Some classics set my mind racing, and such is the case with this 1967 Pontiac GTO. It requires total restoration, but I have been considering how I’d tackle the build if it were parked in my workshop, whether there is space for such an undertaking, and how I would break the news to my wife if I bought it. The first two questions are easily answered, but the third may see me consigned to life in the dog house. Since I prefer a comfy bed, this is a project that won’t find its way to “Castle Clarke.” However, someone will eventually take home a classic that shows promise. The GTO is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Belton, Texas. It could be yours for $9,250 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising Pontiac project.
The GTO, or Gran Turismo Omologato, first appeared as an options package on the Pontiac LeMans in September 1963. It proved an overwhelming sales success, cementing the company’s claim as the performance marque in the General Motors empire. The company granted it standalone model status in 1966, with this 1967 model rolling off the line during the final year of First Generation production. The seller acknowledges that this classic has sat since at least 1999, with the tired paint and apparent signs of penetrating rust confirming it requires total restoration. A classic of this caliber deserves nothing less than a nut-and-bolt approach, although the deterioration leaves little choice for the new owner. Rust has attacked the lower extremities, and the lack of carpet reveals floors that require full replacement. There are positives for potential buyers to consider because the car appears complete, most of the trim looks restorable, and the glass is surprisingly good.
One of the biggest questions some purists will pose is whether this GTO is numbers-matching. That remains a mystery, although a quick look under the hood reveals a 400ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and power steering. The 400 was an evolution of the previous year’s 389, with an increased bore pushing the capacity to the higher figure. In this car’s glory days, it would have produced 335hp and 441 ft/lbs of torque. That propelled the GTO through the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds, confirming this is a genuine muscle car. The seller states the Pontiac ran when it was parked, but over two decades have come and gone since that day. They don’t mention whether the engine turns freely, but factoring rebuild costs into the restoration budget would be wise.
This GTO’s interior is missing its carpet. Otherwise, it is complete and unmolested. However, it is begging for as much attention as the rest of the car. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are split and wrinkled, the faux woodgrain is badly faded, and the pad and wheel sport numerous cracks. Kits to achieve a factory-fresh state are available, but prices vary enormously. I have seen some as cheap as $1,500, while others can lighten an owner’s wallet by over $3,800. The best strategy would be for the new owner to find a car that received a recent retrim and see if the quality meets their expectations. An in-person inspection always trumps photos in a catalog and is the approach I would adopt. The GTO retains what appears to be its original radio, while the dash features a factory tachometer.
I can almost guarantee one thing: If you find a complete First Generation Pontiac GTO in the current classic market with a four-figure asking price, that vehicle will require intensive TLC. This 1967 GTO is no exception, and the new owner must have a thick wallet or extraordinary skills to return this classic to its former glory. That inevitably raises the question of whether such an undertaking is financially viable. That will depend on the buyer’s ability to complete work themselves because every hour of paid labor they can eliminate will help the bottom line. There is one further factor to consider, and that is recent market trends. The 1967 GTO has been “hammered” in the market during the past year, and values are still falling. The trend has slowed, which might indicate that the situation is changing. Any classic purchase involves financial risk, and the history books contain many stories where an enthusiast has rolled the dice and taken a significant financial hit. My instincts tell me that values will climb, but I wouldn’t like to speculate when it will happen. Is it a risk you might consider taking?
The first question most buyers will have is whether the VIN starts with 242 signifying it’s a real GTO, not a clone. The seller will probably get this question many times.
I wish I had the skills and space to restore it. If you have to pay someone else to do the body, engine, electrical and interior work, it would likely be cheaper to buy one that’s been restored.
Was it buried underground? It needs one of everything.
I had a 67 GTO … sold it in 2011 … sigh
By the background photos, looks like Texas would be a good place to look for older cars. If I were 20 years younger, I’d take it home.
Sorry, hard pass at any price. There’s nothing left. Anything you do to it is going to be new replacement parts or fabricated. so why bother. There’s very little salvageable. Maybe the engine and drivetrain can be salvaged. Maybe.
