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1967 Pontiac GTO @ Russo and Steele

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Posted on 06.23.2009 16:00 by kirbygarlitos
Filed under: Pontiac | Pontiac GTO | muscle cars | Russo and Steele

If there is one car that has to be considered as the Godfather of American muscle cars, no vehicle can make a better case than the 1967 Pontiac GTO.

Conceptualized by the dynamic trio of Russell Gee, Bill Collins and John De Lorean, the GTO rose into prominence for creating a car that paved the way for future muscle cars to grow somewhat of a cult following among the speed-induced, thrill-seeking youth market of the 70’s. While the car is universally lauded these days as a true American icon, it actually was developed in the mold of a Pontiac Tempest, the difference being the GTO – which incidentally was named by De Lorean as a tribute to the Ferrari 250 GTO – included a 389 CID (6.5L) Pontiac V8 engine, as opposed to the 326 CID (5.3L) standard Tempest V8. Despite drawing criticism for the use of the ‘GTO’ tag, which in Italian stands for, Gran Turismo Omologato, Pontiac went ahead and put the car in its production line with modest expectations. Suffice to say, Pontiac had no idea the car would hit over to the market so much that it has since become a classic masterpiece, and a cultural icon to boot.

This particular Pontiac GTO is as close as anybody can get to the American original. Proof of its validity includes an authenticated Pontiac Historical Services documented GTO from California. Moreover, the car also comes with a Protect-O-Plate and its original Owner’s Manual – dusted up, of course.

The car also retained its Base Coat/Clear Coat Urethane Original Regimental Red Paint Work with Black Bucket Seat Interior, a tribute to its original look that captured the hearts and wallets of Americans back in the 70’s. The car has undergone a number of restorations as well, including all-new chrome, polished stainless steel moldings, new emblems, and a completely detailed under-carriage detail.

This GTO has also been outfitted with an automatic transmission with HIS/HERS floor shift and console, as well as power steering, power disc brakes, and a new dual exhaust with chrome tips.

Despite having had its fare share of nip-and-tucks, this 1967 Pontiac GTO still exudes an aura that is only reserved for vehicles that have reached iconic status in America, and there is, without any question from anybody’s mind, the Pontiac GTO is at the top of the mountain as far as iconic cars in America are concerned.

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