Car: Pontiac GTO 2-Door Coupe
Year: 1964
What makes it special: The GTO was produced by Pontiac in generations from 1964 to 1974 model years, and by GM’s subsidiary Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. The first generation GTO was a muscle car of the 1960’s and 1970’s era. Although there were earlier muscle cars, the Pontiac GTO is considered by some to have started the trend with all four domestic automakers offering a variety of competing models.
What made it famous: The first Pontiac GTO was an option package for the Tempest model, available with the two-door coupe, hardtop, and convertible body styles. The $295 package included a 389 cu in V8 rated at 325 bhp at 4800 rpm with a single Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, chromed valve covers and air cleaner, seven-blade clutch fan, floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter, stiffer springs, larger diameter front sway bar, wider wheels with 7.50 × 14 redline tires, hood scoops, and GTO badges. Optional equipment included a 4-speed manual or a Super Turbine 300 2-speed automatic transmission, more powerful “Tri-Power” carburetion consisting of three 2-barrel Rochester 2G carburetors, rated at 348 bhp, metallic drum brakes, a limited-slip rear, heavy-duty cooling, ride and handling package, and the usual array of power and convenience accessories. With every available option, the GTO cost about $4,500 and weighed around 3,500 lb. A tachometer was optional, and was placed in the far right dial on the dash.
Why I would want one: For most, this is where the 60’s Muscle Car began, and this was the car that started it.
Fun fact: The GTO model was revived from 2004 to 2006 model years as a captive import for Pontiac.