They don’t all have to be concourse restored trailer queens. This GTO could easily be put back on the road with mechanical knowledge and some good ol’ fashion elbow grease. Get the drivetrain sorted, fuel, braking, suspension and new exhaust components. A carpet kit and detail the exterior and interior and you could have it back on the road. And, I am positive it will still attract plenty of admirers. It seems like many of us are conditioned to seeing bright, shiny and restored and if it is not that, or close to, send it to the crusher. A good running beater serves a purpose and IMHO, is closer to the true essence of hot-rodding and wrenching in our modern world of six figure muscle cars.
What a shame this car is rough, rough, rough. Would cost way more to bring back to life than you would pay for a decent example already to drive.
I’m with you Mike. At shows, I like to look at the survivors sorted out that drive well and look okay, even a little rough, just as much as anything. Wouldn’t mind driving one that I don’t have to worry about every little ding and scratch. I started driving in the ’80s when cars like this were 20 years +/- and didn’t need to be perfect to be cool.
It could be a matching numbers 2bbl version looking at the air cleaner at first glance. Of course the VIN # and block must be verified first. Hopefully someone takes this project on.
Brian K,
A reasonable thought as it is black and the 4v air cleaners were chrome(except the ram air cars and this isn’t one of those). However, all the 400 2v cars were automatics. I’m guessing the air cleaner is from a later car vehicle(maybe the engine too?). It definitely is not the right one for a 1967 GTO. BTW although a stick, I don’t want to assume this is a 4-speed car, as a 3-speed manual was standard.
Well put Mike. I agree!
You are sensible…
Good point Glen. I didn’t know the 2bbl was on an automatic option.
I’m surprised you get a motor with it!
Why do people neglect classic cars like this? Just a shame, that’s all!
At least get the critter turds off the seats for pictures! Seen numerous listings like this lately! I’m all for leave the years of dirt and dust but come on people, at least knock the critter crap onto the floor or what’s left of them! Turds aside, still worthy of becoming someone’s pride and joy…
Three pedals. It will sell.
If this is a real GTO it will sell. The rust on the body panels is pretty negligible. Haven’t seen the underside but this looks like surface rust and easily fixed.
Wrong air cleaner for 335 hp or 360hp.
What a shame this car is rough, rough, rough. Would cost way more to bring back to life than you would pay for a decent example already to drive.
My buddy had a 67 GTO maroon with black interior. It was a 400 4spd, he added a 780 Holley and headers. Car was fast.
I live 70 miles away. If this were a ’67 Chevelle SS396, I’d be all over it like a rat on a cheeto. I’d treat it to a “Roadkill” resto and drive the snot out of it.
Running when parked…🙄
I have read so many dumb comments yes it’s old yes it needs money to restore but once it is done and if it is a true GOAT then it’s worth every penny if I wasn’t looking to buy a house I would be all over that I have seen a lot worse rust buckets for a lot more money
Add the 9200 to your house loan.sold sold sold. Tell the wife it came with the house. Just helping you out..
Right on. Love it.
🤣🤣
I agree. This car just does not look that bad to me. Work yes and lots of it but not as much as .any cars. Like you say if it’s a a real deal GTO someone is getting a good deal.
Our family had a 67 Le Man’s in this color with a black vinyl roof. Gorgeous looking car. Hope whoever gets it, keeps the color.
Yes it is a bit rough and dirty but it is nice to see how complete it is. Too many cars get half taken apart and all you are buying is a shell and several boxes of what you hope is everything.
A good friend of mine , a GTO die hard has a just fully restored 1969 GTO fore sale OOOH i wish , very unique & was featured at Toronto’s recent auto show its in canada EH EVERYTHING was done to this GTO A/C with original paint codes etc original red wall tires with bowl hub caps
I’m picturing taking a grinding wheel/sander to that roof, trying to displace all that rust and finally breaking through – to the headliner, inside.
It’s at Little Valley Auto Ranch and if it doesn’t sell – exspect to see it at the Pate Swap meet next month. Looks a little ruff for a Waco,Tx area GTO.
Back in the day dad sold good cars and it’s not easy. He could have bought a salvage salvage yard and named it
“Vintage luxury and sport car emporium”.
Would be easy to make a living if this is pile of parts is worth 9K.
Did ride in mom’s LeMans till someone stole it.
GLWpartsS. 😊
What a “roach”!
I love this car. It has so much potential. I would love to restore it.