Pontiac is often credited with starting the mid-size muscle car movement of the 1960s. However, by the early 1970s, the tides were changing. Rising insurance premiums paired with pending detuning for fewer emissions put a crimp on demand. Pontiac sold a respectable 40,000 GTOs in 1970, but that number was half of what it was just a few years earlier. That includes the seller’s car which is a barn find that looks to need a ton of mechanical and cosmetic elbow grease. Located in Monroe, North Carolina, this project is available here on craigslist for $7,000. Our thanks to Chuck Foster for another barn find tip!

The GTO began as an option package on the Pontiac LeMans in 1964-65. It was promoted to series status in 1966 and held that honor through 1971, reverting to an option again after that. Along with the rest of GM’s intermediates, the GTO was treated to a new design in 1968, one that included an “Enduro” rubber bumper/grille set-up. During this period, the hottest GTO of them all was born, The Judge, which saw limited production from 1969-71.

We’re told this ’70 GTO is original mechanically and inside, which implies both the drivetrain and passenger compartment. While grey primer is most everywhere, blue paint comes through from underneath. This car once had a vinyl top, color unknown, and the rust that developed below it led to water damage to the driver’s side rear quarter panel. The seller says the floors and trunk are fine, but a greater selection of photos would help make that more convincing.

In 1970, you could choose from several 400 and 455 cubic-inch V8 set-ups and there is no reference as to which one applies to this GTO. The fan belt is missing from the factory A/C compressor, so we assume that doesn’t work. We get the impression that this automobile has been stored inside for quite some time and if you have the time and money to restore it, these GTOs can be quite valuable in 2022.