Barn finds have become a familiar part of the collector car landscape, but genuine Hemi-powered convertibles discovered after decades of storage remain exceptionally rare. Mecum Harrisburg 2026 will offer one such example when this 1968 Plymouth Hemi GTX Convertible crosses the block on Saturday, July 25.
Finished in striking Sunfire Yellow with green stripes over a white interior accented by a green dashboard and carpeting, the GTX represents one of the most desirable combinations of Mopar performance, rarity, and preservation. More importantly, it is believed to be one of approximately 24 late-production Hemi GTX convertibles built for the 1968 model year.
The story behind the car is almost as compelling as the specifications.
According to Mecum, the convertible was discovered in a barn in Scottsville, New York, where it had reportedly remained since the early 1970s. The car was owned by Edward Bransfield, proprietor of Ed’s Garage, who parked the GTX decades ago and never returned it to regular service. Following Bransfield’s passing, the car was purchased from his estate in 2017 with an odometer reading of 34,326 miles. Since then, it has reportedly accumulated only three additional miles.
Unlike many dormant muscle cars that lose critical components over the years, this GTX retained its matching-numbers driveline. Power comes from its original 426-cubic-inch Hemi V-8, factory rated at 425 horsepower, paired with its matching TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
One detail from the car’s rediscovery has already become part of its lore. One of the original carburetors was missing during the initial inspection. When asked about its whereabouts, Bransfield reportedly stated it was sitting on a shelf in his closet. That is exactly where it was eventually found.
Rather than undergoing a complete restoration, efforts appear to have focused on preserving and reviving the car while maintaining its authenticity. The matching-numbers Hemi engine was repaired and rebuilt, while the original transmission remained intact. New brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, and a master cylinder were installed, although the original brake shoes were retained. Additional work included a replacement fuel tank, a recored original radiator, a new distributor, alternator, and exhaust system.
The GTX rides on redline tires and is accompanied by a Dave Wise report, an important piece of documentation for serious Mopar collectors seeking authenticity verification.
The car’s significance was recognized shortly after its discovery. In 2018, it was displayed at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN) Barn Finds exhibit, one of the hobby’s most respected showcases for newly discovered collector vehicles.
Included with the sale are a new convertible top, replacement seat covers, door panels, and carpeting, giving the next caretaker options regarding future preservation or restoration decisions.
For collectors, the appeal of this GTX extends well beyond its legendary Hemi powerplant. Genuine Hemi convertibles rank among the most sought-after American muscle cars ever produced, and examples with documented histories, matching-numbers drivetrains, and decades-long ownership stories rarely surface.
As a result, this barn-find GTX may become one of the standout Mopar offerings when Mecum’s Harrisburg auction reaches the Saturday spotlight. See it here.
John Lloyd