While the letters “GTO” are commonly thought to mean “Gas, Tires, & Oil,” the name goes deeper than that. Suggested by John DeLorean himself, the name was inspired by the successful race car, the Ferrari 250 GTO. It’s an Italian abbreviation for Gran Turismo Omologato (“grand tourer homologated”), though the Pontiac GTO was never certified as a Grand Tourer. This 1970 edition is a one-owner car that awaits a restoration with less than 90,000 miles on the odometer. Presently in Selma, Alabama, this Pontiac is available here on eBay where the reserve has yet to be triggered at bids reaching $12,800.
The GTO would be an immediate success for Pontiac and DeLorean, and competitors would quickly emerge throughout General Motors and the rest of the domestic auto industry. Because of the cars’ mid-size proportions, they proved ideal for motors of 350, 400, and more cubic inches. First-generation GTOs (1964-67) would be followed by the second generation that enjoyed a five-year run through 1972. For 1970, Pontiac would build more than 40,000 GTOs, of which 18,000 or so would have a 400-V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and automatic transmission that produced 350 hp, like this automobile.
This car came triple gold in color when new (paint, vinyl top, interior), but the body and paint have seen better days. There are minor dings and dents throughout, and rust is present in a few places, like the back of the right rear quarter panel. Also, the front valance is damaged. We’re told the vinyl top is in excellent shape, but we’re wondering if any kind of luster can be coaxed back out. And it looks like a foldback sunroof might be there, but no mention is made if that’s the case. The fan belt is off the air conditioning compressor, so we’re guessing it no longer works.
The interior has largely held up but needs a thorough cleaning. The driver’s buckets seat needs a minor repair, and the carpeting looks due for replacement as does the steering wheel. The seller tells us about the motor but doesn’t say if the car runs, an important statement to leave out. On the other hand, the Pontiac wears a brand-new set of radial tires which is not likely something you’d do for a non-running automobile. We’re told that the State of Alabama did not issue titles in 1970, so the buyer will have to be okay with receiving a Bill of Sale and proof of registration. Hagerty estimated a ’70 GTO in Fair Condition should exceed $18,000 in resale value.
GTO = Good Thru October, then you put them away in the heated garage!
I don’t think anyone in the history of mankind has thought GTO means gas tires oil lol
That’s what I told everybody about my 65. The 3 Duces drank GAS, With the 4 Speed it was hard to keep back Tires on it, and between every Oil change, It used a quart..
Obviously you never owned one. Had a 65 Goat back in 73-74, Gas Tires and oil says it all. (Still wish I never sold it in 74)
Pretty common where I grew up.
thats the first time I’ve ever heard that corrolation.
There’s no “folding sunroof “ just the seams in the vinyl top.
The A/C compressor seems to be at an odd angle, not sure what’s going on there.
At the current bid it’s a worthwhile project.
As far as the gas, tires, oil comments in the 70’s you’d hear just about anything, that included. STOP was called spin tires on pavement…and so on.
My second favorite GOAT year, ever since I saw one ripping through the opening credits of Baretta!
I always thought S T O P stood for “Stop Teasing Our Police”.
Love the GTO series. Had a ‘69 myself. Just never liked these front end bumpers. I know it was the era of fuel injected mounding and 30 seconds to make, but that is just me. Sure wish I had my 69 back.
I was three when my dad traded in his 57 BelAir, 283/dual fours for his new 66 GTO, burgundy/burgundy tripower 4spd. Sat me on his lap on the way home and let me steer. Been a gear head ever since
Thanks Gary for bringing a smile to my face. How many guys on here do you think had a similar experience? I’d guess 90% or more. I miss a few of my old cars but I miss my Dad the most.
I found a 1970 not running in a back yard about a mile from my home in 1975. I paid the guy $400. For the car. I laid on my back for a couple weeks in the dirt and dust after work wrenching on many different areas of the car. Last thing it needed was a new starter. Got it on there and fired her up and babied her home. Another week rebuilding the quardrejet 4barrel and had a he’ll of a summer with that car. Sold it to a good friend for $700. Before heading to basic training. About a month into, got a letter he hit a parked car and totaled both cars. The good old days for sure.
Thanks Gary for bringing a smile to my face. How many guys on here do you think had a similar experience? I’d guess 90% or more. I miss a few of my old cars but I miss my Dad the most.
GTO used too also mean Get Your Tools Out.Always was a bunch of ways people had fun with the names on cars Ford had some great ones like F+++++g Old Rebuilt Dodge and there was a bunch more. Some even better
Looks like coach Reggie Dunlop’s car from the movie “SlapShot”….
Other acronyms for GTO:
Go To Olds
Garbage Truck Option
yeah a friend had a 1968 GOAT that was a pig we told him it was a Pontiac with the Guts Taken Out for sure .
Just correcting a coment in the article about Al titles. They did issue tiltes in 1970 however in 2012 they stopped issuing tiles for cars 35 years old and over. If you buy this GTO today and live in Alabama, you can not get a title now.
Have to comment on sittin on dads lap. Dad had a ford econoline truck. I got to sit on his lap to steer it into the garage. The best was riding with him and getting to sit on the engine cover,he had one of those beanbag ash trays on the dash infront of me and lovin the smoke and sittin next to pops
Fix-It-Again-Tony
Just Empty Every Pocket
Sold. Winning bid of $18K
Funny , we used to call the “good take off “
Yes there was a lot of them for the GTO Get your tools out was one I remember.
Hadn’t heard of the Gas Tires and Oil .. but would think of that as a sign of dependability.. So long as you have gas in the tank, tread on the tires and oil in the crankcase you are good to go..
Another couple examples of a FORD acrostic that I recall..
For Ford fans – First On Race Day
For those not Ford fans.. Fix Or Repair Daily..
What is really sad 90% of the GTO owners do not know what the GTO letters really mean. Gran Turismo Omologato. Or in English Grand Touring Homologated.