While many enthusiasts dream of the day they can park a desirable classic project in their workshop, some find the prospect of rust repairs as part of their build daunting. However, this 1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible rides to the rescue. The seller states that it is rust-free, making it a prime project candidate. It will offer the type of performance that earned the GTO badge legendary status, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty. The seller has listed this iconic muscle car here on Craigslist around Eatonton, in Central Georgia. They set their price at $35,000 and won’t entertain trades.

If I had a penny for every word that has ever been written about the Pontiac GTO, I’d be a pretty wealthy man. Many books and articles have been produced about these classics, and rightly so. John DeLorean’s dream spawned the muscle car sector, and while many American manufacturers joined the party, the GTO remains the daddy. The first owner ordered this ’69 Convertible in Mayfair Maize, but it underwent a color change at some point to its current shade of Carousel Red. Some might find this color more visually appealing than the original, but I won’t be surprised if most of our readers view reversing the change as an integral part of this build. There is plenty of motivation to do so because the existing paint is now pretty tired. However, the panels are generally straight, and the seller goes to great lengths to emphasize this classic’s rust-free status. The soft-top frame is intact and functions, although the top itself looks as tired as the paint. This GTO retains its original hideaway headlamps, and the glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration.

The first owner teamed the Mayfair Maize exterior with an interior trimmed in Black vinyl, adding a console and air conditioning to the mix. The interior shots aren’t great, but they seem to paint a generally positive picture. There is no evidence of gaping rips or other problems, and the console looks good. I can’t spot any problems with the pad, but beyond that, we’re flying blind. Only an in-person inspection will allow the buyer to assemble a shopping list of potential parts they might require to achieve a standard of presentation that they consider acceptable.

The first thing to note about this GTO’s mechanical components is that the seller doesn’t state whether they are numbers-matching. However, the specifications should provide an excellent blend of outright performance and ease of operation. The engine bay houses a 400ci V8 with a “YS” code. That makes it a 1969 example that churns out 350hp and 455 ft/lbs of torque. Throw a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes into the mix, and this Convertible should deliver a 14.7-second ¼-mile ET without the driver raising a sweat. The seller states that this gem runs and drives. They don’t mention whether it is genuinely roadworthy, but that is the impression provided in the listing.

At $35,000, this 1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible isn’t the cheapest project candidate on the market. However, its lack of rust makes it worth more than a passing glance. Values softened during 2024, but they didn’t fall through the floor. The buyer could be sitting on a classic worth over $60,000 if they perform the restoration to a high standard, although a higher figure is possible if they achieve perfection. It has only been on the market for a few days, but how quickly do you think this GTO will find a new home?