This 1970 Pontiac GTO in Granite Falls, Washington presents a muscular face, mimicking the beak of a powerful bird of prey. Its amazing Endura Bumper protected the sporty nose without the visual interruption of a traditional metal unit. The primer-covered specimen comes with its original numbers-matching 455 High Output engine block, now removed, plus a transplanted Chevrolet 396 under the hood. The rough interior, the rumpled front valance, and other areas require attention before this classic drops jaws at the local cruise-in, but it runs and drives as-is. If the nicely-presented documentation checks out, the new owner gets a rare (1 of 158 according to the seller) drop-top four-speed 455HO ’70 GTO. At least eight bidders here on eBay have this project car’s market value above $35,000 without meeting the seller’s Reserve.
Some Pontiac owners would rather have a sibling in a cat house than a Chevy motor under the hood, but the 396 cid (6.5L) big block makes a better transplant than, say, an Isuzu turbo diesel. Sidelined in the 1990s, and sitting before then since the ’70s, this high-powered Poncho spent some of that time under a tarp, which can become a death pall of trapped moisture. The seller graciously points out numerous weak points separating this classic from perfection.
Easily-replaced upholstery marks the worst of a remarkably original interior. The console and meaty T-handle shifter invite rough treatment, though either the Chevy or Pontiac’s generous displacement offers plenty of torque for low-RPM cruising. As a former Pittsburgher, I imagine powering this top-down GTO through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, alternately stabbing and releasing the throttle.
The second generation LeMans-based GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) looks great from all angles, and the convertible experience heightens the senses as you meld with the scenery of your favorite two-lane, or simply upshift and cruise around town on a summer evening.
According to the seller, the (thankfully retained) original 455 (7.5L) V8 grew “tired,” and did not suffer any evident catastrophic failure. Original heads and intake check off key items on the factory correct list. Can you imagine a hotter rag-top muscle car than this 455-powered GTO?
I’m too old and have too many projects now, but this would be a really nice GTO restored. Great color combination and options, AC and the rally gauge setup would have made it perfect!
Though plenty strong, the 1970 455 was not the “HO” version. That engine came along for 1971.
In 1970, this 455 was advertised as “HO” by Pontiac with D port heads and a one piece Steele intake. It had decals showing 455 HO on the fenders from the factory.
1971-72 were the better HO motors with round port heads and a two piece intake.
What better way to spend that chunk of change your grandma left you than rowing through the gears on this Poncho drop top? Nobody needs to know it has a Chevy engine under the hood if you don’t want them to, You might even get lucky from time to time with some pretty women on a nice summer country drive with the top down. You might even win a few street races if you’re brave enough, of course if you bend or break anything it’ll cost you dearly. Have a good day.
God Bless America
Considering the condition of the interior at least vs the current bid price,
the seller should take the money and run!!!!!!! For $35K this car should be in mint condition.
You won’t find a “mint” condition 70 GTO convertible (let alone any other year) for $35k. The 455 was pretty rare, the 4 speeds even more so. Find me a 70 455 4-speed convertible in mint condition for $35k and I will buy it right now, in fact, make it two.
The seller has some other great vehicles listed.