When shopping for a classic to restore, condition is always a key factor to consider, and one of the most important things to ponder before making a purchase commitment. It’s not uncommon for some sellers to post autos that will require more effort and resources than would make a restoration feasible, then go on to ameliorate them as great projects or easy fixes. Kudos to the owner of this 1967 Pontiac GTO here on eBay for taking the opposite approach, describing his car as needing everything and best used for parts. Lots of work will be necessary here, but we’ve seen numerous offerings looking this bad or worse billed as worthwhile candidates, so perhaps this one can be saved if it gets into the hands of somebody with the right skill set. This non-operational Goat is in Victor, New York, with the opening bid of $3,995 yet to be placed.
Probably the best news here is that this was a one-owner example before the seller’s acquisition in 1999, and while under his care, it’s been stored inside since the turn of the century. However, it was previously driven around the state of New York during all seasons, then sat outside for several years after, so all of that deterioration isn’t a recent occurrence. The seller is upfront in calling the sheet metal very rusty, and suggests that this one’s most favorable use would be for parting out. Granted, I’m seeing a hefty project ahead, should the buyer go that route. However, if the underside is still intact (a big if), maybe this one could be turned into a rewarding restoration and eventually be back on the road.
The car’s completeness both inside and out is plus, and although the buckets need recovering and the carpet is ruined, it’s a positive that the rally gauge instrument cluster doesn’t seem like it’s been tampered with. For me, the most beautiful part of the interior is those 3 pedals and the stick-shift coming up through the tunnel, which feeds into a Safe-T-Track rear axle with 3.55 gears. The seller says that the drivetrain appears original.
Under the hood, the 400 is stuck, which could be the primary reason this one got parked all those years ago. We don’t get a panned-out photo showing the entire engine compartment, so it’s unknown what the rest of the bay looks like, but some minor good news here is that the seller thinks the carburetor is the original component. This 1967 Pontiac GTO is a multitude of levels beyond my ability to bring back to life, but perhaps others will see some potential and return this once great muscle machine to its former glory. Is this one better to take on as a project, or just relegate it to a parts car?
If you had a solid car that was an automatic and you wanted to convert it to a standard it might be worth buying but $1500 would be a fair price.
Why would anybody let a Goat deteriorate to this condition?
We have laws for child and animal abuse. The next step should be for vehicle abuse.
John Frazier,
I feel your sentiment. Circumstances vary with every car and I’ve seen or just about heard it all. From guys joining the military some never to return home to guys getting incarcerated for long period of time.
In such cases the cars set won’t start people have to move car gets left behind and life goes on. There are many more scenarios too numerous to list. So let’s not throw away the baby with the bath water.
The seller says he bought it in 1999 and stored it indoors since. He says the prior owner used it year round in upstate New York, that’s a death sentence for cars. This car led a life that it was supposed to, driven and enjoyed, only later, well after the muscle car era had ended did most people come to appreciate these cars as something more than fun transportation. Remember, there were hundreds of thousands produced every year for nearly a decade, with new and improved models every fall. If they had been squirreled away from new, like many of todays performance cars, they wouldn’t have the dedicated following they do now.
Your sentiment makes sense if someone, did this today to a well restored or preserved early-GTO or other muscle car, but doesn’t if you try to impose present day values on something that occurred 50+ years ago.
Steve R
Frame rot is the real hidden menace on these, especially from salty upstate NY winters. Check out a closeup of the left door. Sort of looks like the car is collapsing in the middle from frame sag. Anything can be restored and a 67 GTO with maybe original engine and 4 speed could be a labor of love. An Art Morrison frame, some sheet metal repair, and another $75-$100K and you’d have a nice driver. :-)
Art Morrison doesn’t make A-body frames, but Schwartz does, theirs start around $12,500 with basic suspension, but no brakes. A-body frames are common enough that someone could probably pick up a nice rust free OE frame for a couple thousand, probably less in an area where rust isn’t a big issue.
Depending on what parts are usable and what a potential buyers is building, this could make for a viable parts car for project. There are some pretty desirable components, hopefully they aren’t too far gone to be used. Anyone interested will need to see the car in person to get a feel for the car and its components condition, then make an offer accordingly.
Steve R
You were right. The seller just posted this: “ Update – This car is not restorable – It has frame rust, and parts are rusted away along with severe body rust – Best used as a parts car for your good body and frame.”
I drug one home way worse condition than that one. This one actually looks salvageable compared to the one I brought home
Man, I’m trying to save this car from the crusher but I’m having a hard time. Still thinking though. Ahhhh I give up.
If that carb is the good news, please spare us the bad. Lived in upstate NY, and they used LOTS of salt on the roads.
If a 67 GTO just has to be in your stable, keep looking. The owner claims frame rot now. Like he said, its a parts car. If you’re a builder, go see it and I’d bet he’d take half his asking. I’ve worked on several muscle car projects over the years for customers. Long story short, they ALWAYS ended up going WAY OVER BUDGET. And their starting points were in much better condition than this..
To bad the glory days are over for this one!
R.I.P.
Sold on 8/19/2025 for a high bid of $6,051.
Steve R
What a “roach”!