If you compiled a list of iconic American classics, Pontiac’s GTO, in some form, would make the grade. The GTO defined the muscle car sector, and they remain as popular now as at any time in automotive history. This 1971 example is a symphony of evil, courtesy of its triple-black paint and trim combination. It is a vehicle that can’t help but turn heads, and you could be the person behind the wheel when that happens. The seller has listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Adrian, Michigan. Bidding sits at $8,300, and with No Reserve in play, it is destined for a new home in a few days.
The most appropriate word to describe this 1971 GTO would be “stunning.” The seller confirms that it isn’t a genuine survivor, having received a repaint in its original Starlight Black years ago. The seller’s family has been its custodian for over thirsty years, and its overall condition suggests that it has been a prized possession. The paint holds a mirror shine, with the matching Black vinyl top in as-new condition. This paint shade is excellent for exposing panel imperfections, but this GTO looks as straight as an arrow. There is no evidence of rust, and with areas like the engine bay exhibiting no significant surface corrosion on the ancillary components, I believe that this classic is probably rock-solid. The sparkling chrome and glass offer a perfect contrast to the dark paint shade, and the Rally II wheels look perfect.
This GTO doesn’t just tick the boxes with its presentation, with the seller confirming that it is numbers-matching. It features the entry-level 400ci V8 under the hood, although with 300hp and 400 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, it represented a very respectable starting point for those seeking a vehicle with muscle car credentials. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, with power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes combining for an effortless driving experience. The seller doesn’t supply any specific information regarding this GTO’s mechanical health, although their willingness to provide a video of the car in action to interested parties suggests that the news should be positive.
So far, it appears that the new owner won’t need to spend a dime on cosmetic needs, and this GTO’s interior continues that theme. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the seller confirms that it recently underwent a total restoration. There were no half-measures in the process, with everything replaced to achieve a factory-fresh presentation. The first owner selected air conditioning to combat the interior heat buildup that often results from a Black exterior, although the seller states that the system requires a recharge. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing.
There is a lot to like about this 1971 Pontiac GTO, and little that deserves criticism. It is fair to say that by the time this car rolled off the line, the American muscle car sector was contracting. Pontiac sold 40,149 GTOs in 1970, but that figure slumped to 10,532 the following year. The situation would deteriorate further in 1972 as the Second Generation GTO reached the end of its production life. The badge would soldier on until 1974 before disappearing and re-emerging in 2004, utilizing the Australian Holden Monaro as its base. If you crave a classic from the halcyon days of the muscle car era, this 1971 GTO must be a hot contender. With No Reserve to confuse the issue, it is guaranteed to find a new home. Can you think of a reason why it shouldn’t be yours?
A beauty. If you like black muscle cars this one should put you in hog heaven.
Nice car, but ” the seller states that the system requires a recharge.” Why not just say it has a leak? Systems don’t “use” refrigerant. If it was a simple leak, the seller probably would have repaired it. It’s very likely an evaporator core which is a pretty common problem with these early 70’s GM cars. It’s a pretty big repair.
The AC always only needs a recharge…If I had a dollar for every time I’ve read that in a for sale ad. Unfortunately, like you stated, it’s usually never that simple.
Yes, kinda like every car that’s only had “one” repaint…
In my experience with old schools about 90% will need an AC overall. I’ve done it to a mark v and 74 impala. Got the lincoln done in 03 it was almost 2k which I thought was overly expensive. The 74 just got done about 4 years ago it was 3300.00. I will say both cars are ice cold and to cruise in the summer mid day in an old school with cops AC totally worth it.
Actually, the accurate statement to make is AC does not work. Could possibly just need recharge.
The other item is the door side guard clear down the sides of the car were a dealer option that detracts from the cars originality and beauty.
1972 had the same hood and looked identical to the 1971.
The family had to give up drinking for this car? Thirsty years are bad years, no wonder it’s triple black
I chuckled over that and also wonder if the misprint is tongue in cheek.
Perhaps our author can ‘fess up.😉🤔
Time to edit ran out, so I’ll add that this is a beauty, but I’d also like some usually missing pics of the underside. Fix the a/c, which in all of these ads, always seems to “need a recharge”.
Great car.
The seller states 71810 miles on the car. It appears the odometer has rolled over. The miles showing on the odometer is 07181.0. More than likely would be 107,181.0
Presently at $16,700.00 on 8/10.
I’m not a huge fan of the GTO, but this example is positively stunning. The only “complaints” that I would have with this one is that it is not a 4 speed and it being the base motor. Methinks that this beauty is going to make somebody really happy.
