Deciding when a classic has reached the point of no return is a tough call, especially when the vehicle is as desirable as a 1970 Pontiac GTO. It is a sad sight, as time has taken a heavy toll on its steel. The seller doesn’t have the heart to run the GTO through the crusher. Instead, they are trying to find this sad classic a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Pontiac listed here on eBay in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bidding sits at a mere $610 at the time of writing, which is below the reserve.
The Second Generation GTO initially sold well following its 1968 release. However, intense market competition meant that it was no longer the undisputed king by the time this classic rolled off the line in 1970. What a sad sight it is. Its Atoll Blue paint is weather-beaten, surface corrosion is taking hold, and the panels have accumulated a wide assortment of dings and dents. There’s also the matter of the cut rear quarter panel, which doesn’t help this car’s cause. The biggest mystery with this classic is whether there is any penetrating rust in the floors. Repairing such problems is relatively straightforward, but considering what is required to whip the rest of the body into shape, it is an additional task that might prove a bridge too far if the Pontiac is to be considered a viable project candidate. There are plenty of salvageable small items, which may make this Pontiac a valuable parts source for another project build.
This GTO’s interior is missing its factory radio. Otherwise, it appears to be essentially complete. Any restoration would include a retrim. However, like the exterior, there is a wealth of parts that could see service in another GTO. Interestingly, this wasn’t a bare-bones interior because the first owner ordered the car with air conditioning. The engine bay is empty, and it is unclear what originally occupied the vacant space. With even the most basic version of the 400ci V8 delivering 350hp, this was a potent machine in its day. The seller indicates that it left the factory with a three-speed automatic transmission, while scrutinizing the listing images confirms that we can add power steering and power front disc brakes to the list. The reality is that this Pontiac is now a roller, as the transmission has gone AWOL as well.
I would love to perform an in-person inspection on this 1970 Pontiac GTO. Its current location features a climate ideally suited to preserving classic steel. There is plenty of visible dry surface corrosion, but it would be fascinating to discover what hides beneath the surface. The seller is sparing with their information, and without underside shots, it is impossible to determine the condition of the floors. Do you believe there is a slim sliver of hope for this GTO, or is it destined to end its days as a donor?
It should be considered a parts car. There are enough salvageable parts visible with a quick glance to easily justify its current bid of $630 such as GTO nose, bucket seat cores and floor shift steering column. There will be more, those parts alone won’t likely drive the value much higher. Hopefully it doesn’t have a high reserve too much higher, it doesn’t deserve it.
Steve R
Ran when parked….
I can see a some parts saving such as rear bumper, front nose, steering column, seats. There are a lot of little parts worth saving too. It was a disc brake/ A/C car. Also other hidden parts that can be used if you are restoring a GTO such as some small fastners, window regulators and such. Just get it for 500 dollars.
Or if you are building a fake GTO!
Say good night, Gracie!-this one is toast…parts.
Anyone that lives where the tin worm takes over can appreciate certain aspects of this GTO that others can’t see. Yes, the previous mentioned parts do have value. Has anyone seen what GM A body bucket seat cores are selling for? But what some aren’t seeing is the potential for a nice clean frame. Im sure its rusty but not crusty or rotted. Look closely at the bottoms of the front fenders and the rear wheel well of the lone quarter panel. Very minimal rot for something thats been sitting as long as this Goat has. That tells me that there might be salvagable components under the car as well. Up in the Northeast, something like this would have very little left. This stuff is getting harder and harder to find.
Clarkey, looks like a 1-800-the-hook 🪝 call 📞
Mopar guys n gals see potential in derelict cars such as this. GM Ford not so much. Have to ask yourself why?
I would mock it up to look like what happened to Warren Oates Two lane Blacktop GTO,yard art.
Many of the parts now are made of unobtainium!
I agree with NHDan having grown up in Michigan where rust is a way of life I too see the many positives of this car. It may not be a candidate for restoration, but I’m sure there quite a bit of parts that could be saved and reused. It would be a shame for it to be crushed without someone going through it.
I agree GaGPguy read my comments back about six comments
The point of no return was 40 years ago for this thing.
Use the VIN to build a clone!
No thanks… To me find a Lemans to put the body, AC and missing parts . A New Mexico frame could be in good shape.
I wish I lived closer to view the car underneath and build back..
This could be a nice hot rod to build up…. One could drop a 455 under it and have some fun and replace the rear clip… Then take the rear seat out and put a roll bar attached to the frame. This way one could keep the miles down with a 1\4 mile at a time. I think it could be brought back… non concourse but drag racer…
It’s easy to find competitive turn key low-10 second race cars for around $15,000, less for a grudge night bomber. That’s a fraction of the cost it would take to build this GTO into a race car from scratch.
Steve R
“We Build Excitement! Pont…. Oh never mind.
For me, I see a fun challenge. I like projects like this and if I were looking to obtain a GTO project, this would be of great interest. It’s a mess but it has potential for the right set of skilled hands. I have a 71 Chevelle SS 402 project with some rare options that started off not far from this GTO’s present condition. If I wasn’t in the middle of that rotisserie restoration, I’d probably consider flying out to New Mexico to inspect this GTO for my next project. I find these kind of projects very satisfying to me.
I am with you Chad! I felt the same way and yes this needs some work but salvageable. Lets face it that if this was a MOPAR with a 50 foot tree growing through the dog house people would likely be bidding in the teens by now in lieu of 2000. :-).
To me it’s a nice front end design to cruise.
I hope it gets restored to burn up the tires on the streets in the future.
The bid is now $2,000; it looks like someone is willing to salvage it.
Put your big-boy pants on and put this POS out of its misery!