1971 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.

Treated to a loving frame on restoration in 2003, we present for consignment a beautiful 1970 GTO 400ci 4-speed convertible in a striking and rarely seen color combo.  Restored, but not so much to make this a trailer queen, resprayed in its original hue, sporting its original interior, and numbers matching engine, but was converted to 4-speed manual during the 2003 redux, this car was made to be enjoyed.  A build sheet and PHS documentation is included for the car and the odometer shows 55,106 non verifiable miles.  Turn the key, drop the top and pop the clutch on this serious GOAT.

Exterior
For 1971 GM tweaked the GTO's design with a number of detail changes and subtle refinements.  At the front of the car, Pontiac's installed mesh twin grilles that protrude just a bit 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 Ram Air air intakes that have been moved to the leading edge of the hood for the 1971 model year.  Behind those intakes, the windshield glass is bordered by an attractive layer of bright stainless trim and correct body colored sport mirrors.  Below that mirror and bathed in a respray of Canyon Copper, 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 and only minor touch ups in the Endura front bumper.  On the back fenders, '68-era arrowhead marker lights have been exchanged for wraparound tail lights and at the back of the car, a chrome bumper hangs proudly with slightly revised for 1971 tail lights between quad exhaust tips.  Never overlooked are the GTO decal callouts in white on the front fenders and the trunk lid, so you don't forget who you're about to mess with.  Add in some yellow highlighting decals arching their way over the wheel wells and following the coke bottle-esqe body lines and we have a sure fire winner.  15-inch Pontiac Snowflake wheels are on all 4 corners and give the right vibe and lest we forget the slightly soiled but tear free white 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 and original Dark Sienna 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 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 machine turned “GTO” emblems above the original hardware and armrests.  Below those panels, very clean and newer Sienna carpet frames chrome trimmed foot pedals.  In front of the driver, what appears to be the original 3 spoke thick black rimmed rimmed steering wheel with a PMD logo in the center sits atop the factory installed tilt column, like the rest of the interior appearing as new.   Don't forget to peer out the windshield and breathe in the factory installed hood tach to help you keep an eye on the heartbeat of this Poncho.  Behind the passengers, the trunk is finished with correct spatter paint and has a correct liner mat and full sized spare tire.  

Drivetrain
A numbers matching 400ci 4881988 casting and YS stamped V8 steel blue painted block rests between the fenders and is fed fossils and air via a 4-barrel carburetor with the help of factory Ram Air.   A date correct but non-original Muncie M20 4-speed manual is behind the mill and sends power back is a 10-bolt WB stamped axle holding 2.56 conventional gearing.  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 a 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 400 cubes sprung to life.  On our well hidden test track I experienced wonderful acceleration, smooth shifting and nice steering input from the power steering.  Braking was solid and all functions were working with the exception of the AC, horn, clock and reverse lights.  While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. 

Overall, a nice and very rare example of the 1971 version of the Pontiac GTO.  Competently restored with only a few minor flaws, a numbers matching engine muscle car right from the folks at Pontiac.  With some 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.

242671P112596

2-Pontiac
42-GTO
67-Convertible
1-1971
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
112596-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 71 24267-1971 Pontiac GTO Convertible
BDY PON064276-Pontiac Body #
TR 264-Dark Sienna Vinyl Buckets
PNT 62E-Canyon Copper, Beige Top
12C-3rd Week December

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!