While the Pontiac GTO was originally an optional performance package for the midsize 1964 Tempest LeMans, the GM division quickly realized it had quite a winner on its hands and by 1966 marketed its groundbreaking muscle car as a standalone brand name, simply GTO.
The Pick of the Day is a sharp-looking restored 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO from that first year, which the Syracuse, New York, private owner advertising the car on ClassicCars.com says was totally restored in its original color of Skyline Blue.
While the restoration was completed some years back, the seller says, the GTO is “in fantastic condition, not perfect,” having been stored indoors and driven just 1,151 miles since restoration.
The seller describes it as an “original Tri-Power 4-speed car” that’s in factory spec other than a set of Torque Thrust wheels and stainless-steel exhaust with custom mufflers “for a better sound.”
“Original to the car options include tachometer, console with manifold vacuum gauge, seatbelts,” the seller says.
The Pontiac runs and drives well, the seller adds, noting that complete details of the restoration are available, including a photo journal. The car’s factory Protector Plate and build sheet are also available.
The GTO looks very fresh in the pictures with the ad, a real nostalgia piece from the dawn of the muscle car era. The options package on this car included a 348-horsepower, 389cid V8 with three two-barrel Rochester carburetors (instead of the standard 325-horsepower engine), 4-speed manual transmission, heavy-duty suspension, metallic drum brakes, limited-slip differential, heavy-duty cooling and an array of premium comfort and convenience features.
With the higher-performance engine, 4-speed and overall fine condition, the GTO seems reasonably priced at $54,000.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I also owned a 64 GTO tripower that was factory ordered and delivered in 1964 but this color was called “diamond blue”…..on my car. Had a white convertible top and interior. We’re there 2 colors so close together in 1964 ?