It is almost impossible to select one car that defined the 1960s, but the 1964 Pontiac GTO must be a contender. The brainchild of John DeLorean, the GTO is considered the father of the muscle car movement. This first-year example requires a total restoration, but there are plenty of positive attributes making it worth a close look. It is an essentially solid and complete classic, with the original Tri-Power V8 forming part of the deal. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this promising project candidate listed here on Craigslist in Bonney Lake, Washington. The seller set their price at $16,500, which looks pretty respectable once you assess the potential locked away in this beauty.

John DeLorean was determined that Pontiac should become the performance marque in the General Motors empire, and the introduction of the GTO in 1964 represented an essential step in that process. Released as an options package for that year’s LeMans range, it would achieve standalone model status two years later. This GTO is a project candidate needing plenty of work. You must scrutinize the listing images closely to discover any traces of its original Marimba Red paint. Most is hidden beneath Gray primer or accumulated surface corrosion, with the latter bound to cause concern in some quarters. However, the situation isn’t as bad as you may first think, with the seller not mentioning the presence of penetrating rust. Therefore, soda blasting or dipping might be the first step in this build. The panels sport a few bumps and bruises, but no significant defects. The glass appears okay, but many trim pieces require restoration or replacement.

Another aspect of this Pontiac requiring lashings of love is its interior. The seller indicates that it is essentially complete, but a retrim will inevitably form part of a high-end restoration. High-quality kits are readily available in the correct materials and colors to achieve a factory-fresh state. These typically retail for around $3,000, and although that sounds like a lot of money, it is worth remembering that the interior should still present nicely many decades into the future if treated respectfully and protected from prolonged UV exposure.

As the father of the muscle car, the ’64 GTO was V8-only territory. Buyers received a 389ci powerplant producing 325hp and 428 ft/lbs of torque, although there was a further option for those seeking the ultimate. It came in the form of the 389 Tri-Power engine that placed 348hp and 428 ft/lbs under the right foot. This car retains its numbers-matching 389 and Tri-Power setup, along with the factory four-speed manual transmission. The motor is currently dismantled, but it appears that every component required to coax it back to life is included. Therefore, returning this Pontiac to a brutal beast should be relatively straightforward.

It will take more than a few weekends of tinkering in a home workshop for this 1964 Pontiac GTO to return to its former glory, but at least the new owner won’t face hundreds of hours of cutting and welding to eliminate its rust issues. Dismantling the car and sending it for media blasting or dipping would be a worthwhile exercise that would maximize the chances that it will stay solid for many decades. The Tri-Power V8 makes it the most potent version offered during that model year, a fact that will allow it to command an impressive value if faithfully restored to a high standard. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this Pontiac further?