The Ford Mustang is often considered the first pony car. The same is true when attention turns to the Pontiac GTO and the muscle car sector. The brainchild of John DeLorean, the GTO created a new market niche, cementing the marque’s high-performance reputation. Our feature car is a first-year GTO with a fascinating history. It presents superbly and has been part of the same family for sixty years. The time has come for it to journey to a new home, with the seller listing this Pontiac here on eBay in Hewitt, New Jersey. The bidding sits at $24,600, and, unsurprisingly, that figure is below the reserve.
Pontiac sent the first GTO down the line in September 1963 as part of its 1964 LeMans range. It remained an options package until the company granted it standalone model status in 1966. However, a legend was born on that September day, and the GTO became the catalyst for the muscle car sector that defined most of the 1960s. The first owner ordered this GTO in Yorktown Blue, with the seller confirming it received a repaint in its original shade approximately twenty-two years ago. Its presentation is hard to fault at first glance, with the paint shining nicely and the panels as straight as an arrow. However, there appears to be a color mismatch visible in the supplied shots. It is apparent on both front fenders, suggesting there may have been later touch-up work. I initially attributed it to the light but dismissed that when it was visible on both sides. The seller supplies underside shots confirming the car is rust-free, with the listing stating it has never undergone repairs. The American Racing Torq Thrust wheels are a later addition, although the seller includes the original wheels and hubcaps for those preferring a more stock appearance. The trim and glass appear almost perfect, helping this classic to turn heads wherever it goes.
Ordering a 1964 GTO brought the company’s 389ci V8 under the hood, with the entry-level powerplant producing a healthy 325hp and 428 ft/lbs of torque. Buyers seeking more could choose the optional Tri-Power V8 that placed 348hp and 428 ft/lbs at their disposal. That is what lurks in this classic’s engine bay, with the first owner adding a two-speed Super Turbine 300 automatic transmission and power steering. The two-speed sapped some performance potential, but the GTO still covered the ¼-mile in 15.6 seconds. The seller states that not only is this Pontiac numbers-matching, but it has a genuine 74,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but the overall presentation makes the claim appear plausible. There is no information about how it runs or drives, but the indications are positive.
A classic car’s interior is often the most accurate guide to the life it has lived. Abuse, neglect, or high usage can manifest in stains, marks, wear, or physical damage. This is particularly true for older vehicles with light interior trim. The original owner ordered this car with Parchment vinyl, which was the most prone to problems. However, finding faults is virtually impossible. I hesitate to categorize it as perfect, but there are no marks or signs of the yellowing that often plagues this trim color. The owners have kept it original, with no aftermarket additions or modifications. As with the exterior, it would draw favorable comments at a show or a Cars & Coffee.
The bidding action on this 1964 Pontiac GTO has been spirited, reflecting the car’s desirability, condition, and originality. It hasn’t reached the reserve, and the current high bid will probably need to double before reaching that point. There are over three days left on the auction, and I believe it will get there. It might even go higher if two or more people are determined enough. What do you feel would be a fair price for this classic muscle car?
If I may be the 1st, no that doesn’t do anything for me, without question, the nicest GTO, AND, it has an automatic! TA-DA! This baby won’t be around long, somebody in Joisy knew what they were doing. The mags, the color, not too glitzy, to future generations that are the least bit curious where grandpas kooky car views came from,,,right here. Reason I say the automatic is the cheese, when this car was new, it was all about going fast, rowing through the gears, frying the hides scaring the daylights out of the passengers, but today, that’s all but past, unless you have some axe to grind with that dually pickup on your rear, not for long, as cruising, I believe it just runs on the center carb, but mash on it, Niagara Falls. However, today, just being seen in a car like this, at 20 mph, would be good enough for most. As long as there’s gas, this car will be wanted, and I’m kind of proud to say, I, no WE, saw it all unfold.
I’m with you but when my mind harkens back to 🎼Little GTO, I wanna see a third pedal!
I am with you, 4 speed would be nice
Absolutely!!! That 2-speed automatic is a dealbreaker!! My 2005 has a 6-speed manual because” REAL CARS DON’T SHIFT THEMSELVES”!!!!!!!
Sorry but I disagree on the automatic. There is a totally different sound and essence to the 4 speed. Just pulling out of a parking lot with the very small blips of the throttle warning of the power to be unleashed and the sound of the pause when shifting all adds up to ‘the real deal’ and why I wanted one. That sense is strong even when diving slowly….. One of my best friends had a red ’64 convertible w/TriPower and 4 speed in about ’68/9 – I’ve coveted that car all my life. Automatics may be easier to drive but that’s what my moms car had.
What’s up with that side mirror? Were they always mounted up on the fender like that?
Yep and they had/ were remote adjusted….have one in my stash I took off back in the day…..yep – it’s a long cable with a rubber boot between the door.
I don’t care what car you put those wheels on, I love them! They take me back…
I’d like to see the vin tag, the trim tag has the wrong rivets in it. Possibly a cloned car
You are right. Something seems off. If you’ve got documentation and history why isn’t that in the ad? It only helps to increase the cars value. I’d want to see the car in person before any money is exchanged.
Steve R
Beautiful looking car.1964 and 65 are my favourite years for the Pontiac GTO.
The powerglide does go with the sissywhite interior. Nice car for some over the hill old guy who gets up in the middle of the night to rant on car sites.
threepee-dull, I sincerely hope you remember your clever comment when you are older and find yourself getting up in the middle of the night, and not by choice.
Ah, the impetuousness of youth, it’s okay, 370, it’s natural for one generation to laugh at the previous one. A trip to the ER usually settles that.
