When it comes to the mechanical aspects of this 1969 Pontiac GTO here on eBay, everything seems to be in sound condition, but the exterior is right at that point which leaves me scratching my head wondering what to do. Do you just live with the outside imperfections and leave the original finish intact, or do you make a few simple repairs and spray on a fresh new coat of paint? I’d probably leave things the way they are, but it will ultimately be up to the next owner to make that decision for himself or herself, and regardless of which direction one goes this seems like a good solid Goat overall. The car is down in La Place, Louisiana, with bidding at 25 grand right now and the reserve still yet to be seen.
I’m usually a fan of keeping cars original for as long as possible, not only because it makes it hard to conceal any flaws but as I’ve mentioned before I enjoy getting behind the wheel a lot more than being a perfectionist, and this GTO sure seems like a fine driver just the way she sits. Still under the hood is the original numbers-matching 400 powerplant, which was treated to a rebuild back in 2004 which included it getting a mild cam inside and a set of Hedman headers outside. A Turbo 400 automatic transmission takes care of shifting duties, and in all these years the Pontiac has traveled just a total of 75k miles, so there’s probably plenty of good life left if the next owner continues giving the Pontiac the same level of care it’s had in the past.
Looking around outside, most of the body panels appear to be well-preserved, but unfortunately, this is a vinyl top car and some rust has developed underneath between the back window and trunk. There’s also a rusted-through spot on the driver’s side front fender, and we can’t really tell if there are any additional areas under the rocker trim. None of this seems like anything major to contend with, but it challenges the “they’re only original once” concept, so it’s a tough decision what to do here. Fortunately, if the next owner goes the restoration route, it wouldn’t take too much time or effort to get the body ready for a new coat of paint.
Also original is the interior, which has held up nicely overall although there is a small amount of fraying on the side of the driver’s bucket. One aftermarket item is the radio which features Bluetooth, but the seller retained the original component should a future owner wish to put it back. We also get to see a couple of good-quality photos from down under, which seem to show a solid undercarriage. plus a trunk pan that appears to be in reasonably good shape too. I’d probably be inclined to just enjoy driving this GTO like it is for a while and maybe sometime down the road freshen up the body, but would also understand and respect if the next owner takes it to the next level quickly. What would you do?
Looks like it is fairly original, which I like. Question though: why does the trim tag say color code 67, and the repo sticker says trim 58? Something up there?
I like this style so for me I would buy it to keep,restore cosmetically to original ,But add another rebuild to the tune of 500+hp..and beef up the suspension…
Very radical at 500hp. Not street happy if you can really get 500hp out of a 400 cu in Pontiac
I don’t think i ever seen grey carpet in a late 60’s american car – why would anyone even offer that color for this car? What next, grey vinyl upholstery & dashes?!
Also, the “designs” of today’s aftermkt seat covers & floor mats leaves a LOT to be desired.
It’s not Grey, Joe, it’s faded Black.
I love this car. One can go for a modest upgrade, or leave it alone. I have always loved “goats.”
When I was 16 years old, and driving my Honda Super 90 around Fort Wayne, my uncle let me drive his 1966, 389, with a 3 speed on the floor shifter, and it nearly killed me.
The taillights were fantastic also.
What a solid machine this is.
This car is not anything special. It is a YS-code, 350-horsepower, automatic car. Previous owner claims it’s a 360-horsepower rare RA III engine (which is incorrect anyway, it was 366-horsepower), installed by mistake, which is complete BS. There is a picture of the YS code and VIN on the block. All of the cool options were added by a previous owner, including the Dual-Gate, Wood Wheel, sway bars, and 3.55 Posi. This car will need $20K-plus in body work and paint, as the roof skin and dutchman panel are Swiss cheese. It’s a shame because it’s really solid and clean, otherwise. If it was a numbers-matching 4-speed car it would be a good bet.
The worst thing that ever happened to cars was the invention of the vinyl top. They will find out when they remove this one. I bought an Oldsmobile that had a new vinyl top on it. That is last time I will ever do that.
Vinyl seats are not great either – to sit on on on very cold & very hot humid days. But they LOOK great, especially in the various colors offered. Vinyl roofs LOOK great too on most cars, except IMO on 2nd gen F-bodies.
As for new vehicles, where do i start?! – peeling clearcoat paint(good thing this goat has none – allowing even non shiny paint to be acceptable), distracting video screens/controls, all grey interiors, yellowing headlite covers, exposed added exterior plastic trim at the cowl & around side windows that fade, expensive hood & hatchback struts that fail, insanely complicated computer/BCM electricals, no empty room under the hood, no dipsticks, etc.
Love my GOATS, and what’s not to love!
It’s a 54 year old car , and in pretty fair shape.
Drive it and enjoy it and leave the garage queens to BJ Auctions! ( like what I did there!) hahaha
I miss my 69 Judge 😢
Hi, had a 68′ 400 firebird! what a engine!! miss that car! I’m looking a 400 pontiac.
It’s a nice PMD unit… I beg to differ with the price… it’s a lil much for a lil less
have you guys got anything else to do but complain about a decent older car that the brand no longer exist they don’t make them anymore it’s awesome if u own something u can’t buy anymore no computer issues just good ol fashion sheet metal that u can’t dent by touching I love these oldy but goody
I would spend a weekend with a high speed buffer,bet that paint has shine left in it,i’ve made worse looking buff out,other than that ….just drive it.
God I miss Pontiac, they were the best and badass real American steel which does not exist in the funky new rides of today. I had 68 Catalina with a big block that came with a 2 barrel carb. right from the factory and it was loaded AC, POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, WINDOW WASHER, AND ELECTRIC WINDOWS. The radio was am/fm with cassette player and duel speakers in the back. Those Delco raidios were the best and late at night after I have a couple I start crying like a baby because when you’re young you don’t listen to those that have wisdom and o’well!! I really really miss that car and now I can’t do much because I’m to old. 😎😩😠♥️♥️😎 LATER MY FRIENDS!!!!