Bent and Bruised: 1970 Pontiac GTO 455 V8

The Pontiac GTO was the “leader of the pack” when it came to muscle cars in the 1960s. It reached peak sales of 100,000 units in 1966. But cooling demand, some caused by rising insurance premiums, brought that number to 40,000 in 1970. And that included the new 455 cubic inch V8, the largest engine offered to date in the hot car. This ’70 GTO is so equipped, but it was involved in a fender bender on the right side of the front clip that resulted in a salvage title. Located with a dealer in Granite City, Illinois, this project with custom bucket seats is available here on eBay for $18,900 OBO.

Before 1970, the largest motor afforded a mid-size Pontiac was a 400 V8. That changed in 1970, and just shy of 2,000 were sold in the GTO Sport Coupe with an automatic transmission, like the one you see here. Aside from The Judge option, the 455 automatic was one of the rarest of that breed. Demand would continue to decline, and the GTO would soldier on through 1974, with that last year being as a Ventura-based compact.

We’re told this car runs, and lot drives with 82,000 miles. But that’s the extent of what we know about the vehicle. Perhaps the dealer bought it at auction, which would explain the lack of history. The car took a whack in the right front fender that extends to the nose of the car. And, unassociated with the accident, is a small patch of rust that lies just below the vinyl roof on the same side of the car (rear quarter panel).

With any luck, the impact was minor enough that no structural damage was done. And perhaps the buyer will only have to replace some sheet metal and repaint at least part of the automobile. Then get the title status changed. The bucket seats and steering wheel are of a racing nature, but seem to be the only mods made to the car before its unfortunate run-in with another vehicle or object. Would you take a $19,000 gamble on this GTO? Another tip brought to us by the busy “Curvette”.