Some classics tick so many of the right boxes that they prove irresistible to potential buyers. Take this 1969 Pontiac GTO as a prime example. It presents exceptionally well as a high-end driver. It appears to be rock-solid, and its engine bay houses the mighty 400ci Ram Air V8. Those features alone make it attractive. However, the seller’s decision to list it for auction with No Reserve makes it worth more than a passing glance.
Pontiac released its Second Generation GTO for the 1968 model year, with the latest offering featuring radically updated styling compared to its predecessor. I have previously stated that I never warmed to the look of the later cars, feeling that they aren’t quite as sharp and elegant as the earlier examples. However, I also acknowledge that is a personal opinion, and if yours differs, I respect that. This classic wears gleaming Midnight Green paint that is free from significant flaws and defects. The panels are straight, while the underside shots seem to suggest this classic is rust-free. If this GTO is all that appears in the supplied photos, it has no panel or paint needs. It features functioning concealed headlamps and Rally II wheels that are in good condition. The glass is crystal clear, and this classic would seem to be ideal for an enthusiast seeking a high-end driver.
The GTO is considered the father of the muscle car, and with that genre reaching close to the peak of its power in 1969, it is fair to expect something special under the hood. This GTO doesn’t disappoint, with the first owner combining the 400ci Ram Air V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The Ram Air generates an “official” 366hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque, although many people believe that both figures are quite understated. The drivetrain combination results in a car that should be effortless to drive but will scorch the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds if poked with a sharp stick. The seller confirms that the air/fuel mixture enters the V8 via a Holley carburetor, while an aluminum radiator keeps this classic cool. They don’t indicate whether it is numbers-matching, nor how well it runs or drives. If the car’s presentation is an accurate guide, the news should be positive.
The GTO’s interior is as impressive as the exterior. The combination of Black vinyl, bucket seats, a console, and woodgrain trim adds a classy edge to this high-performance classic. Faulting the presentation is almost impossible beyond what appears to be minor carpet wear under the driver’s feet. However, it may also be an illusion created by the prevailing light, because the rest of the trim is spotless. The dash and pad are crack-free, and the timber is immaculate. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, with this classic retaining its factory air conditioning and AM radio.
The seller listed this 1969 Pontiac GTO here on eBay in Longview, Texas. Thirteen bids have pushed the price to $16,100, and with over seventy people watching the auction, that figure is likely to climb higher. However, with No Reserve in play, it could be a bargain if that doesn’t happen. If you have been in the market for an iconic muscle car, does this GTO tick the boxes for you?
It’s a nice car, factory equipped Ram Air III & IV cars sell at a substantial premium over the base 400 4bbl. Pontiacs are easy and inexpensive to document, if there is no PHS documentation provided on a car like this the default position should be it’s likely not what the seller claims.
Steve R
Another prior BAT auction listed on Fraud-Bay with no reserve. I remember the pics, so I looked for the old listing on BAT, sold 08/2023 for $42350. Again, anytime there is a listing of a classic car, especially a muscle car, on eBay, with no reserve, look up old BAT listings. Chances are high, it was listed there…
Yep, and Ebay already cancelled the listing.
Mike 76, as well Steve R both make excellent points. There are far too many unscrupulous folks out there screwing around in the classic car market Truly desirable “collector cars” have long been an “approach with caution” sort of a proposition, but it is far more prevalent now than in the past. That being said, this one might be worth a look, as if it is what it’s advertised as, it’s a neat car.
My uncle had one, tomato red, he was a farmer, the GTO was his driving into town car.