When contemplating a classic purchase, the cost is a serious consideration. Whether that is the actual purchase price or the expense involved in restoration, it is something that most buyers will keep in the back of their minds. Addressing shortcomings can be expensive, particularly if the new toy requires rust repairs. That’s one reason why this 1970 Pontiac GTO is attractive. It is rock-solid and retains its original paint applied in the factory. The new owner could perform a cosmetic refresh, although it would attract the same attention if left largely untouched. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bidding sits below the reserve at $14,600, but there is still time for interested parties to stake their claim on this survivor.

This is not the first classic we’ve seen from this seller, with their auction history indicating they have a soft spot for anything wearing a Pontiac badge. As might be expected from older vehicles from this location, its Atoll Blue paint looks pretty baked. However, potential buyers may consider it acceptable for an unrestored survivor. A refresh would be straightforward and would lift the overall presentation significantly. The Black vinyl top adds a classy touch, and its condition is better than might be expected in these circumstances. It looks like a high-quality conditioning product would return it to an as-new state, and there are no signs of any bubbles suggesting hidden problems. There is plenty of positive news for those unwilling or unable to tackle rust repairs. The Pontiac’s underside is rock-solid, while the only issue worth mentioning is some light surface corrosion on the trunk floor. The welder and grinder can stay in the cupboard on this one, and with the trim and chrome in good order, returning this GTO to its former glory should not be challenging or expensive.

Powering this GTO is a 400ci V8 that sends 350hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes rounds out the car’s mechanical package. If you ever doubted the GTO’s muscle car credentials, the ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.8 should put those doubts to rest. Whether the car is numbers-matching is unclear, but an in-person inspection should answer that question. It is in excellent mechanical health, having clocked 5,000 miles since its engine was rebuilt. The seller says it sounds nice, and I see no reason to doubt the claim. They also state it has a genuine 71,000 miles on the clock, although they don’t mention supporting evidence. For potential buyers seeking a turnkey classic, the GTO delivers. It runs and drives well, meaning the successful bidder could slip behind the wheel and drive off into the Nevada sunset.

The Pontiac’s interior is presentable and serviceable for its age, but the new owner may choose to splash some cash to improve its appearance. The dash cover makes it impossible to assess the dash pad’s condition, but it may be there more as a preservation measure than to hide UV damage. The front seatcovers are deteriorating, although the back seat and remaining upholstered surfaces look good. The dash and console are crack-free, but I did spot aftermarket speakers and gauges that the successful bidder may wish to remove. Before I splashed any cash inside this classic, I would invest time and effort into performing a deep clean. It could produce positive results that would minimize future costs associated with returning it to a pristine state. The seller indicates that someone removed the air conditioning components years ago, but they include the parts in the sale.

The desirability of this 1970 Pontiac GTO is reflected in the auction action, with the car receiving twenty-five bids on the first day. I suspect the bid total and price will rise significantly before the hammer falls, especially because it would not take much money to have it shining like a new penny. Returning the presentation to a high level would see it capable of commanding a price of $40,000 in the current market, although rising values could push that figure higher. Would you follow the restoration path, or would preservation be impossible to resist?