John DeLorean always envisaged that Pontiac would become the performance marque within the General Motors empire, and in 1964, he made that dream a reality when the company released the GTO. It was the badge that created the muscle car market segment, forcing other manufacturers to join the party or risk being left behind. This first-year example is an absolute gem, featuring a Tri-Power V8 providing power befitting a genuine muscle car. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this stunning Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Cars of this caliber are rarely cheap, and you will need to dig deep and hand over $39,900 to take this GTO home.
If I had a penny for every word that has been written about the Pontiac GTO since its unveiling in 1964, I could easily afford to buy this 1964 example with plenty of cash left in the bank. The car could easily have been lost in the background noise created by the release of the Ford Mustang, but buyers seeking a genuine high-performance motoring experience recognized that the GTO was something special. It spawned a range of competitors from other marques that saw a fierce horsepower race develop throughout the 1960s. The first owner ordered our feature car in Cameo Ivory with a contrasting Black vinyl top. The seller stresses the originality of this classic, suggesting that it has never undergone repairs or restoration. If that is accurate, and we must take the claim at face value, the condition is absolutely stunning. The paint retains a healthy shine, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the vinyl is in as-new condition. However, this classic’s beauty is more than skin deep. The underside shots confirm that this GTO is rust-free, which is unsurprising considering it has been garage-kept throughout its life and spent many years residing in the south. The trim looks excellent, and the glass is clear. The only aspect of the exterior that I don’t like is the American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels. They are, loosely speaking, appropriate to this car. However, I would prefer to see this Pontiac with its original wheels, and I suspect that there will be many readers who agree.
Black vinyl trim, bucket seats, and a console. These features combine to provide a classy interior. The seller has accentuated this impression by adding aftermarket gauges to monitor life under the hood and a retro-style stereo for tunes on the move. As with the wheels, reversing those changes would be easy if the buyer seeks authenticity. Otherwise, this interior has no pressing needs. The vinyl is free from wear and distress, the dash and pad are in good order, and there is no carpet fading. I don’t mind the wrap because it protects the wheel from wear and physical damage.
The seller confirms that while this GTO is numbers-matching, the Tri-Power setup is a later addition. The company’s Sales Brochure confirms that this 389ci V8 produced 325hp and 428 ft/lbs of torque when it left the factory, although the improved breathing should have raised the engine’s power output to 348hp. A two-speed automatic handles shifting duties, with power assistance for the steering and brakes lightening the driver’s load. Pontiac didn’t release official performance figures for the 1964 GTO, but even though this car is hampered by the two-speed transmission, it shouldn’t have any trouble returning a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET. The seller confirms that this two-owner classic comes with appropriate PHS documentation and that it runs and drives extremely well. Flying in and driving home is a realistic expectation and is an ideal way for the buyer to discover all that their new toy offers.
I acknowledge that this 1964 Pontiac GTO isn’t an original Tri-Power vehicle, but it is still a stunning car that will command respect wherever it goes. Reversing the changes required to return the car to its factory form would be relatively easy and is a path that purists may consider. However, if you are seeking an American motoring icon that can be considered a high-end driver, this GTO ticks that box. Me? I’d probably swap out the wheels and leave the car largely untouched. Do you agree?
I bet you could get this GTO down the track way under 16secs Clarkey 😎🏁👍
Easily, IF you beefed up the transmission along with a stall converter. I’m not sure you can strengthen it however, since this is a different trans than a Power Glide, a favorite among drag racers. I’d rather adapt a 7R400 transmission if possible, and modify it for extreme duty.
700-R4 requires an adapter for BOP applications, as well as shortening the driveshaft. The 200-4R is pretty much a direct bolt-in, and a much better option for BOP👍🏻
It was 1973 and us Boomers just received out first reality check as suddenly gas prices shot up from 35 cents per gallon to a stratospheric 75 cents and to top it all off there was not enough to go around. First it was long lines and signs saying “No Gas” Then it was odd or even license plates and fights were common. At that time I owned a well worn 67 VW and a guy I knew had a clean 64 GTO- we soon swapped straight across. I didn’t need the Goat for a daily driver, and held on to it until the shock passed and people began to realize we were never going back to 35 cents per gallon. I later sold it on for a decent profit.
Back in the day of ’73 I was working at a gas station. I filled up a guys VW and it cost $5.35 to fill. I thought he was going to punch me while screaming “I’ve never paid over $5.00 for a fill-up before!” Yep, those were the days!
1968- $2.50 to fill up my Fiat 850 sport. although in one of those 16 year old moments, I bought instead of a used Mustang 350 from Ford Newport Beach Aeropspace executive used cars for 2500.00 oh well I would likely be dead if i had it in college. Hindsight
LoL in 72 ,I got $10,00 a week Allowance, that paid to fill up my 66 SS , take my GF to the Drive in, McDonalds, and Skating the next night and back n forth to school ( I always had $3,00 in reserve ) for gas if needed. When Gas jumped to $ 0.75, had just got my first job ( and needed it to fill the tank of the Beast with Sonoco 260 , in late 73 early 74 uncle Sam came calling !
The mid sixties GTOs were the best looking of all of them, and the ’64 gets top honors IMHO. Someone correct me if I’m right, but wasn’t the ’64 based on the redesigned Tempest, not LeMans? I know later GTOs had LeMans underpinnings.
Technically Terry, the 64 GTO was an option package on the LeMans. It became a stand alone model in 1966. DeLorean gave it the iconic dual snorkel hood scoop in ’65. He never allowed that hood to be used on another Pontiac model. It was a GTO exclusive.
I don’t mind the wheels too much as the factory options were somewhat limited with no Rally Wheels yet being offered in 64. It’s not unusual to see 65-68 Rally I wheels or the Rally II wheels on 64’s but I would take these American Racing wheels before the Rally I or Rally II option. Just my opinion.
I like the wheels but would like them more if they were chrome Cragers.
The dark version mags would also look sharp especially with red line tires.
Keystone Classics would really set it off, even though I hated those special washers.
Very nice looking GTO. I owned a 65 with the 2 spd automatic and was not impressed. I’d change it to a later overdrive auto like Terry suggests. I think American torque thrusts look good on any musclecar but I don’t care for the large 16,17 or 18 inch versions like on this car. I’d stick to 15 inchers. Any of the classic 15 in mags, Cragars or Keystones as an example look great on a GTO as do the Pontiac rally wheels. I think this cars price is reasonable for an unrestored original.
1964 GTO is my favorite of them all. Love the tri-power 389 BUT, a 2-speed automatic trans.? C’mon!
Yup! It was called “The Super Turbine 300” and was an extra cost option.
64 best year it needs a 4 speed.
Yep, easy upgrade, a 4spd would make this car fun to drive.
Steve R
Delorean was a very astute businessman and an even better engineer. It’s just a shame he let his ego get so oversized.
Pretty car. I liked mine better. It was a 4 speed.
Shrinking violets or wallflowers do not head up major automotive divisions.
Executives are routinely insubordinate sons, absentee fathers and poor husbands.
They command big bucks and hope that that keeps them warm at night.
What does being an astute businessman and his ego have to do with a mighty fine automobile? Just saying.
I was thoroughly impressed with this car until the transmission description popped up. That gearbox behind a six barrel 389 is an absolute travesty. Since the car isn’t original, it wouldn’t be blasphemous to throw a 4 speed in it, but I wouldn’t pay the price of admission for something that would immediately need attention. Just sayin’.