Among the more interesting turns in the GTO’s defining history is that it was born as a car which was specifically forbidden to be produced at GM, but was nevertheless, able to slip through the cracks in a corporate edict that performance cars were off the menu, and to make its way into production.
As sales began to list it became clear that Pontiac’s salvation may come in the form of a product oriented toward the growing market of younger buyers. By 1962 Pontiac proceeded with the experiment with the desired results: increased sales. Hurst shifters began to appear on floor mounted manual transmissions and larger more powerful engines began to find their way into many other GM models.
Spearheading this radical effort was the then Pontiac chief engineer John Z. DeLorean who insisted that performance and styling would sell cars. DeLorean designed the GTO but Pontiac General Manager Elliot “Pete” Estes is credited with pushing the idea through the politics at GM. Regardless, the birth of the GTO represents the true beginning of the Muscle Car era–a movement which still enjoys tremendous popularity.
Wildly popular upon its introduction, the GTO was hailed as an instant classic, and to this day, the GTO remains near the top of the chart as among the most sought after and collectable cars of all time.
Featured here is a lovingly restored 1970 Pontiac GTO convertible finished in Cardinal Red with gorgeous black interior. This superbly cared for numbers matching GTO features: 400 350hp V8, factory A/C, power steering, power brakes, center console, bucket seats, dual exhaust, PHS documents, and original protect-o-plate.
For those in the market for a GTO convertible of this vintage and quality, this handsome classic is one of a mere 3,615 produced and will certainly prove to be among the best investments, in or out of the automotive kingdom, one is likely soon to make!
