If you read Part I of this story in the July '04 issue, then you already know HPP is in the process of examining a very rare '68 GTO convertible 52,500-mile survivor that was factory equipped with a 400 Ram Air II engine. You also already know that this particular Ram Air II GTO convertible was very strangely optioned with the 366-horse, round-port engine, close-ratio four-speed, mandatory 4.33 rear, and manual steering to go fast. However, it also has a bunch of luxury and style options not normally found on a racer, like AM/FM stereo, power windows, power antenna, remote decklid release, wood steering wheel, lighted ignition switch, underhood lamp, trunk lamp, console, custom seatbelts, vanity mirror, door edge guards, hidden headlights, cornering lamps, exhaust tips, and spare tire cover.
You also know that Robert S. Bugbee, Jr., owner of Alpine Restorations in Lake Placid, New York, found the GTO in a friend's garage and bought it before he knew how rare it was and that HPP wants to show you as much cool factory-type stuff remaining on this Pontiac as possible, hence the two-part story.
Why are we telling you all this if you already know it from the last issue? Because, believe it or not, not everybody got the last issue. Some may have missed it on the newsstands, had a neighbor steal it from their mailbox, or perhaps are discovering the magazine for the first time. Therefore, part of the purpose of the Part II introduction is to review some of what happened in Part I, so new readers won't feel lost when they read Part II. Simple, right?
Now let's get to the photos and captions. For those just joining us, Part I covered the engine and its compartment, so you'll have to order the back issue if you want to see them; now it's time for the body and interior to conclude our story. Enjoy.
Part II of this story will...
Part II of this story will delve into the body and interior of this '68 Ram Air II survivor. Note the optional dual exhaust extensions (code 482). The mud flaps are not stock.
This is an open hood scoop...
This is an open hood scoop for the ram-air package. When it rained, it was suggested that the fiberglass scoop ornaments be replaced with the pot metal, non-ram-air, closed ones.
As we move into the cockpit,...
As we move into the cockpit, all we can see is pure GM original interior code "221" in April Gold. The only exception is the floor mats; the dirt on the mats may be 35 years old.
Sitting in the driver's seat,...
Sitting in the driver's seat, the driver saw this for 52,000 miles, since the original purchaser ordered the optional Rally gauges (code 484)--still a sight to behold and all-factory GM.
This is the optional remote-control...
This is the optional remote-control decklid release (code 492) for 1968. It's located in the glovebox. The hole beneath it is for the optional lightbulb in the dash that lights the glovebox (code 664).
The tire pressure sticker...
The tire pressure sticker remains. Note it's not GTO-specific.
Rowing through the gears of...
Rowing through the gears of the M21 four-speed with a 4.33 rear out back must be an exhilarating experience. This Hurst stick is topped by an optional custom floor-shift knob (code 524).
Want to know if the carpet...
Want to know if the carpet is original? Look for the label. The original carpet was manufactured by the Magee Carpet Company and the date of manufacture is noted on the label.
Here is a correct example...
Here is a correct example of the "Body by Fisher" emblem and how it was attached to the sill plate. From the time the GTO was born until late 1972 the plate was double-riveted to the sill plate. After that, the factory-installed and superceded parts were glued down, but the correct look is with the rivets up to late 1972.
In the doorjamb we can see...
In the doorjamb we can see one item, which is specific to convertibles, the wedge up near the top of the jamb near the interior panel. This little piece keeps the doors on convertibles from rattling when closed since ragtops flex more than hardtops.
On the door we can see the...
On the door we can see the correct installation of the optional door edge guards (code 412), which are held in place by screws. Aftermarket and '71-and-later guards are push-ons. Also shown is the other piece of the door wedge that matches up with that on the jamb.
As we learn more and more...
As we learn more and more about sheetmetal and dates, it becomes apparent that the sheetmetal tells a story. Here we see "23767" that's deciphered as follows: "2" for Pontiac, "37" for LeMans quarter-panel that shared its parts with the GTO, "67" for convertible, and "68" for 1968. This is located at the water channel by the trunk area.
The power antenna (code 381)...
The power antenna (code 381) was located in the trunk on a slight angle. Should the buyer not check this box, the antenna would be located up front on the right fender. Note to restorers: this antenna was installed after the trunk was spatter-painted.
After removing the spare,...
After removing the spare, we see the tire-changing tools. We can't help but notice the difference in the shades of blue between the jack and the lug wrench. Current thought is that they were all one color. Also note the size and diameter of the J-hook that holds down the tire.
Here is the correct spare...
Here is the correct spare and wheel for 1968. The wheel is a 14x6 Rally II (option code 453) and the tire is a G70-14 Goodyear bias-ply redline (code PC).
Note the correct wheel letter...
Note the correct wheel letter code "JA" (for a disc brake car, "JC" for a drum brake car) and its placement on the rim. Close by is also a date code that contains the number of the month and day of manufacture, but it cannot be seen in this photo.
Here's proof that the GTO...
Here's proof that the GTO sat in storage for quite a few years.
We have not seen a punch card...
We have not seen a punch card or Pontiac Warranted Owner Protect-O-Plate for quite a while (of course, these are copies of the originals).
All of this documentation...
All of this documentation was located in various parts of the car.