Numbers-matching Tri-Power 389, fully documented, special-order color, factory A/C, and a former GTO Association of America Concours Gold Award winner. One of the best we’ve ever seen!
The first thing everyone asks is about the color, which is indicated on the trim tag as “1.” The PHS paperwork also suggests that this was a special-order car with custom paint in an unknown color, but the bright red paint is certainly attractive. Finish quality, as you might expect, is exemplary and we can find no evidence of wholesale panel replacement or patching. Those long quarters are arrow-straight, the doors fit well, and gaps are at least as good as new throughout. There’s a deep reflection in the shiny two-stage urethane paint, and while it shows a few signs of use and age (the car was completed in 2009), it’s still gorgeous today. All the chrome and stainless trim was restored at the same time and it proudly wears GTO emblems that mark this as the pinnacle of Pontiac performance in the mid-60s. Even the headlights are correct T-3 units (all four of them) which are probably worth a sizeable chunk of change all by themselves. Obviously, this was not a cut-rate restoration.
Black bucket seats are correct and match the trim tag, and everything you can see or touch inside this GTO is new. This car was ordered new with a lot of options, including A/C, tilt wheel, power antenna, console, and Rally gauges. GTO experts will note that if you wanted A/C, the only way it came was paired with a PowerGlide automatic transmission, and that’s what’s in the car today. The A/C works, the power antenna glides up and down, and the black convertible top is brand new, so it stows effortlessly with the touch of a button, and it includes a matching black boot. The woodgrained steering wheel is beautifully refinished and the Rally gauges show bright, crisp markings behind clear lenses and we have every reason to believe that the 61,676 miles showing on the odometer are a correct reading. The trunk is beautifully finished with proper spatter paint, a reproduction mat set, and a matching spare tire with cover and jack assembly.
The original YR-coded 389 cubic inch V8 with Tri-Power is fully rebuilt to stock specs and detailed for show with Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block, proper round air cleaners on the carbs, and correct fasteners, decals, and clamps used throughout. You’ll note there’s an operational engine compartment courtesy light, which is something we’ve never seen before, and it is equipped with both power steering and heavy-duty power brakes. Turn the key and it fires easily thanks to an electric fuel pump tucked underneath and out of sight, and even with Tri-Power, there’s exactly zero fussiness. Smooth idle, no stalling, and ready to rock within a few seconds of starting. This is a car that’s been done right.
The transmission is a 2-speed PowerGlide automatic, which was your only choice with A/C, so some of you will whine and moan that it doesn’t have a 4-speed and that’s OK. This car isn’t for you. However, nobody will be able to complain about the condition of the underside, which has beautiful satin black floors with no obvious patching or repairs, a correct reproduction dual exhaust system with optional tailpipe extensions, rebuilt brakes and shocks, and a lot of new hardware throughout. There are proper spiral shocks (this car has the optional Ride & Handling suspension), a new gas tank. 3.23 gears on a Saf-T-Track limited slip differential live in the original 10-bolt housing out back, making this car a comfortable cruiser that’s ideal for road trips. Original Rally wheels look great with shiny trim rings and are fitted with correct 7.75-14 US Royal redline tires, but we might swap them out for some radials if we were planning to really drive the car.
Documentation is extensive, including full PHS paperwork that proves it’s legit. It also includes judging sheets from the GTO Association of America proving that it has earned Concours Gold status, a reproduction window sticker (showing a whopping $1550.86 worth of options on a $3059 car!), and a factory service manual.
We understand that GTOs are important cars, and that’s why this car gets so much attention. It’s just right. Beautiful restoration, worthy car, fantastic paperwork, and just plain fun to own and drive. GTOs just don’t get much better than this. Call today!
For more details and 100 photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
