In the grand scheme, the muscle car movement of the 1960s and 1970s lasted for less than a decade. By 1969, the leader of the pack – the Pontiac GTO – was already seeing an erosion in demand, so they launched The Judge edition that year, which only helped marginally in sales. This ’69 GTO convertible isn’t a Judge and it isn’t original either, having a later engine under the hood and a conversion from a 4-speed to an automatic. Needing some TLC, this Poncho is in Rapid City, South Dakota, and comes with a parts car here on eBay. The current bid for both is $10,300.
When Pontiac announced the GTO in 1964, company executives expected to sell only 5,000 copies a year. Instead, 32,000 rolled out the door in the first outing and sales were up to 96,000 by 1966. Then came competition followed by insurance companies who raised premiums on anything with a performance-sounding name. Production numbers in 1969 were still quite good, but off from the peak, and included more than 7,400 drop-tops, including this one.
We’re told this GTO wears an older, “amateur” restoration – which means it has some rough edges now. Part of that is what the seller describes as “poor, driver quality” blue paint. The interior and top are said to be worn, with the latter having one small tear. The original 400 cubic inch V8 has been replaced by a similar engine from 1972. And, a TH-400 automatic transmission now resides where a manual once lived.
The seller adds that the mileage is “extremely high,” but the odometer reading isn’t provided. Nor is the VIN or cowl tag so we could check out exactly how the automobile was built 55 years ago. The Pontiac runs well and has been maintained, though the seller categorizes it as a “project.” For example, the grille is missing, but is one available off of the parts car that will come with the deal? From the photo of that vehicle, there doesn’t seem to be much that could be of any value with the blue GTO.
Price is certainly good for both cars if it doesn’t go too much higher. The parts car’s drivetrain is good to have either for reselling or backup for the blue car. That heater could be useful out of the parts car if you live in the northern climes. Could be a good deal going on somewhere here.
Too many unanswered questions. In today’s crazy priced market place, cost of repairs to a car with NOM and NOT seems hardly worth the undertaking. Jnmo
One to drive and one to restore?
The deeper you’d dig, the scarier stuff you’d find.
Guaranteed.
Looks solid.
Looks can be very deceiving.
Checking panel gaps on these convertibles before buying is strongly advised.
Must be a shortage of soap and water in America’s heartland.
Sometimes an obvious beater is a better option than an “amateur” coverup.
Been there, found that.
Idk which is the better restoration project. Does the Parts GTO have its original Drivetrain and build tags ? If so I’d get the motor rebuilt, take any sheet Metal from the Blue car needed, top Motors and rails ( replace canvas ), doors dash etc see which has the better interior, and use as much OEM parts as possible , and make it a car people would love to get their hands on ! Or just Enjoy . Either car would be great, but the closer to original the better, if both Drive trains are not original , strip the Parts car and sell the shell , frame rails, etc
Why change a 4-speed car to an automatic 😫😫😫 I had a 69 convertible 4 speed, AC car ! Wish i had never sold it !!!!
The swap to an automatic is a deal breaker for me. Maybe if I live to be 80 that might change.By that time I might have to search for the ignition.