400/4-Speed: 1970 Pontiac GTO

We see a fair selection of Pontiac GTOs at Barn Finds, but this 1970 example caught my eye. It isn’t merely the drivetrain configuration and factory options that appeal, but the paint shade, which helps it to stand out in any crowd. This beauty is hard to fault, and should appeal to enthusiasts seeking a high-end driver. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTO listed here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Handing the seller $46,999 would allow you to slip behind the wheel and head into the sunset, although they will consider offers.

The GTO had cemented its place in the muscle car market by the time this car rolled off the line in 1970. It faced strong competition from more affordable vehicles like the Plymouth Road Runner, but sales volumes remained impressive. This GTO caught my eye for one very good reason. Verdoro Green is one of the most iconic shades to grace a GTO’s panels, but this car’s first owner teamed Pepper Green Metallic paint with a Beige vinyl top. Verdoro Green is a classy color, but Pepper Green really pops, guaranteeing that this beauty turns heads. Faulting its appearance is almost impossible, as it has no significant cosmetic shortcomings. The paint holds a mirror shine, the panels are straight, and the vinyl is excellent. It is worth jumping across to the seller’s listing and scrolling through their comprehensive image gallery. It provides several underside shots, with that aspect of this Pontiac as impressive as the exterior. The impression conveyed is that this Pontiac may have received a restoration and hasn’t covered many miles since. Worried about rust? No need to fret, because this classic is rock-solid. The glass is free from marks and chips, the Rally II wheels are spotless, and this GTO features the desirable hood tach.

It’s easy to see why the GTO was so popular when we examine this car’s mechanical specifications. The first owner equipped it with a 400ci Ram Air V8, a four-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The factory quoted 366hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque for the Ram Air, providing neck-snapping acceleration that matched the competition. The seller states that if we ignore the reversible cosmetic enhancements and the aftermarket 2½” dual exhaust, this GTO is as it left the factory. They supply no information on its mechanical condition, but I would expect any GTO of this vintage in this price range to be a turnkey proposition. This YouTube video provides a walkaround with the engine running, and the V8 sounds as sweet as a nut.

The new owner won’t slip behind the wheel of a classic with air conditioning or power everything, but this GTO’s interior features bucket seats, a console, an AM radio, and an 8-track player. Aftermarket additions include an oil pressure gauge and a replacement gear knob. As with the exterior, the interior of this GTO is very acceptable for a high-end driver. The Dark Green upholstered surfaces show no evidence of abuse or significant wear, and the same holds true for the carpet. The dash and pad are excellent, with no crumbling or broken plastic.

I always look at cars like this 1970 Pontiac GTO and wonder how a company that produced such iconic classics could cease to exist. However, sentiment carries little weight in the automotive industry, and General Motors elected to discontinue the marque for economic reasons. There is no indication that it plans a revival, although we should never say never. In the meantime, it falls to passionate enthusiasts to preserve Pontiac’s heritage via cars like this GTO. We must start somewhere if future generations are to appreciate what has been lost, and this classic represents the ideal candidate for that process. Would you consider accepting that challenge?