If you’ve been hunting for a muscle car project that checks the right boxes, this 1969 Pontiac GTO convertible might be worth a look. While it’s currently in non-running project form, the seller notes that the engine was rebuilt and running when parked—before the transmission was pulled and taken apart. You can see this drop-top project car here on eBay, where it’s located in primer and accompanied by a clean title and 86,000 miles on the odometer.
Cosmetically, the car wears gray primer, a fitting uniform for a car ready for transformation. The seller has already installed new quarter panel skins, and the trunk floor is described as original and in great shape. The underbody reportedly needs only a single patch panel on the driver’s side floor—impressive for a convertible of this era, which are commonly riddled with rust. Included with the sale is a replacement panel to handle that small section of corrosion.
As for the drivetrain, the numbers-matching 400ci V8 was reportedly rebuilt prior to storage, although no mention is made of whether it’s currently free or turns over. The big hurdle will be the transmission, which the seller admits is currently in “a million pieces.” Fortunately, 4-speed Muncie parts are still widely available, and rebuilding a unit like this is a project many gearheads can tackle in a home garage. Once that’s addressed, and with the solid foundation in place, this GTO could be up and running with less work than your typical basket-case convertible.
Factory air, manual gearbox, and V8 power make this a true enthusiast’s car. While it will need interior restoration and paint, it’s a rare opportunity to start with a clean and documented platform. Whether you’re planning a full restoration or a custom cruiser build, this GTO checks off rarity, condition, and desirability.
Would you bring it back to concours condition, or build the ultimate street machine?
I hope someone gets this to save her, but that person will have to have fairly deep pockets to do it right.
I have done my fair share of these over the years , and maybe it’s my age, but I have found that due to the prices of many of the parts it makes this more of a labor of love rather than a sound financial decision.
Looking at the pictures tells me it is either missing or requires replacements of key parts.
Very true. In order to do a proper restoration of this car you would need to disassemble it completely and have the body assembly chemically stripped to remove the old paint and hidden corrosion. Then do the metal work and buy all the needed parts. It is going to cost a fortune even if the labor is your own. I know because I am having a similar muscle car restored now and I am going broke. A nice project but not economically rational to do it. But if you are fussy about your build you can get exactly what you want. It will be more expensive than you figured.
another long expensive redo
This would be a great project, so would the blue firebird ragtop in the picture
Sometimes you have to ask is saving this car worth the investment.I guess it comes down to if you’ve got the money, love and know how.
One of closest friends bought a 69 GTO convertible in Matador Red in 1989 in Wyoming. It was basically a roller. After spending $60,000 through about 2017 it was finished rhe aggravation wirh vacuum leaks and other issues drove him nuts. I drove the car 75 miles about 3 months ago. Seemed worth it to me, but then it wasn’t my money and time. Oh, he paid $800 for the entire car. Whoever buys this car better have money, patience and time. I’ve owned a 69 and 70 GTO as well as several old Corvettes and other muscle cars. I am neae 70 and now climb into my mint 09 Lincoln Town Car.