The Pontiac GTO had a storied run of 11 years (1964-74). But changes in the market and the demand for muscle cars would shift as the 1970s unfolded. For the first 10 years of its life, the GTO was a mid-size automobile. But for the last go-around, it shifted to the Ventura (Nova-based) compact platform. The seller has a superb ’74 GOAT that looks and runs like new, but the powertrain has been substantially upgraded. Located with a dealer in Utica, Michigan, this rad Buccaneer Red Poncho is available here on eBay for $38,995 OBO. Thanks for the tip, “Curvette”!
Demand for cars like the GTO was falling like a rock in the 1970s. After a peak selling season of 97,000 units in 1966, Pontiac barely peddled 5,000 copies in 1973 after the redesign to the new Colonnade platform. So, the strategy changed, and the GTO became a variant of the Chevy Nova Super Sport in 1974. Sales rebounded slightly to 7,000 units, after which the iconic car was quietly retired. The ’74 GTO was a Pontiac Ventura with a WW3 option that included a 4-barrel, 350 cubic inch V8 as the only choice.
Two main changes have been made to this GOAT, which was built in Michigan but sold new in Canada. First, the 200 hp 350 V8 is gone, replaced by (we assume) a period-correct 455 powerplant. Second, the car was built with a TH-350 automatic transmission, but a 4-speed manual is in place now. We assume that the change occurred at the same time the engine did. The car has only 64,000 miles on it, but how many of those are after the big swap? Also, the seller says the 455 is “built”, so how does it differ from the stock unit offered back in the day?
We’re told the automobile comes with Canadian documentation, but unless Canada required some differences from the U.S. model, why is that important now? We’re also told that just 195 of the GTOs were sent to Canada that year, compared to the rest staying in the U.S. It looks like a great car, but has it been cosmetically restored? The red paint and white/black interior are in awfully nice condition. Besides the drivetrain, the only other departures from stock are aftermarket gauges and the stereo. Would you like to see this “Maple Leaf” GTO in your driveway?
Farewell, my friend, you gave us quite a decade to remember. I feel, there is a certain importance in the last of a kind, and this screams it. Having liked the Nova, for me, the GTO went out with honors, unlike some of our treasured musclecars. While the 455 is a bit much, originally, this car embodied a lot of the original, small car, V8, 4 speed, someone did a nice job for a car to be preserved for the ages. This kids, was the last of the car that created a phenomenon never again to be repeated. Amen.
Pricey for a 1974 GTO, regardless of the engine upgrade or 4spd. At nearly $40,000 there are a lot of other options to choose from, most have a stronger following.
Steve R
Bench seat ?? It looks better if you stop calling it a GTO !!
Very nice GTO here. A lot of money here. Nice that it is a 4 speed car. Wonder what happened to the original engine. Just put a original radio back in it.