The 2004 Pontiac GTO has the dubious distinction of being built by a now-extinct foreign General Motors marque to be sold in North America by another extinct GM brand. That is sad, because, below the skin, the GTO possessed the performance that most enthusiasts rightly expected from that iconic badge. This Pontiac has a genuine 10,000 miles on its odometer and is an unmolested classic needing nothing but a new home. The seller has listed the GTO here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. They set their BIN at $26,950 OBO with time remaining for potential buyers to get their financial ducks in a row before pursuing it further.
Pontiac launched the Fifth Generation GTO for the 2004 model year and, for the first time, it relied on a foreign manufacturer to produce these vehicles. The GTO was a mildly reengineered and restyled Australian Holden Manaro, a Coupe that was derived from the humble Commodore Sedan. The original Monaro Concept was developed in secret by a group of Holden designers as a styling exercise, but it hit the mark with Holden management and went into production Down Under in 2001. General Motors was keen to inject some performance cred back into the Pontiac range, contracting Holden to build and ship a modern interpretation of the GTO to the US, which Holden achieved in 2004. The first owner ordered this GTO in Phantom Black Metallic with a subtle contrasting Red pinstripe Finding fault with its presentation is virtually impossible, with this classic carrying the hallmarks of a car that was treated respectfully from Day One. The paint shines nicely, the panels are straight, and since these cars aren’t renowned for corrosion problems, its rust-free status is unsurprising. The glass is clear, and the 17″ alloy wheels look perfect.
The exterior styling of the 2004 GTO may have been considered too subtle for many, but the drivetrain combination hiding below the surface confirmed that this is a genuine muscle car. Holden selected a 5.7-liter Corvette V8 to power the GTO, with this car’s first owner ordering it with a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and four-wheel power disc brakes with anti-lock. The engine generates 350hp and 365 ft/lbs of torque. That is enough to launch this Pontiac through the ¼-mile in 13.6 seconds on its way to 171mph. No matter how you cut it, the GTO is genuinely fast. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the claimed odometer reading of 10,000 genuine miles, nor how well it runs or drives. However, the bulletproof mechanical components and the car’s overall presentation suggest the news should be positive.
Airbags, leather trim, air conditioning, power assistance for the windows, seats, and locks are a few of the GTO’s interior features. Throw cruise control, a tilt wheel, a trip computer, and a premium Blaupunkt CD stereo into the mix, and this Pontiac perfectly combines comfort and performance. The interior condition is all that you might expect, with no evidence of abuse, wear, deterioration, or aftermarket additions. The outer front seat bolsters are prone to problems that this GTO has avoided, meaning that the interior is in virtually showroom condition.
The Fifth Generation GTO wasn’t the sales success that Pontiac envisaged, but several factors can be blamed for its showroom failure. Many buyers were underwhelmed by the styling, which bore no resemblance to any domestically produced vehicles. Built in Australia, the unfavorable exchange rate meant that by the time they landed on US soil, the sticker price was considerably higher than originally anticipated. That was a shame because the stopwatch demonstrated that the 2004 GTO was a genuine muscle car. With both Holden and Pontiac fading into history, preserving this classic would pay homage to two great marques. That opportunity doesn’t present itself every day.
I had a dear friend who had a G8, that was kind of a GTO, and was a wonderful car. Steam up the ying yang, especially for a V6. That car you HAD to set the cruise, as 80 didn’t seem any different than 50. While it sure doesn’t look like a GTO, it sure embodies most of the original intent. Okay, the “4 speed” is now an automatic, and “3 deuces” replaced by fuel injection, but mid 13s for a newer car is impressive. I think I found the authors continual overstating the 1/4 mile speeds, as I read, this car does do 13.6 in the 1/4, but at 104 mph, which is about 170 kilometers. That, my friends, is pretty close to the original. Pontiac usually stood for performance, and when GM axed Pontiac, I knew it was over.
BTW, I realize this is a V8, but that V6 in the G8 put out over 256 HP. Ruthie loved that car, and was her last.
“…through the ¼-mile in 13.6 seconds on its way to 171mph” refers to an eventual top speed of 171 mph, not the speed at the end of the 1/4-mile.
Dave, 13.6 be about ..105-107?
Some people would rather comment than read carefully.
@jwaltb- The writer should be more clear. This is not the first time he does not clearly state the distinction between reported 1/4 mile speed and top speed. Pretty simple to make clear.
The writer never mentions 1/4 mile trap speed.i thought it was quite clear.
But no matter.
I liked this car the first time I saw one. Got got to see it perform too as we were at an autocross. Impressive car.
Besides the higher price because of the import tax, in my own opinion I believe the biggest thing that hert the sales was because once again an American company put an iconic name on an import, and the purists weren’t having it. I have ridden in and driven a couple, and they’re very capable automobiles. Like Adam said, it’s a shame that Pontiac and Holden are no longer with us.
An import into the USA from a fully owned subsidiary of GM, set up by GM and always 100% owned by GM, before being wound up by GM. Made using 100% GM parts like the engine and transmission. So it’s an import in the same way a Mexican made Silverado is, or a Canadian made Silverado is.
Considering every publication values these at 4-6 thousand bucks..his ask is kinda hopeful.They are not collectable…yet,he needs to wait another 10-20 years …lol
Huh
ThunderRod please send more info were we can purchase these 4-6k GTOs I’m very very interested.
Yes! Please include me on the reply.
Me too, I live in Australia and have the Monaro version of the GTO!
They vary in price here ranging from $AUD26,000-to over $100,000 for
the later 2005-2006 model, as these model were fitted with the LS2 V8.
The original 1967 HK Holden Bathurst Monaros, fetch over AUD$300,000
This really hits a nerve for me as a lifelong Pontiac owner. I remember when these came out, I was so stoked for it until I saw it. If they had just added something subtle to it , body package, scoops, SOMETHING to tie it to performance I would have been in.
Such a shame because I think the performance is there..
My Dad always said GTO /Gas Tires & Oil
“Dubious distinction” of being a Holden? Shouldn’t you know better than that?
I had two of these. The first was an 05 with a 6 speed and traded it in on an 06 with a six speed and 6.0L. Terrific cars, both of them. I don’t care what anyone says, these WERE GTOs. Superior handling and performance. Just because they didn’t look like Chevelle didn’t mean they were a great car.
The wear on the driver’s seat looks like a lot more miles
It looks great on a phone screen.
The comment about about import taxes and resulting highish prices is interesting but these cars were a damn sight cheaper in the States than what us mugs were asked to pay in Australia.
These had a sweet exhaust note from the factory and I thought they were pretty cool.i remember revving up one of these and it was captivating! But I would wait for a 2005 as I believe they came with the hood scoops, 400hp and dual exhaust that exited from the left and right. I believe the 2004 both pipes were in the left.