Solar Red. Even the color sounds cool. New-for-‘68 GTO had all new styling and all new attitude. Completely redesigned inside and out, the new car was quicker and more nimble, more user-friendly and most importantly still unmistakably GTO.

Pontiac Historical Services-supplied paperwork shows this car’s restored as it should be. Solar Red on the outside, an Ivory White top and a black interior make for a striking car. The Rally II wheels are supposed to be there, too. There’s an AM radio inside, a tinted windshield, a clock to keep tabs on time and power steering to make your life easier. Interestingly, this GTO was one of the few not ordered with hidden headlights – so many cars came with them that people frequently believe it was standard equipment! There’s a replacement 400 and white letter radials replace the optional white line bias plys originally installed, but everything else lines up from the body panels to the VIN on the transmission.

Let’s get some numbers out of the way.

VIN: 242678P357304—— 2 = Pontiac, 42 = GTO, 67 = Convertible-2 door, 8 = 1968, P=Pontiac assembly plant, 357304 = Last 6 digits of VIN & production number.

Trim Tag :

07B 51 – 1

ST 68 – 24267 PON 3814 BDY

TR 235 c R 1 PNT

07B: 07 = July, B = 2nd week, Build date

ST 68 - 24267 = Style 1968, 242 = GTO, 67 = 2 door Convertible.

PON = Pontiac, MI. Assembly Plant

3814 BDY = Fisher Body tracking number

TR 235 c = Interior Trim, 235c = Black bench seat.

R 1 PNT: R = Solar Red exterior paint,

1 = Ivory White convertible top.

As stated above, the motor is a replacement piece but the transmission and rear are original to the car.

The car was delivered to Rinke Pontiac Co, at 25420 Van Dyke, Centerline, MI -that accounts for the short $13.00 deliver charge! Better yet, the dealership is still in business! That’s a rarity in itself!

The overall condition of this car is excellent. Let’s start outside. White outline GTO decals match up neatly with the white top. The paint is very straight, very smooth, and very red! The Endura front bumper is in excellent condition with no warpage. The front and side marker lights and taillights are new. Body gaps are nice and tight. All brightwork is present and shines well. This is a real head turner – GTOs lines for ‘68 are even more sultry when topless!

Drop the top (the power mechanism functions beautifully) and take a look inside. A mix of new and original components make for a very nice place to pour on miles. New door panels, new seats, new carpet and a new woodgrain sport wheel put you back-to-1968-new in touch with the car. All switchgear operates as designed, all dash lights and instruments function as they should. This is a well-sorted car that you could drive anywhere! What could be better than that?

Cool. Heck – they even had Frank Sinatra in the ads! Red, convertible, GTO – the trinity of muscle! Step up to Pontiac!