OK, this has been said a zillion times and everybody’s sick of it, but I’m going to say it anyway: They’re only original once! That’s right, and this 1964 Pontiac GTO appears to be a perfect example of that vastly overused aphorism.
The full name of the Pick of the Day is 1964 Pontiac Tempest Lemans GTO, the first year of the seminal midsize muscle car spawned by the crafty minds of GM’s John DeLorean, Bill Collins and Russ Gee. The Pontiac GTO kicked off the muscle car competition among the domestic brands that hurtled through the 1960s and into the early ’70s.
This GTO has something extra special going for it. According to the Benson, North Carolina, dealer advertising the Pontiac on ClassicCars.com, the hardtop is in absolutely original condition, beautifully preserved and ready to be enjoyed.
“The preservation and quality of this car is the best we have seen in a long time,” the dealer says in the ad. “You will be very impressed with the original condition.
“You can restore a car and try to make it good as original, but being all-original is always the best. The show-quality survivor must be seen and driven to appreciate.”
Powered by its original 389cid V8 rated at 325 horsepower and linked with a 4-speed manual transmission, the Pontiac has just over 86,000 miles showing on its odometer.
“Mechanically, this pure GTO drives as good as you would imagine,” the seller says. “The 389 engine is so smooth and powerful. The Tri-Power carburetors have been properly rebuilt and perform flawlessly. The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears. The car rides very tight and corners well. It is evident that this Goat has been pampered its entire life.”
The Pontiac is outfitted with all the performance and comfort features that came with the GIT option, including a tachometer and gauge package, bucket seats, post-traction rear, dual exhaust and “spinner deluxe” hubcaps.
“This GTO has all original red paint that is in remarkable condition,” the dealer notes. “The paint is very shiny and is not cracking or falling apart. The trim and chrome (are) also original and looks like a car that is a few years old. The original interior is still neat and tidy. The carpets are believed to be the only part of the interior that is not original.”
The Pontiac looks just as good under its hood, the seller adds, with all-original paint and finishes.
The asking price for this unusual muscle car is $58,950.
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I purchased a 1964 GTO from Crestview Cadilac/Pontiac in West Covina. It was dark green with a black vinyl top! It had the engine chrome package with 3 carbs. Unfortunately an automatic!! I used to race a friend with his Datsun 240Z and he beat me every time!! NOT that much muscle!!
A friend of mine in my neighbor hood has an original. 1964 GTO Convertable Red. Black top. 4speed. Black interior. Bought new when he graduated High school with 30,000 original miles
Very nice 64 Pontiac GTO. very nice to see an original car.
I have an original 1964 mercury comet cyclone 22,500 miles. Which I drive and take to shows.
The vast majority of the time when cars like this are restored they are “over restored”, with more radical cams & throatier exhausts, however mild the intentions may be, that’s usually the reason original, unrestored examples like this, always seem to run more smoothly.
I believe in 64 a 389 with tri power was 340 HP. (325 was a four barrel) then in 65 tri power was 360 hp.
1964 GTO : standard engine single 4 barrel cab rated at 325 horsepower : optional engine came with 3 two barrel carbs rated at 348 horsepower. 1965 GTO : standard engine single 4 barrel carb rated at 335 horsepower : optional engine came with 3 two barrel carbs rated at 360 horsepower In 1965 the center carb was increased in size to be the same size as the outer carbs. The 1964 center carb was smaller than the outer carbs. I owned a 1966 tri-power GTO and a 1969 GTO. Check out the Lil’ GTO song by Ronny and the Daytonas. The Beach Boys did a version also.
Since this car apparently has the triple-carb setup, then most likely the 348-horsepower V8, in line with your comment.