Down but not out, this red 1969 Pontiac GTO in Salem, Wisconsin retains its numbers-matching original 400 cid (6.6L) engine, and shows less rust than you might expect from the land of cheese and Supper Clubs. The grille split inboard of the headlight buckets might suggest (optional) hidden headlights, but this youtube video of a hidden headlight GTO shows a different look. The seller has owned this Pontiac since 1984 and should be able to relate its history since then. It only had one owner before that! The listing here on craigslist makes no mention of running or driving condition, but based on the dust and photo location we would surmise it is not road-worthy. The $9,000 asking price may not be the bottom dollar, but it’s low enough to avoid inquiries regarding what the seller may be smoking. Thanks to reader Ikey H. for spotting this garage-kept Goat.

Sadly someone jettisoned the functional Ram Air III setup for this extra-tall air cleaner. A fresh-looking loaded brake master cylinder indicates brake repairs. Earlier work shows no concern for originality, and that’s OK. For a long time, even a GTO was simply an “old car,” and nobody cared about stock-appearing heater hoses and the like. “Just get some parts and keep it running so we can cruise tonight.” The 3.55 gears and four-speed manual promise tons of fun. Purists would want original exhaust manifolds, but the headers (visible in the listing photos) probably make more power. The Ram Air III 400 made a stout 366 HP and 445 lb-ft of torque. Remember, the 455 didn’t arrive until 1970 and only the 370 HP Ram Air IV 400 made more power in ’69.

The overall look, Cragar S/S wheels, skinny up front, and fat in the rear, combined with the Firestone radials with raised white letters, render this faded red “Goat” perfect for the high school parking lot of your choice. I’d love to see this Pontiac on the road just like it’s shown here, simply for novelty. Who hasn’t seen a perfectly restored factory ’69 GTO? You don’t see one like this very often, and there’s nothing wrong with paying tribute to the ’80s, a decade when classic muscle cars could be thoroughly enjoyed without concern for decreasing their future value. Rust in typical areas demands some attention, but we’ve seen worse from Wisconsin! Removing the vinyl top will no doubt disclose additional metal degradation.

General Motors offered the black-and-white two-toned interior on many vehicles, and it looks great in this GTO, brightening up the inside with white but keeping enough black to look sporty and tough. The Hurst T-handle shifter angles back toward the driver, begging to be handled with authority. Perhaps a tachometer rests among additional parts that come with the sale to fill that hole in the dash. What would you change on this GTO?