In the muscle car arena, the Pontiac GTO is perhaps the gold standard. It was the first mid-size performance car, though the Chrysler Letter Series may have gotten the ball rolling. Pontiac thought they would sell 5,000 copies in 1964, the car’s first year. But, instead, 32,405 were delivered on the way to 97,000 units two years later. The seller has a one-owner ’64 GOAT convertible that last ran about a decade ago. Located in Grove City, Ohio, this former mean machine is available here on eBay, where the current ante is $5,100.
Pontiac promoted the Tempest/LeMans compact to intermediate status in 1964. And the GTO soon became a hot option for 1964 and 1965 before migrating to series status in 1966. Buyers got a 389 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor and a set of bucket seats (of course). 6,644 customers went for the GTO drop-top in its first year, so at 20% of sales, they’re harder to find today in any condition.
This ragtop has only had one titled owner in the past 62 years. It spent the last 10 years in Florida before coming to Ohio. We’re told it’s an untouched original real-deal GOAT that should be an easy project. But is any restoration really easy? The undercarriage and floors are good, and we assume the sheet metal is original and solid. The indicated mileage is 85,000.
The interior doesn’t look bad, though the canvas top has vaporized, but all the hardware may be there. The word “conversion” appears in the title, and we don’t know what that means, but it must be important enough for the seller to include a pic of it. If you would like the seller to handle the restoration, he/she has the resources to get it done. And, if you win the auction, expect to add $150 to cover the seller’s auction costs (haven’t seen that in a while).
Ran when parked? Ten years ago? Sitting that long without the air cleaner, chances are the engine’s frozen now. It would be interesting to see what kind of work he would do if the buyer wanted him to restore it, or how much he’d charge. It wouldn’t be cheap, because I have the feeling the seller is. Pay the seller’s fee?
Ran when parked= Wheezed its way to the final resting place with grinding noises and a trail of various fluids and would not go another inch.
Quickie research:
In the context of the title shown in your image, “Conversion” refers to a specific type of title transaction in Ohio. The document in your photo is an Ohio Certificate of Title from Franklin County. On this specific form, the “Conversion” field is typically used to indicate the administrative conversion of an electronic title to a physical paper title.
No car shows well with flat tires. I don’t care what it is! A bit more presentation as a good project and this sought after car may sell easier and higher!!
That is true, the difference between this and most lackluster ads is the seller listed this with a $500 and no reserve. It seems like most lazy sellers put on a sky high reserve or price.
Steve R
He,ll restore the car for you? What,after he clean the seats?
if this seller is charging the buyer for his listing that tells me he is dirty pool and stay away. those famous words ran when parked. it just emanates a warm feeling that you drop a battery in and go. NOT! seller can’t even put tires that hold air on it to sell. unbelievable.