For 1968, the entire Pontiac line was completely redesigned, with the image-leading GTO awarded Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award. Now riding on a shorter 112-inch wheelbase, the 1968 GTO introduced “fuselage” styling with a long hood, short deck treatment. Frontal styling was bolder than ever with optional concealed headlights and a tough body-colored Endura bumper, which was hit but left undamaged by John DeLorean’s sledgehammer blows in a famous TV ad. Pontiac maintained its third-place industry ranking and nearly 11% of the new car market for 1968, and the GTO was a major factor in that success. More than 77,000 GTOs were built in 1968, including 9,980 convertibles. From just $2,996, nearly anyone could get an out-of-the-box supercar with the premium-level GTO including such upscale standard features as a deluxe sport steering wheel, interior courtesy lamps, a choice of bucket or notchback bench seats with a central armrest, and more. Sales were strong, with the GTO reigning as America’s best-selling performance car for 1968, succeeded by its GM stablemate, the Chevelle SS, in 1969. According to published production numbers, this GTO is one of just 1,227 convertibles produced for 1968 with the optional 400 HO engine and, of them, it is one of only 766 equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission. Other choice features, options and amenities include a Hurst floor shifter, Saf-T- Track limited-slip rear end, power steering, Rally II wheels, the Rally gauge cluster with tachometer, bucket seats with a center console, and a power-operated convertible top. Other highlights include an updated Kenwood cassette radio, plus a rear-seat speaker, optional retractable headlamp covers, Custom seat belts and a Custom steering wheel, Soft Ray tinted glass, luggage compartment and underhood lamps, and wheel arch and rocker moldings. PHS documents confirm original features and options for this iconic American muscle car in top-of-the-line convertible form.
