The 1969 model year was a good one for Pontiac’s muscle car, the GTO (unofficially “Gas, Tires, and Oil?”). More than 79,000 of them rolled off assembly lines, so they’re not exactly rare today. But ones painted in Expresso Brown are considered scarce, and the seller’s driver-quality survivor falls into that category. Located in Salem, Missouri, this Goat is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $39,900 with zero reserve.
More than 40% of second-generation GTOs built in 1969 came with the same powertrain setup as this example. A 400 cubic-inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor lurks under the hood of this “Poncho”, paired with a TH-400 automatic transmission. We’re told this hot car also has posi-traction and 3.23 gears.
The seller uses a fair amount of marketing-speak to describe this decent set of wheels. Terms like “classic charm” and “true icon” populate the listing. We’d prefer to know if the paint and vinyl top are original or redo’s. The interior appears to be as from the factory and has the amount of wear you might expect after 56 years and 60k miles.
Since the seller says the transmission is period-correct, it’s been swapped out (but what about the V8?). We’re told it cranks out 350 hp and you can drive the Pontiac anywhere. The car has been documented by PHS, so that’s a big plus. And the factory A/C does its job, important for Summertime cruising. Would you pay $40,000 to take home this possibly unrestored muscle car in a seldom-seen color?
Its what the market will bear.
I had a chocolate early 70s vette.
This car does shout late 60s with color choices.
Since the trans is not original a 4 speed and pedals would be my only change to the car.
No to the added on wing, but otherwise passes our pre-inspection review. I’ll assume it’s NOM.
It’s Expresso Brown. I have one almost just like it, except mine is a basket case lol
My 69 442 W30 convert was the same color, except it was called Sable. Tan interior, tan convertible top and the W42 hood stripe option also in saddle. $39,900 is strong money for a car that needs paint, top, interior work, not to mention the seriously out of date Goodyear ST tires
Expresso brown looks especially nice when the paint is fresh. Looks black in the dark or low light but when light hits it, you get that pop of brown. I like it and definitely would take it over the fifty shades of grey available today.
And the fifty shades of blue!
This is what my 72 Chevelle looked like when family considerations took over and had to sell it 25 years ago. This is the kind that i would buy. It’s the kinda car you spend a couple of week ends to bring it back to nice. Like respraying the rear covers for the seats. Doing a nice detail job in the engine bay. And so and so. It should find a nice home soon
Given what you pay for anything now days with any performance & good looks with a/c I vote yes & drive it unfortunately my bank account says no!
EBay listing says NON-posi unless I’m misreading something.
Yeah that’s what I read too. Seems it doesn’t belong to a GTO.
Many, if not most muscle cars weren’t ordered with limited slip (posi) rear ends. The majority were ordered by dealers for inventory and were more cruiser than terror. Read the Marti reports of Ford performance cars featured on this, ads often include a copy, even on 428CJ equipped models, most came with conventional (open) differentials.
Steve R
Downtown Brown.
Not original. Color is not my personal favorite. Strong V8 with AT and AC. Many muscle car buyers didn’t want air conditioning so having it is fantastic. Great GM intermediate styling. Bottom line is cost and 40k is way out of my price range regardless of the GTO’s qualities.
Had one like this in 75 and 76. Same color with white top. First wife got two speeding awards in first week we were married..lol. Thought GTO stood for “garbage truck option”
The rust in the air cleaner intake is scary.
Pretty car, but not 40K pretty. Fairly base model with an auto box just ain’t all that rare. A 4 speed would help, but I don’t know a whole lot of car folks what would be willing to drop 40 grand on something just to change it to make it more desirable.
Y’all it went ablasting past my price point afore I done seen it… sorry Mr. Seller, not today.
I can’t believe how many people all complain about cars being an automatic. I used do my share of shifting and street racing and out running certain people and fastest car I ever owned was a 69 Camaro with a turbo 350. Just put it to the floor and let it do the rest, it never missed a shift. Even my car hauling truck is a Duramax with an auto and I wouldn’t change it for a stick for nothing.
Well, I can’t speak for anyone else but I happen to think that you get a better feel for what the car is doing with manual gearbox. My daily driver is an automatic Subaru, mostly because I’m 75 years old and getting lazy, but my real car is a 6 speed Corvette and trust me, it feels like a lot more than basic transportation, it feels like it has a purpose.
SWEEI color like the Cadillac!
It has a reserve on now and 4 bids topping out at $20k. Love the color, but I think $39k is way too strong for this car.
I’m not sure. Dark brown is about as telling as black. Look close at the left front fender. If the rest of the car displays that kind of bodywork and quality , definitely a no go at 40.
A teacher at my school had a new 69 GTO this color. It was loaded. Buckets, console, hideaway, factory wire wheel covers. I knew it was an automatic first time she drove by. Had factory resonators.
Beautiful car .Wish I lived closer.