1970 Pontiac Le Mans GTO Tribute

Description

GTO looks and performance without the GTO price tag, that's what this 1970 Pontiac LeMans GTO tribute is all about. Freshly restored and ready to rumble, it brings a 400 cubic inch V8, factory A/C, and a few welcome upgrades that make it a fun cruiser that gets a lot of attention.

1970 was probably the high-water mark for muscle cars, and none looked better than the GTO, which explains why this car is sure to generate a lot of attention. The all-new front end gave the GTO a traditional Pontiac look that was unlike anything else, and it remains true today. The vivid blue paint on this tribute makes it a real eye-catcher and the details that emulate the GTO are all faithfully reproduced. In addition to the straight bodywork, which shows quite well even under the bright lights in our studio, it sports a proper Ram Air hood and wing on the deck lid, as well as the requisite GTO emblems in the proper locations. The paint shows well, and while this isn't intended to fool experts, most of the guys at the local cruise night will nod appreciatively at this car's handsome good looks. There's also a nice-fitting black vinyl top that doesn't show any issues underneath and with a lot of bright chrome and stainless trim, the vivid electric blue paint really pops.

Buckets and a console are familiar GTO fare and they make the illusion here far more convincing. The upholstery is in good shape with only minor signs of use and age, pretty much as you'd expect for a car approaching its 45th birthday. A tilt steering column holds a Grant GT steering wheel that's a bit more muscular looking than the original thin-rimmed piece and it still frames a three-hole dash with factory instruments deep inside. Woodgraining on the dash and center console give the GTO an upscale feel inside, which was totally Pontiac's idea when they designed it, and the bright strip of trim that houses the AM/FM radio and A/C controls is a styling detail that dates back to the earliest days of the Goat. In back, the seat looks virtually unused and the trunk is in good order with proper spatter-finish paint.

The engine is based on a code YX 400 block, and with upgrades like a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and long-tube headers, it cackles and snarls like a proper GTO should. The block is finished in corporate turquoise paint, so it looks the part, and with chrome valve covers and a matching open-element air cleaner, it has the right attitude. Professionally rebuilt in 2010 to 360 horsepower specifications, it's an extremely strong runner with a fantastic exhaust note thanks to a recent Flowmaster exhaust system with turn-downs ahead of the rear axle. The TH350 3-speed automatic transmission always seems to find the right gear and a 10-bolt rear end doesn't seem to mind the torque running through it. It's pretty original underneath, but that only means you can easily spot signs of trouble and this car has nothing to hide. The suspension and brakes are largely stock, but those big 17-inch Torque Thrust wheels and 245/45/17 Kumho performance radials give it a period look that's more in tune with today's style.

This isn't a pedigree car, but it is a really straight GTO tribute with a very stout motor. If having fun is your goal, this car does it better than most. Call today!