When a domestic-brand car is assembled in another country, it blurs the lines of what constitutes an “import” car. This was the case with the 2004 through 2006 Pontiac GTO, which were assembled in Elizabeth, South Australia, but sold in the United States under an arrangement with Holden.
The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 2005 Pontiac GTO listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Broomfield, Colorado. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This 2005 Pontiac GTO is a two-owner vehicle for sale with 28,250 miles due to owner having issue with shifting manual transmission.”
The GTO has been a favorite in the American muscle car community for decades. The nameplate was first seen in the mid-1960s, and by 1974 the GTO package was part of the X-body Ventura platform. Equipment at the time included a Hurst-shifted manual transmission, a tuned suspension, a shaker hood, and other add-ons. Following the 1974 model year, the GTO name took a hiatus for about three decades.
That brings us to 2004, when the Australian-built GTO came to the states as the model’s fifth generation. Built as a Holden Monaro, it was imported as part of the same arrangement that gave us the Pontiac G8 (which itself was a domesticated Holden Commodore sedan).
The GTO had two different engine variants during its 2004 through 2006 lifespan: 2004 models were powered by a 5.7-liter LS1 V8, while 2005 and 2006 models had a 6.0-liter LS2. The latter was good for 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
This Quicksilver Metallic 2005 six-speed looks as great as one would expect from such a low-mileage example. The listing has a long roster of options shown, including a Blaupunkt six-disc audio system, a scooped hood, a rear spoiler, fog lamps, and automatic climate control. The 2+2 interior is upholstered in “Red Hot” leather with GTO embroidery, and the cabin is dressed in black contrasting materials for the dash, center console, and carpeting.
Whether or not you feel like this GTO qualifies as being a true domestic muscle car, there’s no denying that a 28,000-mile example is an exceptional find. The seller is asking $26,250 for this GTO, which comes with the owner’s manual and a window sticker.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I can’t speak for this particular vehicle, but I can tell you that I was forced to drive a Holden in New Zealand until the car we were supposed to have arrived. It was, with the sole exception of a very early Honda Civic, the worst car I have ever driven. Attaching the GTO label to this bland-looking sedan is a dishonor to the original GTOs.
If you are going to call a car the second worst car you have ever driven, you should at least tell us what was so bad about it. Looks don’t count. Well maybe I’ll make an exception on the Pontiac Aztec.