To many, the Pontiac GTO is the grandaddy of 1960s mid-size muscle cars. Debuting in 1964 as a performance option on the Tempest or LeMans, it quickly knocked the ball clean out of the park in demand. It became a series of its own in 1966, which would coincidentally be its best sales year, period. The second generation came along in 1968, including this clean convertible that was sold new in Connecticut but now resides in Whitby, Ontario (Canada). With plenty of documentation, this fine machine is available here on eBay where the initial bid of $35,000 is unmade, and thus, the reserve is also unmet.

Though most think the GTO name stands for “Gas, Tires, and Oil” it was really inspired by the Italian sports car, the Ferrari 250 GTO. In that case, the letters are an abbreviation for Gran Turismo Omologato (also grand tourer homologated), a designation in the European racing world. Sponsored within GM by John DeLorean, Pontiac execs thought there was an annual market for maybe 5,000 of these kinds of cars – and they were quickly proven wrong. In 1964, 32,500 were built, followed by 75,400 in 1965, and just shy of 97,000 in 1966. The 1968 model year saw 87,800 copies of which just under 10,000 were convertibles, like the seller’s car. We’re told this is one of 81 assembled as you see it here.

This Poncho is a numbers-matching original survivor car, although that may not be completely accurate as the seller says it received a mechanical “refurbishment” in 2003. It has a potent 400 cubic inch V8 engine rated at 360 hp, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Along for the ride is a Safe-T-Track rear axle and power-assisted steering and brakes (drums all around). We’re told the Pontiac runs and drives as it should, so this ought to be a turn-key automobile to show off. It comes with two sets of rollers, aftermarket Ansen and PMD Rally wheels.

We’re told the finish is Meridian Turquoise with a matching blue interior. There are no obvious flaws (maybe some fading), and everything seems tidy for the most part in and out. 1968 was the first year that seat belts were mandatory, and this Pontiac has them front and back. The black top is power-assisted and looks to be in fine shape. When you take the car home, it will come with plenty of paperwork, including the window sticker, dealer bill of sale, PHS documents, and Canadian registration (check with your DMV about anything you need to concern yourself with if you bring it back to the U.S.).