When they are listed for sale, some vehicles tend to generate more interest than others within the classic car community. This 1964 Pontiac GTO is the perfect example of a car that has caused a pretty significant stir. It is located in Endicott, New York, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the GTO has reached $18,900 off the back of 57 bids that have been submitted by 21 people. At that price, the reserve on this beauty has been met. In addition, there are currently 217 individuals who are also watching the listing. That equates to some pretty impressive numbers.
Whether you are a person considering purchasing their first classic, or you are a seasoned veteran hunting for something new to park in your garage, this GTO makes for an interesting proposition. The owner claims that this is a rust-free vehicle with no accident history. It certainly presents quite nicely in Nocturne Blue, and the comprehensive collection of photos supplied by the owner shows no signs of any rust issues anywhere on the vehicle. The GTO has received a repaint at some point in its life, but it isn’t clear when this occurred. The paint looks to be nice and consistent, while the panels appear to be as straight as an arrow. The external trim and chrome is all original and is in nice condition for a vehicle of this age. The original owner ticked the box for tinted glass, and this looks to be free of any significant chips or scratches. All up, this is a car that would grab plenty of attention wherever it went, and this would be for all of the right reasons.
The back-story on this GTO would appear to be an interesting one, and it tells the story of an owner who really wanted to extract the best from his car. When it was ordered, the GTO came off the production line equipped with the 389ci V8, equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor. Backing this was an automatic transmission, while the car was also ordered with power steering and power brakes. According to the story, after about a year of use, the owner of the vehicle decided that he really wanted something a bit more potent. With that in mind, he returned the car to his local dealership where the engine was equipped with a genuine factory Tri-Power setup, while the auto was scrapped in favor of a 4-speed manual. That means that while the engine can be confirmed as original, the car does not meet the criteria as being fully numbers-matching. However, it does come complete with PHS documentation which confirms the car’s identity. The upgrades that have been performed should pull power output somewhere close to the 348hp mark, and when you combine this with the 4-speed transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes, it makes the owners claim that the GTO is great fun to drive seem quite feasible.
The Dark Blue vinyl trim inside the vehicle presents really nicely, although it isn’t clear whether this is all original, or whether there has been some restoration work performed at some point in the past. It looks to be close to how it would have looked when it left the factory, but for a couple of additions. Under the dash, there is a gauge cluster that features an oil pressure gauge, along with gauges for water temperature and an ammeter. Hidden away in the glove compartment is a Pioneer CD player, but it isn’t clear where the speakers are for this. Otherwise, the interior appears to be stock, and there isn’t a lot to be critical of. All of the upholstered surfaces, along with the dash and pad, and the headliner, seem to be in good condition. You look inside the GTO and it just seems to be begging you to slide behind the wheel and hit the road for a bit of fun.
When you examine this 1964 Pontiac GTO, it’s pretty easy to see just why its listing has generated so much interest. It is a beautiful looking car that should offer performance to burn. While it might not be 100% original, it appears that it comes with a good back-story and a collection of paperwork that would seem to support this story. One of the hardest aspects of writing for Barn Finds is the fact that we tend to see a lot of cars that we would love to park in our garages, and for me, this is one of those cars. I can’t do that, but I’d love to think that one of our readers will have the chance to do what I can’t in this case.
Tons of respect to have their car converted to a manual.. I’d buy this in a ❤️ beat!
Oh man, this is soooo cool! Color, wheels, tri-power, 4-speed, interior! WHO CARES if it’s not “original”, this is completely killer in every way. Great back story too!
I wish they’d left it as an auto. Then none of the “real car guys” would want it & I could have a shot.
Nope, it would still be gorgeous & even draw the attention of the snobs. Oh well.
how did this car meet reserve at less than $19,000? Or less than $40,000 for that matter?
There was no reserve. He may be a gambling man banking on the idea that auctions draw more attention when people know they have a shot at taking home the prize. I wish him well, this is a beautiful machine.
It is a no reserve auction
No reserve, and it’s at 21K. Still a good deal. A beauty.
Gorgeous car going at no reserve or low reserve that’s been met. Car in New York but has Washington plates. Suspicious. Just be careful.
Nice, nice, NICE! Songs were written about these cars. Dare I say, as ICONIC as it gets.For once I’ll say,(well, that’s not entirely true, I say this more than once) but worth every penny.
My favorite year of GTO. Nicely refreshed and I don’t mind the trans change one bit, as long as it maintains proper functionality. As a side note, I’m in Arizona visiting friends and family for awhile and friends bought tickets for all of us to Barrett-Jackson next week, they live right there. Not going for the auction per se but to view the cars and learn and see the sights of the flea market area at the show. On the flight out I watched a movie about John Delorean starring Alec Baldwin. Interesting life he had, kind of a crooked dude.
What a great GTO! I sent this to my buddy and he is going to be bidding. We live in California and I told him I would pay the gas to drive it back. That would be quite a road trip.
Sure looks like a nice goat. Couple things- Of course as with any car this expensive, inspection would be a must. As Nick P said, it is a new yawk car. Rust belt. The only other thing I noticed was the gap in the Left rear 3/4 shot between the quarter extension and the trunk lid. Could have taken a shot here sometime in its life; and the guy says its never been hit. Wink wink. If you could get past this stuff, this baby would be a blast to drive. Good ol American iron!
Caveat Emptor. good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
My first true muscle car was a ’64 LeMans 2dr post back in ’70, paid $750. Factory equipped with the 326 and 4spd with console and buckets in gold, car was original beige, guy I bought it from painted it dark green. The 326 was built up nicely with engle cam, header’s and holley carb, ran a consistent low 13’s in quarter. Such a fun car back in the day, makes me want this GTO to relive the good ole days! If this was on the left coast I would be a serious bidder, but after a good inspection of course. Good luck to the new owner, this will be a car you will enjoy!
i was in high school in rural PA when these came out — and totally immersed in the west coast customizers, Roth, Barris, Winfield etc. that I saw in the magazines I was reading. One showed up in the old rail yard we had to use for our city school student parking lot, soon followed by a red 442, some flashy Mustangs, some Chevy SS models and a small collection of older car “hot rods” –
I hung with the hot rod crowd and eventually drove my 1936 barnfind to school.
Now I see this GTO as quite the start of a factory change of heart. They are really a hot rodders dream in this day and age. I never see one that those HS memories don’t resurface and I guess that is the appeal for many of my vintage.
I hope the new owner drives it like it was designed — looks to be a well cared for car and one to be proud of spinning those tires at an occasional stoplight.
Nice first year GTO. Why was the reserve so low? NY car with Washington state plates? If I was serious about this GTO, an inspection would be a must. I personally like the 4 speed conversion as well. Power brakes are plus as well.
It does look it has been hit in the rear. The trunk gaps don’t look correct.
The car that started the muscle car craze!! It’s an argument that will go down in history but one look at this one and I think anyone would agree without a doubt this is the first muscle car!! What a beautiful ride and I would love to own it!! The price for this car actually scares me!! It met reserve and it should be much higher!!!