While the fourth-generation GTO may not have the same desirability as earlier models, it’s great that Pontiac still offered it, given the muscle car market’s failing state in 1974. Both the third- and fourth-generation examples are one-year-only offerings, with the ’73 GTO becoming an optional package on the all-new LeMans. In 1974, it moved to the compact Ventura, and the moniker was then phased out for 3 decades before reappearing in 2004. This 1974 GTO here on Craigslist is not only a high performer, but it also seems ready for the next owner to get behind the wheel and enjoy. It’s in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania, and based on its condition and what it offers, the asking price of $27,000 doesn’t seem unreasonable. Cool find, Rocco B., and thanks for sending in the tip here!
Sometimes a creation like this seems strong in just one area, but this one appears to have received proper attention everywhere. The original engine has been traded for a small-block Chevy 400 bored 0.030 to 406, and although the owner doesn’t provide much additional information, it sure looks potent with all those accessories! The bay is about as clean as the exterior, so this one scores about as high in appearance as it does in performance. The factory transmission is gone, replaced with a Tremec 5-speed manual. No specifics are given about the rear end, but it appears to have been narrowed, with the wheel wells tubbed, and a fuel cell sits inside the trunk.
The seller doesn’t mention whether the exterior has had any significant bodywork, or if it has always looked this straight and solid. The red paint is a great choice for a build like this, and it appears glossy and in fine shape overall, with one possible small blemish on the right just under the rear side window. A few custom touches have also been added, including gauges placed outside in front of the driver, a trunk-mounted antenna, and a rear badge that reads Pro Street, just in case passersby hadn’t already figured that out!
On a creation like this, it’s not uncommon for the interior to be the area that sometimes lags. However, that’s not the case here, since it’s in excellent overall condition and features a fine selection of aftermarket instruments, many tastefully mounted in the dash. The driver’s bucket shows just a small amount of light wear, but it’s probably minor enough to be overlooked by most potential buyers that this 1974 Pontiac GTO will appeal to. I’m finding very little not to like here, and feeling no urgency to change a thing. I’d be delighted to drive this one as-is! How about you?
Could have kept it Pontiac powered instead of the usual bowtie swap…
Nice car though!! Now it is a Notura SSTO
“Notura”???
NOva SS/VenTURA GTO
I guess that’s an attempt to cross the words. Nova and ventura together fail
I like the air intake; the mixture won’t change as the cars speeds up.
Agree with Dennis, would’ve been cool to see a Pontiac engine under the hood. Curious what is going on with the pass side quarter underneath the window (is that a primer patch?). Driver’s seat does not look to have any seams coming undone so a little clean up and some psst psst with SEM landau black could square that away. I’d change a few of the personal touches, like steering wheel, shift knob, mats, outside gauges, etc, but overall, as long as one does not mind the cousin GM mill now powering the car, it appears to be a solid car that I would imagine will make a fun runner.
Putting a Chevy engine in a Pontiac is like car blasphemy. Yes, I know Pontiac went the way of “GM corporate engines” in the years to follow. And where is Pontiac now?
the 80s are looking for a missing pro street.
One more time with feeling: every car on the planet does not need a SBC- AKA “Belly Button” A 400/455 Pontiac is the obvious answer. I was really excited about this car until I found out about the engine choice.
These were the last hurrah for a real GTO- now it’s just a Nova with a different grill.
I agree! A stout built 455 would be an ideal fit in this one!! I still like it though. Cheaper engine parts and availability is always a plus, but yeah, an old school Poncho engine would be better, and probably a better selling point!