1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible

The Pontiac GTO became known as "The Goat" due to an interpretation of the letters that make up its name. Figuratively speaking, the car's "defiant, stripped-to-the-basics personality" also had a hand in cementing the moniker, according to Edmunds.com. It is speculated that the acronym GTO, which stands for Gran Turismo Omologato, was taken from the Ferrari 250 GTO. American consumers have a history of shortening the names of cars with multiple syllables, and this likely influenced the nickname of this Pontiac brand. "The Goat" is catchy, easy to remember and was essentially born out of convenience.

Purchased by our consignor in October 2008 after being lovingly restored, we present for consignment a beautiful 1 of 158 built 1970 GTO 455ci 4-speed convertible. Restored, but not so much to make this a trailer queen, resprayed in its original hue, sporting its original interior color, however not holding it's numbers matching drivetrain within, this car was made to be enjoyed. A build sheet, window sticker and PHS documentation is included for the car, along with service records make this for one serious GOAT.

Exterior
For 1970 GM tweaked the GTO's design with a number of detail changes and subtle refinements. At the front of the car, Pontiac's installed smaller twin grilles with quad headlamps at the edges of the iconic Endura bumper. Below that bumper, the car's front valance features revised and more aggressive square parking lights; and above that bumper, a sculpted hood with Pontiac's legendary 'twin nostril' Ram Air air intakes. Behind those intakes, the windshield glass is bordered by an attractive layer of bright stainless trim and a correct chrome driver's side mirror. Below that mirror and bathed in a respray of Baja Gold, aggressive fenders and body lines are highlighted by dent-free stainless wheel well trim, straight stainless rocker moldings and traditional chrome door handles. The gaps are well minded throughout the body and just a few inclusions and flaws are seen in the paint, particularly on the lower panels of the body and we note nearly no cracking in the Endura front bumper. On the back fenders, '68-era arrowhead marker lights have been exchanged for wrap-around taillights and at the back of the car, a chrome bumper hangs proudly with new for 1970 taillights between quad exhaust tips. Never overlooked are the GTO 455 decal callouts in black on the front fenders and the trunk lid, so you don't forget who you're about to mess with. 15-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels are on all 4 corners and give the right vibe and lest we forget the like new black canvas convertible top with its perfect glass rear window.

Interior
Take a look inside this A-Body's cockpit and you'll find a snazzy correct Saddle interior. Front and center a straight and crack-free dash wears a wood applique around the original gauges with an engine turned aluminum panel at the bottom. On the floor, a Hurst shifter in the original center console sits between the two bucket front seats. The seating, both front buckets and rear bench show very nicely with the driver's seat being the only area presenting with wear, albeit extremely minimal. At the sides of those seats, stainless-trimmed door panels hang red-inlaid “GTO” emblems above the original hardware and armrests. Below those panels, very clean tan carpet frames chrome-trimmed foot pedals. In front of the driver, what appears to be the original 3 spoke Saddle plastic rimmed steering wheel with its Pontiac arrowhead in the center, like the rest of the interior appearing as new. Behind the passengers, the trunk is finished with correct spatter paint and has a correct liner mat and full-sized spare tire.

Drivetrain
A 1974 455ci, 485428 casting and YY stamped V8 steel blue painted block is topped with casting number 4X cylinder heads and rests between the fenders where the original 455ci HO V8 used to reside. A correct but slightly suspect, (due to stamping font on the partial VIN and the transmission production date being post vehicle production date), number matching Muncie M21 4-speed manual is behind the mill and sends power back is a 12-bolt XU stamped but now holding 4.33 gears within the Safe-T-Track rear axle. This engine presents nicely in a fully restored engine bay and has some extra bling from the factory in the form of chrome valve covers and a chrome air cleaner lid assembly.

Undercarriage
Give this car a lift and we are met with independent front suspension and 4-link rear suspension. Power disc brakes are up front and power drums are on the rear to help bring the car to a halt and dual exhaust with stock style mufflers snakes its way from the mill back. All of this is supported by a strong steel frame replete with light surface rust and black paint. The rest of the undercarriage is a mix of black paint and light road dirt splashes. No invasive rust is noted and this strong black environment that will provide a long lasting solid structural support.

Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and as I put my foot into it the 455 cubes sprung to life. On our well-hidden test track I experienced wonderful acceleration, smooth shifting and nice steering input from the manual steering. Braking was solid and all functions were working just dandy however the radio loses reception from time to time but that is most likely due to our lush rolling valley.

Overall, a nice and very rare example of the 1970 version of the Pontiac GTO. Competently restored with only a few minor flaws, a non-numbers matching muscle car right from the folks at Pontiac. With a gobs of documentation and remaining true to its original colorings, this goat won't last long, all nicely wrapped up and waiting for you to turn the key.

VIN DECODE
242670B125823
2-Pontiac
42-GTO
67-Convertible
0-1970
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
125823-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
ST 70 24267-1970 GTO Convertible
BDY B658299-Baltimore Body #
TR 255-Saddle Vinyl Buckets
PNT 55H-Baja Gold, Dark Gold Top
12D-4th Week December Build

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.