Although automobile manufacturers are moving towards the world of zero-emission vehicles, a hardy group of souls resists such changes. They admit there is nothing as eerily quiet as an electric car. However, there is nothing that sets pulses racing like a throbbing V8. One of the more recognizable and desirable muscle cars is the Pontiac GTO, and this 1969 example is a gem. A life spent in dry climates means it is rust-free. It could look stunning following a cosmetic refresh, although the seller floats the concept of preservation. The GTO is listed here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding sits below the reserve at $21,100, but you might consider dropping a bid or two once you see what it offers.

The First Generation GTO appeared in 1963 as an options pack on the LeMans. It achieved standalone model status in 1966, with the Second Generation released in 1968. This one is a survivor that split its life between California and Nevada. Both states feature climates conducive to metal preservation, making this car’s lack of rust unsurprising. The panels are clean, while the underside shots reveal no metal penetration. The Limelight Green paint looks acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle, although there are significant chips and marks which could justify a repaint of the nose. The seller says the car wears “The Judge” decals, but it is a regular (is there any such thing?) GTO. The trim and wheels are in good order for a vehicle of this type and age, while the glass is excellent.

Considering the life it has led, the GTO’s interior is a pleasant surprise. The seatcovers show deterioration, and while they are serviceable, the winning bidder might consider splashing $800 on a complete seatcover set. The remaining upholstered surfaces look okay, as do the console, dash, and carpet. I think the pad is cracked on the passenger side, and if it proves irreparable, the buyer faces spending a considerable sum on a replacement. A cap retails for approximately $160, but you will struggle to find a good replacement pad for under $1,500. The original pushbutton radio appears intact, and although the car features air conditioning, it doesn’t blow cold.

The feature that defines the GTO is found when we lift the hood. The engine bay houses a 400ci V8 that sends 350hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power steering and brakes reduce the physical effort, making life behind the wheel pleasant. The GTO is considered the father of the muscle car, and with a potential ¼-mile ET of 14.7 seconds, it is easy to see why people draw that conclusion. The seller recently rebuilt this classic’s carburetor, adding new hoses, a new thermostat, a thermostat housing, and sundry other parts. The tires have less than 300 miles under their belt, and this Pontiac is roadworthy. The engine is strong, there is no smoke or odd noises, and the transmission shifts smoothly. With warm weather on our doorstep, flying in and driving home never looked so tempting.

The automotive world is changing, and whether it is for the better is debatable. From an environmental perspective, hybrid or zero-emission cars appear to be the future. Whether that is true when you factor battery production and recycling costs into the equation is unclear, but it seems the world has the internal combustion engine in its crosshairs. That makes preserving classics like this 1969 Pontiac GTO a priority. The day will arrive when you can’t walk into a dealership and buy high-performance models. Like the humble station wagon, buyers will rely on survivors to get their muscle car fix. When that day arrives, I’m unsure which group of individuals I will pity more. Will I feel sorry for upcoming generations that will have virtually no chance to experience all that these cars offer? Or, will I feel sorry for my generation, who will lament what we have experienced and lost? What do you think?