With the fanfare Pontiac’s muscle car ended up receiving in its own right, looking back it’s kind of hard to believe the GTO actually started out as just an optional package for the LeMans. But what a fine package it was, and it didn’t cost the buyer an arm and a leg to add either. For an extra $300, you got a 389 cubic-inch V8 with a Carter 4-Barrel that made 325 horsepower as you were driving it off the lot. Optional equipment included the intake system dreams were made of, the “tri-power”, which featured three Rochester 2-Barrels and raised horsepower almost another 25 notches. If you’ve been in the market for a numbers-matching 3-Carb example, this 1964 GTO Convertible is almost sure to please. It’s in Floral Park, New York, and can be seen here on eBay, where bidding has reached $44,100, yet not enough for it to exchange hands as the reserve has not been met.
This one seems to have all the right stuff going for it, as not only does the car present beautifully but it’s been documented by the Pontiac Historical Society, plus it’s been in California for most of its life. The seller describes the body condition as great and says all of the panels are original, with the fit looking exceptional in all the photos. There aren’t any details given about how old the paint is, but it’s said to be in really nice shape with a couple of imperfections here and there, with the seller judging the finish as an 8 on a 10 scale.
The factory engine and transmission were rebuilt by previous owners, with receipts provided for both jobs, plus a documentation and records book of all the maintenance the Pontiac has received through the years is included in the sale. We also get links to 5 videos, including this one of the 389 running. The seller says his GTO runs and drives great, with a tune-up just completed and it’s now ready for the new owner to hit the road and enjoy.
The interior is also listed as being in great shape, with no rips or tears present, and all of the gauges and electrical items are stated to be working. At some point, an aftermarket radio was added, but we’re assured it fits fine in the old spot and no dash modifications were made during installation. There’s also been a trio of gauges added underneath the dashboard. This one sure seems like a fine GTO all the way around, and I’m finding very little to find fault with here. What do you think?
Nice Goat, too bad someone painted the trunk with spatter paint, it should be body color. Paint the rear tail panel with the correct Marimba Red and it will look much nicer from the rear. I hope that the original kick panels have been retained after they were swapped out for the custom speaker versions, and lastly the shifter is incorrect, but much easier to drive with the seat all the way back and less chance of punching the radio on the shift to third gear with the original almost vertical shifter. I think everyone who had one did it at least once… now if it only had the 4 spoke wood wheel! The original wheel covers look great!
Agree with the shifter and spatter paint. This must be an early car because it has the first version alternator/power steering belt setup. Later versions had separate belts. Beautiful car. This car appears to be Grenadier Red as I think Marimba was more of a maroon color.
Correct, the body color appears to be Grenadier Red, but the area between the ribs on the tail panel should be Marimba Red.
I’m not sure about the 64 but 65 definitely use splatter paint in the trunk. I have three of them, all original.
65 was the first year to use spatter paint in the trunk, I also have a 65, and have had 3 64’s. Depending on the assembly plants, I have seen 65’s in both light and dark. My 65 vert has the dark color, the car was built in Pontiac MI.
Only ’64 painted body color in trunk!
Is that side mirror location stock? – maybe it’s a/only for remote control driver’s mirror?
Correct for the remote mirror. A standard mirror would be in the typical location.
I’ll be watching this one closely. lol
My first experience with a GTO was a 1964 389 4 speed 3 deuce car. It was lime green with a white top and white interior. It was a buddies Dad’s car who was a stock car racer. His Dad picked us up from an REO concert at Marvell Bakery. He jumped out into traffic and just hammered in on down Chicago Road. I was mesmerized! What a car!
In later years I went to work at a Pontiac store where I was able to drive many “Very Cool” Pontiacs. But I will never forget that “first” GTO!
I’ve seen more than one 64 GTO with the LH mirror on the front fender. Was that the stock location?
Stock for the optional code 444 remote control mirror, $11.78 option!
Yup.
It amazes me to see these cars now, some in great condition as this one and others in not so great condition. All selling for sky high prices, compared to when I owned them as a teen/early 20’s guy back in the late 60’s early 70’s. Those cars back then were the epitome of technology and provided me with so many, many hours of driving pleasure and also (TBH) many hours of education. I owned and drove hot chevy’s, mopars and fords, paying almost nothing(in hindsight) compared to these days. I never owned a new car as a kid but that didn’t stop me from owning several muscle cars over the years.
Now if I could only go back in time . . .