1971 Pontiac GTO

Description

Although the look is subdued, this 1971 Pontiac GTO hardtop is kind of a big deal. It's one of only 532 built with the big block 455, it's loaded with options, and thanks to a frame-up restoration it's one of the nicest of its kind that we've ever seen.

OK, so the Quezal Gold paint is the height of '70s funky, but for those of us who dig the oddballs, it only adds to this Goat's appeal. Look beyond the color, however, and you'll see a car that was very nicely restored starting with a solid original body, so the results are quite impressive. Crisp detailing shows off the "eyebrows" over the wheel arches, the deep shine of the two-stage urethane paint, and subtle GTO badging that makes this car something of a sleeper despite being 100% stock. The body-colored grille and bumper assembly gives the early '70s GTOs a unique high-performance look that matches up with the hood scoops immediately above for a very cool look. The black vinyl top was also replaced during the restoration using correct materials and the fit is extremely good with no wrinkles or popped seams. There's a bit of shiny trim on the car, including optional stainless fender trim (shown on the build sheet) and the bright window surrounds, and it's all quite nicely finished.

The black bucket seat interior is just as it was ordered and the nicely cushioned bucket seats are some of the most inviting chairs we've seen in a muscle car. They're correctly done and lightly used, so they're comfortable without being worn, and a center console between them makes this a very desirable car. The instruments are probably original and in good shape, with a trio of aftermarket gauges under the dash. Options include factory A/C that works properly, an 8-track player down low that will still play your favorite tapes from that garage sale, and an AM/FM radio in the dash. The back seat looks almost completely unused, the door panels are correct replacement pieces, and the carpets are protected by a set of black floor mats that blend invisibly into the background. Hit the button and the optional factory trunk release pops the deck lid where you'll find an optional luggage lamp as well as a matching spare tire and wheel package with jack assembly.

Only a handful of GTOs received the 455 cubic inch V8, and this one carries what appears to be a code YC service replacement block dated February 16, 1971, so it's period correct. It was restored with some invisible upgrades inside, including a bigger cam that has a nice lope, 6-6 head castings, and a mandrel-bent exhaust system that sounds awesome. It wears correct Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel, a chrome air cleaner lid and twin-snorkel body, and proper finishes on the bare metal parts. The original, numbers-matching TH400 3-speed automatic transmission was rebuilt and reinstalled, along with the original 12-bolt rear end which carries easy-cruising 3.07 gears on a Posi limited slip. It's impressively tidy underneath with signs of having been driven (it's a very reliable cruiser that finished the 2009 Power Tour), but nothing that should scare you away. And while the build sheet says it came with honeycomb wheels, who doesn't love the industrial-strength look of painted steelies with dog-dish hubcaps and a set of fat 245/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich radials?

Rare and fast are great descriptors of this awesome GTO, but the look is what really catches the eye. If you like unusual performance, this car definitely delivers. Call today!