I know we just featured a GTO earlier today, but Jim S sent this one he found here on eBay and it was such an interesting find that I had to take a closer look at it. It caught Jim’s attention because it looked like a Chevy Nova with a GTO front end grafted on to it, which is actually exactly what it is. For many the last GTO was built in 1970, but Pontiac tried to keep the breed alive and in ’74 they introduced the last Pontiac to wear the GTO name. The new design was based on GM’s X-body platform and from the A pillar back is identical to the Nova, it is even powered by a 350 V8. This example is looking rough and needs a full restoration, but it is one of only 7,058 built. While it might not have the get up and go of earlier Goats, it has plenty of potential and if the 350 doesn’t offer you enough power you could always stuff a GTO 400 under the hood! Thanks to Jim S for this tip!
I know what they called it back in ’74 but this car is a wreck and Pontaic should be ashamed of itself for badgeing this POS or any other 74 as a GTO. A GTO is an A body, pure and simple. The had the Grand Am, and the Le Mans as A bodies with Big Block engines, not to mention the 73 GTO to carry over to 74. Sorry, no matter what they called this car, it’s a 350 Nova with Pontaic emblems, and ugly to boot.
The Gto in ’74 was an option on the Pontiac Ventura. GM made 3 other “sister” cars to the Nova. I rememeber this from back in the day when cars were cars:
N ova- Chevrolet
O mega- Oldsmobile
V entura- Pontiac
A pollo- Buick
Not my favourite GTO. The 350 is a Pontiac 350 not a SBC.
That sure looks like a SBC to me. Ugly car. Rough shape.
A SBC would make it worth even less.
After owning 4 GTO’s this one is also not one of the favorites BUT like the Mustang II it was a sign of the times. Myself I wouldn’t pay more than the 2K he supposedly has in parts. JMO
The ad says that it comes with a 400. “Engine:400” and “It has a 400 engine that will need assemble” Did I miss something? Not my favorite Goat either but I’ve had some fun in that style Nova! It looks like it could be a fun project. The restoration could produce a vehicle with a unique “head-turning” twist.
There was a real nice one for sale here in Colorado last fall, (complete and original, just needing a total restoration because of sitting). I’ll bet it’s still for sale, since these just aren’t popular cars…
While I love GTOs and this body style, this seems like a good idea poorly executed by Pontiac. A huge step down from the previous model years.
Never be worth a whole lot missing the original motor. Build a big stroker motor out of the 400 sub frame connectors steeper gears 4speed set of slicks and go play. There is a pearl white one that goes to norwalk ohio for the pontiac show that ive seen on its rear bumper! Thats a sight.
Here’s a picture of the posted GTO in the original showroom manual. I picked up a treasure trove of Pontiac manuals from the early to late 70’s featuring the Trans Am’s and other great 1970’s Pontiacs. Email me if you’re looking for a manual for your car…….kch126@hotmail.com
I own a 1974 G.T.O,bought it brand new,stored it every winter being from illinois & it has 54000 original mi.,i understand it might not be everyone’s cup of tea but i can tell ya being red on red it gets alot of looks at the shows because most tell me they’ve never seen one before.I may be partial because i own one,but i can tell ya it’s alot fun to drive,it might not be a 12 or 13 sec.car it’s a product of the times, but when you jump on it and those secondaries open up it’ll push you back in the seat and put a smile on your face.I’d say reserve your judgement till you get a chance to drive one,you just might be surprised.