April 25, 2015 Automobile Auction Las Vegas
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2015
The Pontiac GTO was the brainchild of Pontiac engineer John Delorean and advertising executive Jim Wangers. Named by Delorean, it was inspired by the Ferrari GTO, the highly successful Italian sports car. An acronym for Gran Tourisimo Omologato, sports car purists would be outraged. In 1963 General Motor’s management banned all divisions from involvement in auto racing. At the time, Pontiac’s marketing was largely based on racing and performance driven cars. Wangers proposed a way to continue the performance image with a new focus on a powerful street car. It involved transforming the newly redesigned Tempest into a “Super Tempest” with a larger 389 cu in engine from the full size Catalina and Bonneville models. The GTO was technically in violation of GM’s policy limiting “A” code cars to 330 cu in displacement. However, since the GTO was initially an option on the mid-sized platform, it qualified by a loophole in the policy. The first GTO in 1964 was an option package for the Lemans model at a cost of $296.00. It included the 389 cu in 325 hp single Carter AFB four-barrel, dual exhausts, chrome valve covers, air cleaner, 7 blade declutching fan, floor mounted three-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter, stiffer springs, larger sway bars, wider tires and wheels and GTO Badges. Optional equipment included a more powerful “Tri-Power” engine with three two-barrel carburetors producing 348 hp. Fully equipped, the Tempest GTO cost nearly $4500. In 1967 GM banned multiple carburetors on all models except the Corvette. The Corvette division was concerned the GTO was encroaching on Corvette’s performance numbers, requiring the 67 GTO to increase engine size to 400 cu in utilizing the quadrajet four-barrel producing 255 hp. A Ram Air option with functional hood scoop, stiffer valve springs and longer duration cam to generate 360 hp. Times in the quarter mile and 0-60 were similar to the earlier three carb GT0’s at 6.1 and 14.11 however, at a 20% percent price increase to the 1964. Offered is an all-original, unrestored white on black 1967 GTO convertible. With just 82,000 original miles from new, this 400 cu in 255 hp V8 powered XM block with TH400 dual gate hydramatic, has no modifications and retains its matching number status. Rust free, it is heavily optioned with power steering, top, bucket seats with center console and wire wheel covers. The most desirable of the GTO range of production, this original unmolested, lovingly cared for example drives like new.• Totally original• Rare convertible GTO• Dual gate hydramatic transmission• 400 cu in 255 hp V8• Power steering and power top