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One Owner GTO: 1970 Pontiac GTO

This 1970 Pontiac GTO is missing a pretty important component, but it is a clean and solid car that is looking for a new home. It still wears all of its original sheetmetal and could make a relatively easy restoration project. You will find the GTO, which is located in Avon, New York, listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has currently reached $10,499, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The GTO is a very attractive car, and the Pepper Green paint is definitely one of the more attractive colors. We only get photos of one side and the front of the car, but it looks really promising. The owner says that it is solid and that all of the steel in the car is original. It sounds like there will be no rust issues to deal with, and I’d love to see how the car presents with a simple wash and polish.

When I mentioned missing components, the main item is one of the most important in this car. Originally the engine bay was the proud home of a 455 HO engine, pushing out 360hp. It isn’t clear what happened to the original engine, but in its place is a 400ci V8. The owner doesn’t say which version of the 400 this is, but it should still be good for around 330hp. Backing this is a 4-speed manual transmission, but it isn’t clear whether this is original. The owner really doesn’t give us a lot to work with here, but given the fact that he also doesn’t say anything negative, maybe things are okay. One point to consider is the fact that this is a one-owner car. If this is true, the next owner might be able to get their hands on the original 455. If they can, there might be half a chance that this could once again be a numbers-matching car.

In general terms, the interior of the GTO is not in bad condition, and there’s nothing there that would require urgent attention. The carpet isn’t original, but neither is the radio/cassette player that is fitted into the dash. Both of these issues are easy and cheap to address, and they look like that’s about it for restoration work. The rest of the trim and upholstery looks good, while the dash and pad are also in great condition.

If the original engine can be located, this 1970 Pontiac GTO has the potential to be a pretty fantastic car. Even as it is it is still nothing to be ashamed of, but that engine makes a world of difference. This is not a numbers-matching car, but I still wouldn’t be surprised if it bids up to around the $30,000 mark. If the reserve is lower than this, then it could be a pretty decent buy.

Comments

  1. Avatar CapNemo

    A washing and polishing would make it look much better for sure. The floor trims should undergo a replace.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Anthony in RI

    That Sun tach in the dash is probably a good indication of what happened to the original 455 engine ☹️

    Like 14
    • Avatar Mike P

      Bingo, they weren’t very high revving motors.

      Like 3
  3. Avatar Arthell64

    I would like to see some pictures or a pic of the floor and trunk pans. This car should have a 12 bolt rear end.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar George mattar

    If there wasn’t a Corvette in my garage, this car would be. I have a 455 engine complete. More importantly, one owner 70 GTOs are very hard to find. My first GTO was a 70 hardtop I got in California from the orig owner in 1986, for $5,500. Life got in the way and had to sell it. Miss that car.

    Like 5
  5. Avatar don

    I’m assuming this is a flipper auction ; I would think someone who has owned the car since new would have plenty of history to post , like why he is selling it and why the motor was swapped out .

    Like 5
  6. Avatar Tom

    I suppose all cars were “one owner” at some point…a little more info would be helpful though.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar John Oliveri

    Unless of course that 400 motor is 77 up then it’s worth about 200 hp, which makes a nice anchor, although better than a 403, but that’s for another time

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Troy s

    Nothing wrong with a 400 if it runs good. I know it’s not original, but what the heck..the 455 In ’70 wasn’t a killer motor anyways. Maybe a rear tire burner.
    Cleaned up a bit this could be nice and sure would promote stronger bidding.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar stillrunners

    Have we seen this one before ?

    Like 1
    • Avatar brian crowe

      I thought so to. I remember the house carpet in it

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Fossil

    Why no VIN?

    Like 0
  11. Avatar TimM

    I had a 68 with enduro delete!! This 70 is a nice looking car but it is in New York!! Could be a rusty mess!! The carpet is crap!!

    Like 0

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