1970 Pontiac GTO

Description

You already know by glancing at the price that this 1970 Pontiac GTO hardtop isn't a trailer queen. However, it is a real-deal GTO with a great-running 455 cubic inch engine, a 4-speed, an awesome color combination, and tons of street presence. If you always thought Pontiac's greatest muscle car would always be out of your reach, guess again!

The shape is instantly recognizable, the urethane front bumper is one of the most famous of the era, and no other car of the period could quite match the swagger of Pontiac's GTO. Somehow they hit on just the right combination of horsepower, style, and comfort to resonate with buyers, and with an anything-goes attitude that got us cool features like the twin nostrils up front and a big wing out back, this Goat has quite a bit to offer. The blue paint is pretty close to Atoll Blue, a more subdued choice than the original code 34 Mint Turquoise, and it works rather well here. The finish is well done with lots of metallic in it so it really sparkles, and while it's got a few signs of use and age on it today, there's nothing that should stop you from getting behind the wheel and having some fun. Panel gaps are better than you'd expect at this price, and it's fitted with the proper GTO emblems that are remarkably subtle for such an in-your-face performance car. The rear bumper is bright chrome, and the rest of the trim is in good condition so it's easy to believe this car led a relatively easy life.

The black interior has had a fairly substantial and comprehensive freshening, including correct upholstery on the bucket seats and a console to provide the true GTO experience. The door panels are in great shape and the carpets are recent, so it looks and feels quite fresh inside. Factory gauges show a bit of clouding on the lenses but they all work properly, and the engine-turned panel for the secondary controls is still bright and shiny. You'll note this car has factory A/C, which is fully functional thanks to an R134a refrigerant upgrade and the three-spoke steering wheel is one of the best-looking helms of the era. A factory AM/FM radio still lives in the dash and does its thing, and you have to love the look of Pontiac's minimalist center console. The trunk is finished with what appears to be the original mat and possibly the original spare, a vintage Firestone Wide-Oval bias ply.

It's hard to argue with the performance of this Pontiac's potent 455 cubic inch V8, which isn't numbers-matching, of course, but delivers the big hit of torque that you'd expect. Rebuilt a few years ago to stock specs, the WA-coded 360 horsepower big block is big on torque and runs superbly. There's nothing radical or unusual under the hood, and the workmanship on the swap was done so that most folks won't even know it's been swapped. Detailed in Pontiac Turquoise with chrome accents, the engine bay is neat and tidy and pretty accurate, although it's forte isn't showing, it's driving. Backed by a 4-speed manual gearbox and a 12-bolt rear end, it's every bit as quick as you'd hoped. A great sounding dual exhaust system offers just the right burble without getting overwhelming, while the rest of the chassis looks pretty original save for a set of recent shocks. Factory Rally II wheels are some of the best-looking of the period and carry 235/60/15 Firestone radials all around.

Documentation is also pretty impressive, including a dealer invoice, PHS paperwork, Protect-O-Plate, and plenty of restoration receipts. A nice GTO at an awesome price. Call today!