There are many factors to contemplate when assessing the relative worth of any classic purchase. Originality can be a prime factor if the buyer considers the vehicle’s potential future value, which can differentiate a good investment from a great one. This 1967 Pontiac GTO seems to tick many of the right boxes because it retains its original drivetrain and desirable interior options. It requires total restoration, but the seller has returned it to a mechanically roadworthy state so the new owner can enjoy it immediately. They have listed the GTO here on eBay in Greenville, South Carolina. Bidding has raced past the reserve and currently sits at $15,300.
Pontiac struck a sweet spot when it released the GTO in 1964. Initially an options package on the LeMans, it achieved standalone model status in 1966. The First Generation remained on sale until 1967, with our feature car rolling off the line during that final production year. Its history is unclear beyond the seller describing it as a true barn find. They purchased the car, intent on returning it to its former glory. However, as often happens, they now have too many projects on the boil, and the GTO must find a new home. They are candid about its condition, admitting it requires total restoration. Its original and faded Champagne Metallic paint is the least of its problems because they confirm the GTO requires new floor pans. That isn’t as bad as it first seems because, with the frame and trunk pan rock-solid, the Pontiac is structurally sound. Exterior rust is confined to a couple of small spots that are candidates for patches, and the panels sport only minor bumps and bruises. The seller removed most of the exterior trim, although this is included. The tinted glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the GTO rolls on Rally II wheels.
This GTO is consistent because its interior needs as much love as its exterior. However, the first owner loaded it with some of the most desirable factory options available in 1967. These include air conditioning, a console, a “His & Hers” shifter, an AM radio, and an 8-track player. The engine bay components for the A/C are missing, but the remaining features are intact. These help the Pontiac to score extra points as an investment. It requires a total retrim because the upholstered surfaces are pretty tired, the carpet has seen better days, the headliner is gone, and the pad has succumbed to UV exposure and age. Complete kits can sell for around $2,700 but contain every component required to return the interior to a factory-fresh state.
The best news for potential buyers is that not only is this GTO a numbers-matching survivor, but the seller splashed plenty of cash to ensure it is mechanically roadworthy. The 400ci V8 should send 335hp and 441 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission. The TH-400 was a welcome inclusion for 1967, offering performance improvements compared to the superseded two-speed unit. The car’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.8 seconds confirms its muscle credentials, while power assistance for the steering and brakes ensures the driver won’t raise a sweat behind the wheel. Don’t be fooled by the tired state of the engine bay because this GTO has a heart of pure gold. The seller replaced the fuel tank, booster, brake lines, alternator, water pump, and exhaust. I’m unsure how recent this shot is because the booster doesn’t look new to me. However, I am willing to take the seller at their word. The Pontiac runs and drives perfectly, and potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
There is a fear in some quarters that the supply of desirable barn finds may one day dry up, but this 1967 Pontiac GTO proves some great classics are hidden away, awaiting their day of liberation. This beauty needs love, but with First Generation GTOs remaining as desirable as ever, it should be worth the effort and expense. The current bid figure is relatively modest for a car of this caliber, but is that enough to tempt you to move on this American icon?
The master cylinder will rust almost immediately if left un-coated or not painted, especially if left outside. The rear brake lines are horrendous, rather than correct lines, they are universal replacements sold by length. But… an AC car, with the 8 track, (mine was stolen years ago) sport steering wheel (needs some help) and console makes it a nicely equipped GTO. No mention if it has a positraction rear. I bet this was a vinyl top car originally based on the entire roof being primered. The ad says ahs “all the chromes” which are actually stainless steel, with the exception of the vinyl top sail panel trim. It will be interesting to see what it sells for, it in photo’s “appears” to be a good project.
I had a 67 GTO four speed that I thoroughly enjoyed for several years, before it was T boned by someone running a red light. It was a very fast car, as it had low gears in the differential, and the only option was power steering. Probably the most fun car I ever owned. Pontiac did indeed build excitement!
My parents were married in the fall of 1968, and bought one of these from a Pontiac dealer. Red, black vinyl top, black interior, automatic with the his & hers shifter. No A/C, probably just power steering and an AM radio. Posi rear, my father kept cement blocks in the trunk for traction, and still burned away snow tires all the time. They sold it a year later, shortly before their first child was due.
Looks like a good start with most of the hard top side work done – floors to go…and check out that rare factory 8 track…..
Had one just like it (color and driveline), but mine had waaaay more rust. Still very fun, very fast car. Ended up putting the driveline into a rust free lemans convertible. Too far gone to save (even by today’s standards) but still have the convertible decades later. And, no, I didn’t clone it.