Original Interior: 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 V8

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The Pontiac GTO is most often credited with starting the mid-size muscle car movement in the 1960s. Based on the Tempest/LeMans, the GM division rolled out the GTO in 1964 to what they thought would be a limited audience – 5,000 units per year. Boy, were they wrong, with sales of 32,400 in ’64 and a peak of 97,000 in 1966. This first-year “GOAT” looks like a sweet survivor with perhaps 50,000 miles to show for it. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, this 389 V8 equipped powerhouse is available here on craigslist for $37,900. Bravo to T.J. for another Pontiac performance tip!

John DeLorean, general manager of Pontiac at the time, was one of the brains behind the GTO (which to many is an abbreviation for “gas, tires, and oil”). The Tempest/LeMans was a great platform for this launch because the cars had been promoted to intermediate status in ’64 after being a compact for the prior three years. Pillared and hardtop coupes were offered in addition to a convertible and all of them were powered by a 389 cubic inch V8. Two-thirds of production came with a 4-barrel carburetor while the balance had the powerful Tri-Power arrangement (the former is what’s in the seller’s car).

We’re told that this GTO comes with PHS documentation to prove it’s the real deal (hopefully that paperwork is transferred to the buyer). No mention is made of numbers matching, the engine or the 4-speed manual transmission. We’re told the hot rod runs great, thanks to new parts including tires, brakes, and shock absorbers. The car has an oversized exhaust system, so it must sound pretty badass. The red interior is said to be original and looks quite good except for the carpeting (no mention is made if the white paint has been redone on a rust-free body).

The seller is downsizing, so this car along with several others are up for sale. So, if the GOAT doesn’t do it for you, you might ask the seller about his/her ’57 Bel Airs (2), ’68 Mustang (hopped up), and another ’64 GTO with the triple carbs. Since a collector is no doubt involved here, chances are this GTO is everything it’s supposed to be instead of what you might get from a flipper.

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Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Good eye TJ. Seller has some other treats too. Including a 4sp tri power Goat 🐐 and the very cool, much more contemporary hot rod wagon the Magnum R/T 😎 🏁

    Like 4
  2. Rustytech RustytechMember

    Now there’s a car with memory’s. I was 11 years old when this car came out. My best friends older brother got one. One day he put a $10 bill under a magnet on the glove box ( yes they were metal) and told me I could have it if I could reach it while he accelerated. Didn’t get the $10 that day! What a ride though.

    Like 14
  3. Barzini BarziniMember

    Nice car at a reasonable price from a dry area but I wonder why there is no photo of the engine bay.

    Like 5
  4. William Perschke

    The car is mine…I hate selling all of them.
    With 8 cars posted I missed a couple things.
    I will get an engine compartment pic out there.

    Like 19
  5. Russell Smith

    1964 Tempest LeMans GTO has always been my favorite of all the GTO’s. Love the white over red and 4-speed. If it had tri-power it would be perfect IMHO. Nice car!

    Like 7
  6. Robert Giebelhausen

    I was a Marine back in 64 and when I got back home from Vietnam I bought a brand new 66 GTO. I made quite a few fun weekend trips from Camp Lejune back home to Chicago when I was in the service. When I was discharged in 67 I took over my brother’s 67 Chevelle SS and my Goat found another owner. I sure wish I could have it back. I had some great memories with it.
    I live in Phoenix AZ so maybe I’ll see your GTO on the road some day.

    Like 1
  7. JoeBob

    Very nice GTO, and at a reasonable price, but I’m surprised there are no pics under the hood or in the trunk or under the car.

    Like 0
  8. William

    I was born and raised in Chicago.

    Like 0
  9. William

    The pics are there now…thanks.

    Like 0
    • JoeBob

      Thanks! Very nice.

      Like 0

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