The Pontiac GTO is one of the most important cars in post war U.S. auto history. This is because many think of it as the first true muscle car ever. The GTO was conceived to be a muscle car at the start after GM execs saw how kids were modifying their mid size street cars, making them faster and more flashy. GM decided to start doing this in house despite the GM ban on racing and the result was the launch of the GTO as its own model in 1964.
An interesting fact about the GTO is that GM got its name from the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. GTO is an Italian acronym for “Gran Turismo Omologato” (grand tourer homologate in English), which signified in the case of the Ferrari 250 GTO that the car in question was certified by the FIA for racing in the grand tourer class as a production car with at least a hundred units made. Unlike Ferrari who did not make 100 250 GTO cars, a very cool Pontiac employee had the car homologated by the FIA in 1964, so that it was possible for the GTO to compete in European sports car racing.
The GTO we have here as our Pick of the Day is a first generation 1966 GTO convertible located in Vero Beach, Florida. This car is for sale on ClassicCars.com by Motor City Classic Cars. They state that this GTO is one that has recently received a no-expense-spared restoration. All around this car you can see that a significant amount of time and money went into bringing it to its fantastic condition.
The trim tag correct Montero Red exterior paint looks to be excellent as does all the chrome and other trim on the cars exterior. The white power convertible top goes up and down at the push of a lever and is said to fit perfectly.
This GTO is powered by a 389ci/335 hp V8 with Tri-Power carburetors tied to a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller adds that this GTO represents the perfect build and is a great vehicle to drive.
Options on this GTO include a correct matching red interior with bucket seats and center console, a custom sports steering wheel, rally gauge cluster with tachometer, and push button AM/FM radio. It is equipped with power steering, a SafT-Track rear, ride and handling springs, shocks, stabilizer and Hurst Rally II wheels that are riding on newer Redline radial tires. They close stating that this GTO checks all the boxes and that Pontiac Historical Society documents are included with the vehicle.
I have said this before and I’ll say it again. It is always cheaper to buy a restored car than to have one restored. If I were in the market for an exceptionally restored GTO convertible, I would seriously consider this one with an asking price of $98,000. I guarantee that the restoration of this car, if it is as good as it looks, cost more than the asking price.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com