While I’m here on 370s dime, many comments missed my point, as usual. I can’t dumb it down any simpler, we know many still like to shift gears, but those days are dwindling. I have a new car dealer nearby, maybe 100 vehicles, not one is a stick. All I’m saying, you got the jing, and want to shift gears, by all means go for it. Just be prepared to warn your heirs when you’re gone, along with you will be the investment. In the future, it’s not going to matter what transmission it has, as long as it’s automatic. Why do you think the trucking industry is offering “All Automatic Fleets”?
I know, what about the song, we cherished? Pfft, I all but guarantee, in the future, nobody will know or care who “Ronny and the Daytonas” were, the car itself would be a statement just sitting still.
I’m sorry that the site attracts people like “threepedal”, who have nothing good to say. Yeah, I’m up at night because I like it here, even your comment. This is supposed to be a happy place, and with all that’s wrong with the world today, it’s our “oasis”, as it were. Peace.
Threepedal, from a 71-year old who still works night shift and is UP at night, let me say, that was uncalled for. Getting older is not to be disrespected. We fought wars for your freedom and don’t you ever forget it.
Please don’t confuse the ST-300 tranny, found in Buick, Olds, and Pontiac, with the Chevy-only PowerGlide. I’ve had both, and I liked the ST-300 better. It was only around ‘64 to ‘69, and the PowerGlide lasted until 1973.
I have a 1980 camaro with a big block mated to a 4L80, manual shift body so I do all the shifting without the third pedal and has something you don’t get with a manual, Trans brake! This old retired guy will be at the Kingman street drags while you are working, ah the benefits of being old.
For a car like this, I’d upgrade from the 2 spd. Powerglide gearbox to a 4 spd. auto.
And btw…It’s not a Powerglide. It’s a ST-300. But Wtf do I know, I’m just some over the hill old guy on a car site…
Automatic or Manual transmission is irrelevant for this car,
The front nose pant looks to be a different shade of the paint.
Possibly because of a wreck.
The mounting of the outside rear view mirror on the fender is odd.
It’s a nice car. I would be hesitant because of the paint.
The mileage denotes it is time for a timing chain change. Nobody mentions that, but the 389 originally had the cam gear made from aluminum, and the actual gears were a plastic like substance. Heat from the motor dried them out, making them brittle and they would finally start cracking. Eventually, enough teeth would fall off and it would jump time and die. I have changed many a timing chain set in those old 389 engines back in the day.
Nice tip for the youngsters. My first car was a 64 GTO convertible, and guess what stopped it in its tracks? Yup, timing chain (and it took a while for me to figure that out at 16).
At least it wasn’t an interference motor – the worst – you paid for a tow – not that difficult to replace chain with a very inexpensive more accurate double roller one on a rear wheel drive car.
I know of an engine shop that lost count on how many “modern” dohc fwd import motors whose valves, etc. were quite damaged from a timing belt breaking because the owners did not bother to replace the belt at 60k miles or whatever – since they never read the owner’s manual.
& replacing it is not for a do it yourselfer – meaning big bucks – up to a grand or more just for maintenance replacement.
Lots of defense here. Best part of the car hobby is having something for everyone. What’s really amazing is that they were all tri-powers. s/
Sad to say but I suspect this is a clone. Current owner may not even know it. Cowl tag as evidence one. Also something about the underside being that clean for 70K miles. I suspect restoration and cloning at one point.
Seems to be a mismatch of paint – on the passenger side.
I’m willing to bet that the carpet was originally blue.
I don’t consider this car an unrestored survivor. It’s been repainted and the interior vinyl is reproduction. The engine has been out and repainted, too. It’s just a very nice used car at this point.
The VIN and trim tag indicate the car was built in Pontiac, Michigan. The Pontiac and Kansas City plants usually used “5N” on the trim tag to designate the GTO option, and this tag shows it.
The Pontiac plant also used “5Z” for the “seat belt delete” option, and this car has no belts. The “2P” code means radio. Oddly, the Trim Tag doesn’t show “2M” (automatic), “2G” (console), or “4F” (remote outside mirror).
What would be a GOOD reason to change the Trim Tag rivets on this particular car? The seller should explain that if he can.
I don’t see it as a bad thing. I’d keep the car as original as I can, while also upgrading more important things. For example, I’d replace the original drum brakes with front discs. I’d replace the 2 spd. auto with a 4 spd. auto. If one prefers manual gearbox, he might give it a 5 spd. manual gearbox.
It wouldn’t be a bad thing if the word “original” wasn’t used so often to drive the price higher from unsuspecting or naive buyers.
Steve R
Do these old cars run on 87 octane ?
My son paid over $ 8.00 a gallon for 95 octane Sunoco in Scottsdale.
What is he driving that needs 95 octane? My big block has 11.1 compression and I run 91 octane with Lucas octane booster, no rattling.
13’Shelby GT 500
If he is driving around Scottsdale and doesn’t have his foot on the floor then 91 octane which is what you get in Arizona will be fine, if he is at the track then 93 is recommended.
I’ve seen 2 strange non name brand independent gas stations – 1 sells only 87 & 93 octane, & the other sells 87, 89, 91, & 93 octane!
I am beginning to believe that today’s gas with 10% ethanol suppresses pinging better than older unleaded or even older still leaded gas of the same octane. Could i be correct? Up to 8.5 to one compression motors should run fine on 87 octane.
A bonus of 10% ethanol is the free added “dry gas” which helps eliminate carb icing in cold damp weather.
You just have to remember to put fresh gas in the tank at least every 2 months – or use fuel stabilizer for longer than that.
Needs factory “spinner” wheel covers.