The GTO (aka “Gas, Tires & Oil”) is considered the pioneer of the muscle car movement of the 1960s. A lot of worthy adversaries would come and go, yet the GTO sold more than a half million copies in 11 model years (1964-74). But muscle car demand waned in the earlier 1970s and production fell off sharply. This 1972 GTO is one of just 5,800 built that year, so it’s something of a rarity compared to the 97,000 offered in 1966. This one has had some body work done and no longer has its original engine but looks good and drives fine. Located just north of Columbus, Ohio, this Pontiac is available here on craigslist for $13,000 or the seller will trade it for a truck. Thanks for the muscle tip, Rocco B.!
Having been a separate series from 1966 to 1971, the GTO reverted to option status on the LeMans in 1972. It also lost its convertible body style which would have disappeared a year later anyway in GM’s shift to the Colonnade body style for its intermediate cars. The 400 cubic inch V8 was still standard in the GTO with the 455 as an option, but both were affected by the detuning that began the year before to help reduce emissions. Sales declined by 45%, making ’72 a low water mark for the storied nameplate.
The seller bought this car in 2017 and had “big plans” for it going forward. But family life and health have gotten in the way and the interest is no longer there to further the car along (a restoration perhaps?). Since buying it, the seller has done little work on it and driven it just a handful of times. A prior owner did some body work in the rear quarters, so Bondo is present, and some foam insulation has been awkwardly applied inside the trunk. But from the photos provided, the Pontiac presents okay, at least from a distance.
At 56,000 miles, the car no longer has its original engine. A 400 V8 is present, it’s paired with a TH-400 automatic transmission, and we’re told it runs and drives, but not how well. Some parts have been replaced, like the intake manifold, carburetor, and torque converter and the seller has retained the old stuff. The rear end was swapped out, but the original is long gone. The seller needs a truck for work or personal use, so he would consider a trade with cash or just a straight cash deal. Just 3,300 GTOs were built in 1972 with the 400/automatic pairing.
I had a 72 Le man’s, Orange w/ white interior…messed up the front end one night. Went to the local boneyard, low and behold, they had the very same colored GTO, blasted in the rear !!! Bought the whole front clip and rear spoiler (needing repair)for $400 !!! This was in the early 80s…
“BACK IN THE DAY”…..😎
Gone…CL Listing deleted
12k for a 72 GTO?? No way. I hope somebody didn’t get clubbed like a baby seal responded responding to the ad. You always have to be careful with craigslist ads. There are many horror stories.
One of the ugliest front ends ever.
…. have to agree with you “angligt” on the “ugliest” design comment! Some recent crewcut GMI newbie graduate designer must have gotten his skinny neck tie caught in his drafting board mechanical apparatus the day he was working on the front-end design…. temporarily cutting off the oxygen to the “design sensibility” part of his brain! Well maybe a bit longer than “temporarily”?
It’s definitely not as good looking a a 70 and for sure not a good looking a the 69 with hidden head lights but it’s not ugly, ugly would be the railroad tie bumper style Ford put on the 73 Torino now that was truly ugly.
Agree…
Lol
I ordered a ‘72 GTO back in the day. The boxes I checked, Sundance Orange, black buckets, 400, 3 speed manual floor shift, honey comb wheels and the “duck tail spoiler”. After a few weeks Pontiac contacted me and said the car was going to be delayed because a problem with suppliers having production issues with the honey comb wheels and the duck tail spoiler. They said if I’d drop those 2 options delivery would be prompt. I said no, I would wait it out. This went on and on when Pontiac finally said the wheels were available and I said “build it” without the spoiler. Spoiler availability was still not solved. I was working at Guide Lamp, a GM division, and made a trip to Pontiac to pick up the car. Never will forget standing with my wife at the exit of the assembly plant when I heard squealing tires and the sound of beautiful dual exhaust. Out of that black hole delivery door came this ORANGE GTO. Probably the tightest handling mid size car I could imagine! This story ends with the familiar “ I should never sold that car”. Thank everyone for your indulgence.
barnfinds: what happened as to why my comment (rather lengthy) wasn’t posted?
Remarks made by first-time commenters are always held for moderation.
👍
I worked at a Pontiac / Honda store in 1972. A red GTO 455 4 speed was my first “GM” demo. I loved that car! But only drove it for about 3 weeks before someone bought it. Yes, the power may have been down, but the torque was still a blast and the sound was wonderful!
Now that this is sold, i will mention some not so positive comments.
IMO, the killer ’68-69 front bumper is the kewlest(espec with hidden headlites) & should have been used through ’72, or at least the one year only! ’70 nose should have been used though ’72.
I am also not a big fan of this rear bumper either, & i just can not beLIEVE the very kewl ’68 bumper was used only 1 year! It should have been used though 1970, & the ’69 bumper should have been used in ’71 & ’72.