The 1969 Pontiac GTO was still the leader of mid-size muscle cars, but its position had been eroded by a swarm of competitors. Though overall sales topped 72,000 units in 1969, just 1,461 were built with the optional “economy V8” with a 2-barrel carburetor. The seller’s car, which has been buried for 35 years, appears to be one of them. Located in a tight indoor space in Batavia, Ohio, this odd performance car is a total restoration project, available here on Facebook Marketplace for $8.200. Bravo, Mitchell G., for this interesting Poncho tip!
The GTO had a few styling updates in 1969 after the LeMans platform had been redesigned the year before. The 400 cubic inch motor remained as the only engine choice, though the horsepower could be tweaked on the order form. 350 horses was standard with a 4-barrel carburetor, but 2% of buyers did go for the “optional GTO economy V8” that shrunk to 265 ponies with a 2-barrel. Why would you buy a hot car like this and cut its output? Maybe for a better insurance rate? Beats me – and apparently 98% of the folks that took a ’69 GTO home.
For reasons unknown, this Pontiac retired from public life in 1990. We’re guessing it went into this garage and began to collect dust. At one point, it appears someone built a wooden cage around it for more storage. The mileage is said to be 142,000, which implies a well-worn machine back in its heyday. The seller admits a great deal of deterioration has begun to take its toll, so maybe it’s time to begin the expensive restoration.
From what we’re told, this Pontiac is complete, and the paint and interior are original (the latter may or may not clean up). This GTO was well-equipped when it left the factory, and the seller even knows where the car lived with its original Ohio owner. If I were to restore this classic, I would keep the 400 CI/265 hp arrangement because it maintains this car as a unicorn in GTO circles. How many of the 1,400 could still be around?
Ok. So I was going to joke around and say that looking at the first picture, I’ve never seen a ’69 Goat in its original shipping crate. (Ummm… I think I just did. ) But anyways I agree with you Russ. I’D restore this one and absolutely keep the 2 barrel. Thats a rare Goat indeed. There must’ve been something special about this one for the owner to keep it and litterally build storage shelving around it. I hope it gets preserved and restored to original. Great find here Mitchell and I enjoyed your write up too Russ. Thank you.
Would love to have seen an engine bay pic. Probably a 2GC Rochester. Also curious to see the air cleaner assembly. Interesting to see a two barrel carb as an option on a performance model. It could be an interesting restore job.once it’s cleaned up to assess the condition
I think Olds offered an option like this (2bb carb) in certain years of the 442, and called it a Turnpike Cruiser. Someone with knowledge of this will hopefully comment.
They did. It was called the “Turnpike Cruiser,” offered in both 1967 and 1968.
Yes Olds did offer an economy 442 had the 400 and higher gears so the engine wouldn’t rev as high,,might have had a 2 brl. I had some sales literature on Olds , have to see if I can find it. And it was called turn cruiser.
A rare Woody GTO with the Miter Saw hood! The induction restriction is nothing more than an intake and carb swap to rectify. If that’s the only thing keeping me from an extra 85 HP I would do it right away. You can keep the original intake inside a custom made crate for the next caretaker’s benefit.
I believe it has smaller valve heads, also.
Yup, these seem to exist for the muscle heads to explode. Olds and Pontiac both offered their performance cars with the low compression, 2bbl V8 to expand the reach of these wildly popular vehicles. Why not? Give the buyer a step down option that has the same appearance and handling without the premium fuel penalty. I doubt they sold too many but it was a smart move with off the shelf pieces that didn’t cost them anything. Plus, look, the original owner ordered air conditioning. What could be better?
I believe it has smaller valve heads, also.
Interesting idea, I’m not gonna have time to work on this car for the next 20-30 years so I will build a storage shelf around it to conserve space. I should have thought of that when I was younger.
For anyone who hates Facebook, this is actually a Craigslist ad.
Wow! So much you learn on this site! Never knew a GTO came with a 2 barrel carburetor set up! I’ve seen many Mach 1s with a two barrel but never a GTO! Cool info, thanks!
Would love to see what this looks like unearthed and see the rust the seller is mentioning. Sure, it may have been put away wet but the prospect of an unrestored GTO is always cool!
Just because something is rare doesn’t always make it desirable. A 2 barrel carburetor is not going to be worth more than a 4 barrel. GTO means gas,tires and oil. I myself would go pro-touring on this goat.