1969 Pontiac GTO

Description

Meticulously cared for by the same owner for the last 30 years, this slick red 1969 Pontiac GTO is a matching-numbers car with some nice options, proving that you can still get a high-grade Goat for not a lot of cash. Following the factory specs, it is handsome as well as fast, comfortable as well as intimidating, all things that made the GTO a legend in its own time.

Red isn't this car's original color (that would be code 73 Vedoro Green), but if you're repainting your car from the sheetmetal on up, it's not a bad idea to use an eye catching color. If there's a car that gets more attention than this on the road, I can't imagine what it might be. The shiny paint tells you all you need to know about this car, as the reflections are distortion-free and the gaps are excellent all around. The GTO didn't need stripes or even a wing to stand out, although the two scoops on the hood might serve as a kind of warning, and this car sports optional Hide-Away headlights, a popular option with GTO fans. The chrome and stainless trim was restored, too, so it sparkles against the bright red paint. A black vinyl roof adds some sophistication and looks great with none of the usual signs of trouble lurking underneath.

The incredibly inviting black bucket seat interior is quite likely nicer than it ever was when it was new, with nicely detailed seat covers that emulate the always-interesting Pontiac design motif. Fitted carpets, correct door panels, and a woodgrained center console make it look upscale instead of basic. Interestingly, this car carries the standard gauge package, which covered only the bare minimums like speed and fuel level, but the original owner did spring for factory A/C as well as a tilt steering column. There's also a pushbutton AM radio, which, admittedly, isn't all that exciting but proves that the restorer had his priorities straight. Open the trunk and you'll find that it's neatly detailed with a correct mat, a full-sized spare with matching Rally II wheel, and a jack assembly.

Even the base GTOs got the big guy: 400 cubic inches and 350 horsepower are on tap here. This is the car's original, numbers-matching engine, rebuilt and detailed correctly, and now showing some signs of use. Bright chrome valve covers and a bold red and white decal on the air cleaner suggest that the Pontiac guys knew their buyers would spend a lot of time looking around under the hood, and someone went the extra mile to make sure the little stuff was right. You'll note correct finishes and materials used throughout the engine bay, from the brake booster to the Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block, and it runs great. It will sound familiar when you turn the key and barks through a set of twin glasspack-style mufflers that give it a smooth, powerful voice. A heavy-duty TH400 3-speed automatic feeds a 10-bolt rear end with Positraction, so it's fast off the line but doesn't mind highway drives with the A/C blowing. It isn't detailed for show underneath (although it is quite clean), but with a car like this, the experience is about driving, not looking at it with mirrors. The Pontiac Rally II wheels were restored, too, offering bright trim rings and PMD centers, as original, and they're wrapped in 225/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials all around.

Documented with PHS paperwork, owner's manual, original warranty card, service records, and the original window sticker, this awesome GTO offers the style, performance, and yes, even a bit of luxury that made Pontiac so special in the 1960s. Call today!