If you’re like me, you find few sights sadder than a desirable classic that’s been forgotten and ignored for years. That’s been the fate of this 1969 Pontiac GTO, though the news isn’t all bad. It is a one-owner survivor that appears to be structurally sound and unmolested. The winning bidder could perform a mechanical revival and preserve the GTO as a genuine survivor. Alternatively, it would be an excellent, rewarding restoration project. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Bring A Trailer in Centennial, Colorado. The bidding sits at $10,000, and with No Reserve in play, the GTO is under a week away from finding a new home.
The muscle car culture that emerged in the 1960s was reaching its zenith when this GTO left the line in 1969. The horsepower race was on in earnest, but the breed would be virtually extinct by the mid 1970s. This GTO is a one-owner classic that has hibernated since 1983. The paint and trim combination is interesting because we haven’t seen many examples at Barn Finds teaming Expresso Brown paint with a Dark Fawn Cordova top. I suspect it will divide opinions, although the paint shade is very much “of its time.” There are plenty of chips and scratches, but no major dings or dents. The vinyl is also pretty tired, but with no rips, it might respond to some attention with a high-quality cleaner. Rust is always a worry, but the car’s lower extremities look pretty clean. The underside shots reveal a layer of dry surface corrosion, but it is impossible to say for sure whether there’s any penetrating rust. However, if the floors and rails are as solid as the trunk pan appears in the image gallery, the restoration may not involve cutting or welding.
Crucially for a classic that could be a long-term investment prospect, this GTO is numbers-matching. It features a 400ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The motor’s power and torque figures of 350hp and 455 ft/lbs confirm the Pontiac’s muscle-car status, though the self-shifter and power assistance would make driving effortless. This GTO is a classic “ran when parked” scenario, though it last fired a shot in anger over four decades ago. The motor turns freely, but budgeting for a mechanical rebuild and replacement of every perishable item would be wise. That said, the foundations appear sound for a faithful restoration.
Trimmed in Gold vinyl, the GTO’s interior looks surprisingly good. The outer piping on the driver’s seat has failed, but the vinyl on every upholstered surface looks very clean. The same is true of the carpet, headliner, and the dash. The pad is crack-free, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. I acknowledge that some plastic components, such as the seat backs, exhibit deterioration. However, with those items replaced and the seat piping repaired, the interior appearance would be acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. It should also be comfortable, thanks to the bucket seats, console, air conditioning, and AM/FM radio.
Desirable classics like this 1969 Pontiac GTO deserve better than to be left for years in a dark garage. This classic was built to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, and I’m sure it did before it was parked. It could conceivably be revived and preserved as a genuine survivor, and it would command respect in that form. Alternatively, a restoration would seem relatively straightforward, recapturing its youthful good looks. Both approaches are valid, but which would you choose?
Boy that’s a real mystery. Doesn’t show any visible signs of abuse, and it doesn’t seem to look like a typical teenagers car but rather more of a responsible older adult who took care of it and wasn’t trying to make it a sports car. Also strange is all 4 tires flat. And those are clearly winter treads on the rear. It appears to be well worth the $$ and should not be difficult to bring back to life. It’ll be interesting to see if bidding goes nuts.
T,
Don’t know if you were around back then.
I was in High School.
A Lot of middle aged men, some WW2 veterans bought muscle cars Like this but drove them Like family guys and took excellent care of them.
Something that has been forgotten, most musclecars were more big engine cruisers that drag strip terrors. The majority were ordered by the dealer for inventory. Highway gearing, lack of instrumentation common, most had open differentials, depending on model column shifts and bench seats were the norm. Look at the Ford Torino GT’s few many came with the base 302 2bbl.
Steve R
My dad included. LoL.
Tires flat isn’t odd – if you don’t know tires….like some of us older guys – those are late 1970 sold tires…..and looks like a dealer has it now and is re-selling so his name will be or should be on the title – and not the orginal owner that’s on all the documentation and Pro-tec-o-plate…..
Air up the tires for a start. If they won’t hold air, replace ’em.
Detail it, replace what’s needed to make it mechanically sound, then enjoy it. Not every car need, not should be restored.
The closing bid will probably surprise many on this site.
Steve R
100%, Steve R.
WOW… Look at that interior… Looks near mint. Sweet find.
Reminds me of my ’68, in 75..found while in the Army, the owner was heading overseas on orders, I was staying stateside…4 flats and the 4spd in the trunk…my 1st wife got it in the divorce 6 yrs later and sold it for $35. I got custody of my son. I got the better deal!
I don’t understand why people don’t put some air in the tires or at least put the car up on blocks to make it look like the tires are up? It would make it more presentable for the sale??
I’m guessing it’s from an estate sale or an elderly owner who passed away and the kids just want to get rid of it.
What Steve R said…
love the snow tires and the hubcaps. hopefully it won’t end up with all the judge crap slapped on it. this color combo cleaned up really looks good. really surprised there is no reserve. selling like that the seller could leave money on the table. i would have given it a better presentation before listing with a good cleaning and do something about the tires. see where it ends.
Great car. Hopefully next owner treats it right. It does have an aftermarket ignition box on driver’s fender, so maybe it did see some spirited driving.
I don’t think this is the Mark Ten CDI box, these weren’t necessarily used as performance aids, but to extend the life of the points. My dad used one on my moms station wagon, it might be on a shelf in the garage. They were the precursor to the early MSD box.
There were a couple of them at the auto parts store I worked at in a back corner where orphan parts went to die about 15 years ago.
Steve R
This car has been sitting for 40 years . It’s going to take a lot to make it road worthy again . but when done it will be fun.
Sold for $20500.