When you consider that Pontiac produced 587,004 passenger cars during the 1971 model year, it is astounding to think that a mere 661 of those vehicles were the non-Judge GTO Convertible. While The Judge version is rarer, classics like our feature car are not exactly thick on the ground. This one is in generally good condition and is a one-owner vehicle. It remains unmodified and unmolested and has only recently been dragged out of long-term storage. There’s no escaping that it has some rust, but it is the type that should be pretty easy to address. It is a numbers-matching survivor that needs a new home, which is why the owner has listed it for sale here on eBay. The GTO is located in Assonet, Massachusetts, and bidding has rocketed past the reserve to $21,600.
It seems that the seller might be this GTO’s second owner. The impression gained from the listing is that he purchased it from the original owner, who had placed it into storage many years ago. That original owner treated the Convertible to a repaint in its original Canyon Copper approximately twenty years ago. It still presents well, with the paint holding a respectable shine. The seller indicates that the floors and underside of the vehicle are rock solid, while the trunk still retains its original spackle finish. Externally, most of the panels are free from penetrating rust, while there is no evidence of any previous accident damage. The white power top is presentable, although the rear window does require repair. Addressing the elephant in the room, the hood has significant rust problems in the leading edge. This issue is common with these classics, and repair sections are available for around $400. There is also some rust in the front valance, and the buyer will need to budget another $300 for a replacement piece to address this. The Rally wheels are in good condition, while there are no issues with the glass.
If the seller’s claim that the interior is original and unrestored is accurate, it is indicative of an owner who has treated their classic with total respect. There is no appreciable wear on any of the upholstered surfaces, while the dash and pad are in excellent condition. The carpet has avoided the stains and wear typical in any vehicle with fifty years under its belt. The only issues that I can spot are some discoloring of the armrests on the doors and a mark on one corner of the glove compartment door. Otherwise, it presents extremely well for a survivor-grade car. The interior isn’t loaded with luxury extras because apart from the power top, bucket seats, and console, the buyer will receive an AM pushbutton radio and a tilt wheel.
Disappointingly, the owner supplies no engine photos for this GTO. However, we know that the engine bay is occupied by a numbers-matching 400vi V8 that produces 300hp. The mechanical configuration includes a three-speed automatic transmission, a Posi rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. If someone pointed this classic down the ¼ mile, the journey would be over in 15.3 seconds. When the seller located this Pontiac, it had been parked for an extended period. He worked through reviving it, including replacing all of the fluids, the battery, and performed a tune-up. All that is left for the buyer to do is fit new tires because the ones on the vehicle at present are more than twenty-five years old. The GTO is mechanically original, down to its exhaust. The seller claims that it has 60,000 genuine miles on the clock but doesn’t indicate whether he holds verifying evidence. The GTO runs and drives well, and with the new tires fitted, it is ready for an extended journey.
Even though it has some visible rust, this 1971 Pontiac GTO Convertible still packs a punch. With the hood and front valance repaired, it would present well as a survivor. Since that appears to be the only rust in the vehicle, it is a classic that doesn’t require immediate attention. If a potential buyer can confirm its odometer reading, that is icing on the cake. There is still time left on the eBay listing, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the bidding sail past $30,000. It is possible that it could nudge $40,000 if the right people see it as a must-have classic. When you look at its overall condition, are you tempted to join the bidding party?
The pictures look to me like the car has been hit on the driver’s fender. Definitely does not line up with door. I will also say it again, only a “one owner”, is a one owner. This guy/gal is flipping, so it is clearly on its second owner at least. Good luck with all of your claims though! I do like it.
I agree, the “1 owner” claim is a bit of a stretch, but a pretty common line for a flipper.
The car may have been hit at one time, but it’s also quite possible that the fit of the fender is original. Fit and finish wasn’t always the best in the 70’s.
They leave the title open, completely illegal but goes on all the time.
Beautiful car ! and these old school colors shine on this one.
I love the color too, especially since I ordered a new El Camino in 71 in the same color. I liked it so much that I still own it 50 years later. On the Chevrolet A-bodies it was called Burnt Orange Metallic.
If you can find an original rust free 71 hood, get ready to spend. 71 very low production all around. Nice car. But this is a flip job.
Who cares? You are arguing semantics and it has nothing to do with value anyway. Needless to babble on about the obvious. I would never count a dealer or “flipper” (I love how folks act as if this is some horrific crime…it’s called capitalism. Get over it.) as a real “owner” in the figurative scheme of things.
Looks more like a LeMans convertible than a true GTO from the pictures
The VIN and cowl tag show the car as a real-deal GTO, but anyone selling a Pontiac should have a PHS to document it’s authenticity.
Wow the hood is eaten up!
Caused by the battery.
Don’t know why someone would let it get that bad.
These hoods collected water and rusted out , not really the batteries fault. I had one in the late 1980s that was rusted badly…but not as badly !
Maybe, but I had a couple first gen Camaros that had pinhole rust right above the battery. The underside of the hood above the battery was corroded.
Nice car! Not a fan of the interior matching the body like that, I would prefer some contrast, but that wouldn’t stop me from bidding if I had the money to bid.
Ad claims that it was sold for $24,300 but it is now re-listed.
High bidder got cold feet.