The original Philco AM radio is in place; an FM receiver has been added to it by a specialized electronics installer.  Options are listed in the Marti Report included in our gallery.

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The factory 14-inch GT steel wheels are shod in BFGoodrich T/A radial tires installed in 2020, size 215/70R14.  The tires show raised white lettering and provide an era look.  Date codes are photographed, years consistent with installation, and they have been driven under 1500 miles.  The Hankook full-size blackwall spare bolted down in the trunk is newer, mounted on the black steel spare rim in 2021.

The High Performance 390 cubic-inch V8 is a step up from a 302 c.i. unit.  The replacement carburetor is a 750 CFM unit by Edelbrock.  Seller has itemized the upgrades since 2020 as follows:

Brakes: front rotors, pads: rear drums, shoes, hardware; booster (rebuilt); master cylinder, park brake cables; brake distribution block/proportioning valve (rebuilt), front wheel bearings.

Transmission: fluid/filter change, Aug 2023.

Exhaust system: downpipes to mufflers (original rear side-exit tail pipes in place).

Cooling: radiator (new core), thermostat and housing, hoses.

Steering: pump (rebuilt), ball joints, power control valve, NOS slave cylinder, anti-roll bar (1” upgraded) & links; steering box (rebuilt), steering wheel, turn signal lever.

Suspension: coil springs, leaf springs & bushings, shocks, front sway bar & bushings, lower control arms, upper ball joints.

Lighting: 4 headlights, LED front marker bulbs, LED rear tail/brake light bulbs, reverse light switch (refurbished), light switch, footwell lighting added.

Interior: carpet set, steering wheel, turn signal/horn switch, dash cluster printed circuit, “Philco” radio upgraded with FM receiver, rear 6×9 & front 4×10 speakers, antenna, door armrests.

Electrical: Wiper motor, wiper blades, voltage regulator, battery, battery cut-off switch, alternator (rebuilt to 60 amp), horns (with relay).

Ignition: “Pertronix” ignitor, coil, distributor cap, rotor, leads, spark plugs.

Fuel: Original fuel sender rebuilt, fuel filter, carb rebuilt (Edelbrock 750cfm installed)

Accessory belts

Weather seals (doors, windows, trunk, rear taillights)

Owner mentions that there is seepage of transmission fluid from the gear selector linkage.  When cleaning, there is water seepage through the rear window seam to the parcel shelf, indicative of a need to replace the suspected original window weather strip adhesive.  During his work he found evidence of minor body work having been performed behind rear wheels, in quarter panels, and in trunk opening (shown in photo gallery).

Spare parts and other inclusions:
gauge cluster, wiring schematic diagram, original steering wheel, steering wheel pad, ignition points & coil, horns, console ash tray, starter solenoid, fuel filter, voltage regulator, two “390” fender emblems, two sets of sway bar links, headlight switch, door interior light switch, original California licence plates, two dealer brochures.

The VIN tag decodes 8K42S180773 as follows:
8 – 1968
K – Built in Kansas City
42 – Torino 2-door fastback
S – 390 4V V8 engine
180773 – sequential build number

The warranty tag decodes as follows:
63D – Torino GT, 2-door fastback
O – Light Green (Seam Foam) exterior color, Ford #2040-A
8A – Black vinyl bucket seats
01D – scheduled for build the 1st of April
72 = San Jose, California District Sales Office
7 – 3.25 conventional rear axle ratio
U – C-6 select-shift automatic transmission

This restored 1968 Ford Torino GT Sportsroof Fastback 390 is available with photographed spare parts, restoration photos and service records, Marti Report, manuals as photographed and two sets of keys from the owner in Surrey, British Columbia.

More videos and Photo Gallery appear below the bidding section. 

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