Spectacular frame-off restoration. Loaded with options like power windows, seat, antenna, hood tach, and tilt column. Correct YS-coded 400, fully rebuilt. Highly detailed and ready to show or drive.
We especially like the Vedoro Green paint, which has a base of gold underneath, so it simply glows in the sunlight, yet remains subtle and grown-up, which is ostensibly where Pontiac was aiming with their entire lineup, including the GTO. As you can see by sighting down the flanks, this sucker is laser straight, far better than it was in 1969, and that two-stage urethane paint shines like nothing they could have imagined on the factory paint line. Part of that comes from the fact that a lot of the sheetmetal is new, including the quarters and the NOS front fenders, but that’s hardly a crime when the guy doing the work is this talented. Go ahead, just try to find the welds—you won’t. The final finish was color-sanded and buffed to give it that incredible shine, and as I said, it has only test and tune miles on it, so there’s nary a mark on the entire body. It’s gorgeous! The urethane nose shows zero cracking or signs of distress and all the chrome and stainless was restored, not replaced, so it fits better than the repro stuff and has a brilliant shine. There’s even a set of T3 headlights up front for that final bit of authenticity, and at about $300 each, that’s a sizeable investment.
According to the paperwork, the interior was changed from the original green to black, which you’ll probably admit was a smart move. That also means that everything inside the car that isn’t green is brand new, including the seat covers, carpets, door panels, dash pad, and myriad other details that need to be just right in a car of this caliber. Factory gauges are all fully operational, including the way-cool hood tach, and they’re supplemented by an under-dash temperature gauge that was more for tuning during shake-down runs than something that’s needed today. There’s a factory AM/FM radio in the dash and it’s linked to a fully operational power antenna out on the rear deck, and all four power windows zip up and down without any trouble. The top is brand new as well and is one of the most beautifully fitted GM convertible tops I’ve ever seen. No wrinkles, no sags, and it folds properly and doesn’t require three men to secure it to the windshield header—someone got it exactly right. The trunk is beautifully finished with spatter paint, a reproduction mat, and a matching full-sized spare tire assembly with jack. You’ll note a somewhat rare trunk light tucked in there and this car also includes a remote trunk release in the glove box. I told you it was loaded up!
The engine is a correct YS-coded 400 cubic inch V8 that’s date-coded to just before this car’s build date. With only a few hundred miles on the build, the engine is still fresh and looks highly detailed in the satin black engine bayProper tower hose clamps were used throughout and the detailing is exacting, meaning this car is not far from being ready to show. However, it drives so well that showing might not be what you choose to do. Turn the key and it starts easily and idles well, even when it’s cold, and there’s a big hit of torque available at almost any speed. Even the base GTO got a 335 horsepower engine, so performance is impressive.
And don’t think that the TH400 3-speed automatic is a handicap, either, because this GTO snaps to attention and barks through the gears, making it easy to simply stomp and steer. This is the car’s original, numbers-matching transmission, and it feeds the original 10-bolt rear end, which is full of highway-friendly 3.31 gears. The undercarriage has spotless new floors, all finished in correct satin black so that the fresh lines and hardware really pop. The suspension, the bushings, the springs, and the shocks are all new, so it rides and handles like a new car, and the only notable deviation from stock are a pair of Flowmaster mufflers, but you’re going to love the way they sound. Brand new Rally II wheels were installed, along with a fresh set of 215/70/15 BFGoodrich T/A radials.
This beautiful GTO is also nicely documented with PHS paperwork plus a pile of restoration photos that show the entire build from start to finish.
Cars restored to this level aren’t often affordable, but this spectacular GTO is within reach. It’s got a strong pedigree and the condition is hard to fault. Whether you drive or show, this awesome ragtop should be at the top of your shopping list if you value quality. There surely can’t be many that are cleaner, straighter, or better-sorted than this. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
