Real-deal GTO hardtop with documentation including PHS paperwork and original window sticker. Great-running YS-coded 389 4-barrel V8 believed to be original. Automatic transmission. Two owners from new. An affordable GTO with a great pedigree that just needs some TLC.
You already know from the price that this isnt a show car. It has an older repaint and an original interior that needs some love, but theres no question that it is a real GTO with a great pedigree, including what appears to be the original 389 cubic inch engine. Its finished in its original color scheme of code B Blue Charcoal over a code 224 Parchment interior with a black vinyl top, and its a very appealing combination. It was repainted many years ago and shows some age, but its certainly presentable so you can drive it as you freshen other areas of the car. The vinyl top is in excellent condition with no signs of major rust issues underneath, which is a relief. Panel gaps are very good and it has nice chrome and stainless trim that looks great against the medium blue paint. The original emblems are still in place, giving it the right GTO signature and highlighting the cars mostly original history. Again, this isnt a perfect car, but its a good place to start if youre looking for a genuine GTO to make your own.
The Parchment interior is entirely original and shows the effects of age on 1960s vinyl. Both front seats have some splits and tears on the seat covers, so replacements might be a good first step in the process. The rest, however, is pretty nice, including the black carpets and dash pad, which isnt cracked or cooked by the sun, and the original door panels that are holding up surprisingly well. The back seat is completely usable as-is and the woodgrained appliques on the dash arent faded or washed out. This car is kind of unusual with its bucket seats and column-shifted automatic transmission, but thats how it was ordered according to the original window sticker. The clock and radio are offline, which isnt a surprise, but things like the lights, signals, horn, and wipers are all operational so you can enjoy the car right away. Thats the original headliner overhead, and it shows a little bagginess around the C-pillars, but it isnt torn or discolored so that could probably be tightened up to really improve things. The trunk is clean and solid with no rust issues, and includes a full-sized spare tire with an original hubcap (in fact, a complete set of original hubcaps is included with the car).
The engine is a correct YS-coded 389 cubic inch V8, which is the right engine for a 335 horsepower 4-barrel car with an automatic transmission. Theres no indication that it has ever been replaced so we believe it to be the cars original powerplant. It wears a coat of Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel, along with a set of shiny chrome valve covers and a matching louvered air cleaner, a Pontiac trademark. It runs rather well, starting easily, idling nicely, and generally making the GTO a lot of fun to drive. It is equipped with power steering which makes it easy to handle and the 2-speed PowerGlide automatic transmission is a smart choice if you dont want to shift it yourself. 3.23 gears on a Saf-T-Track limited slip are a great combination for relaxed road manners, and the suspension feels surprisingly supple-a benefit of a car that hasnt been torn apart. A look underneath reveals good floors and a solid frame, although theres surface scale throughout on the heavy metal pieces. A newer dual exhaust system sounds suitably muscular and theres evidence of recent service work like new shocks, new rear springs, and some new components in the front end. It drives quite well and delivers the right muscle car experience. Correct Rally II wheels are the right choice and these carry 235/60/15 performance radials of indeterminate age.
Documentation is extensive, including a full PHS package, the original window sticker, original owners manual, a chassis manual, and more. It also includes a replacement speedometer head and a set of original wheel covers.
Look at the car and then look at the price. We didnt make a mistake. Its a real-deal GTO with great papers and lots of performance for not a lot of cash. You could invest a little sweat equity in the car and have something great or just get in and have fun without spending your kids college fund to do it. Either way, this GTO gets a lot of things right and remains one of the all-time most popular muscle cars. Take a closer look then give us a call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