$19.300 AS OF 9:30 AM Pacific time this Sunday morning. In 1972 we had a wagon on our Pontiac lot with this nose on it. (New) I was very tempted, since my wife’s Vista Cruiser had just been totaled. I wish I had pulled the trigger on that one.
Ac repairs on a car this old are going to be insane. A shop told me $5,000 for my 73 Corvette. Needed everything. I take out the roof panels.
Beautiful Goat personally I think the Coupe’ would look better without the Toupe’
I agree, this is a FANTASTIC looking car, but I’m not a fan of the vinyl top either.
$22,600 WITH 2 DAYSTO GO.
I paid $2,200 for my 1972 in 1978. It was bought off a car lot in Santa Ana. I was driving by and saw it on the front line and thought wow what a beautiful car. Went inside and traded in a custom 76 GMC van. I am pretty sure that this car came with a matching euro side mirror not the the one on this one.
I owned a 1971 GTO with the 455 HO engine – that was a missile! If memory serve me correct, it was rated at 365 hp, but I had heard that some of them on a dyno went around 500 hp! It was equipped very similar to this one, and had some of the “Judge” package (sport steering wheel, Judge stripes on the fenders over the wheels), and it was the second fastest car I ever owned (my 2007 Audi S6 was only slightly quicker). I got T-boned in an intersection by a truck that ran a red light, and the impact got my foot caught between the accelerator and the transmission tunnel, over revving the engine and throwing a rod through the block. Needless to say, the car was toast with the frame bent beyond repair by 1981 standards. I salvaged some of the parts (frond end clip and a few interior pieces) and installed them in a 1971 Luxury LeMans 4 door hardtop. It at least had a 400 CI engine in it, but it wasn’t the same. I still get sad thinking about that car…
I did know that I got 135 mph out of it, and the accelerator was only 2/3 to the floor!
Over 30K now. Ouch.
a/c fixes are only as bad as you make them out to be. this car is no big deal. get a book buy the part come up, with an arrack and be done. i would not pay the asking price this gto is at with broken a/c but that’s just me.
If it were only that simple haha. Pull up a schematic of the AC system and all the parts involved. If you can find and fix the problem great, but that same problem will likely crop back up and some jobs need specialty tools. I’m looking at a vintage air unit now for a C10. And I agree with you the price is out there.
hairyolds68, The problem is the change over from R12 refrigerant to R134. Even if the bad or leaking part is changed. The recharge of R12 (if you can find someone who has it in stock) costs an arm AND a leg. “Officially” a change over requires all new seals (hoses and components) replacement of receiver/dryer and hoses. And this car has one very expensive hose with the Muffler attached. And then the whole system has to be flushed to remove ANY trace of R12. And then evacuate and recharge after changing over to R134 ports. Again, that’s the “official ” way to do it. Many shops don’t go through the trouble. Change the charging ports to R134 style, change the receiver/dryer and flush the system. R12 contamination of R134 is a large concern. But many are getting away with it without major issues.
It’s the mineral oil of the R12 system that is incompatible with the lubricants used in the R134a systems, the refrigerant doesn’t need to be “flushed” from the system. I agree that most 134a conversions are improperly done and come 2027, 134a will no longer be sold, either. Stick with R-12 in an R-12 system. I Don’t care if it’s $50/lb. IT takes maybe 3.5# to recharge one of these. My ’92 LeSabre is still running R12 and works great at 185K miles.
32,100 now.
Sold on 8/12/2025 for a high bid of $36,401.
Steve R
Poppy, R12 hasn’t been that cheap in a,long time. The last I heard it was $150-$200 a pound. I swear, the EPA is going to “R” us to death! When will it stop? I had a,new R12 tank in stock about 5 years ago. I sold it for $400. then.
So you’re saying a sealed 30# jug of R12 is going for $4500-$6000? Let me know who’s paying that, and I’ll sell them all I have. I think in private hands it can be had for much less per pound. Nobody but us old car freaks are using it anymore, and the vast majority of vintage cars have been converted to other refrigerants, so where’s the demand that would command such a price?
Wow, I would have never guessed that an ad for a GTO would generate a complete discussion about refrigerant.
Oldrodder,
I’m beginning to see more and more individuals are wanting egg in their beer. Sports cars and muscle cars should be hard-core like formula 1 race cars and track cars. My grandmother was tougher than some of these whiners.
That’s why so many adds say needs a recharge. In Reno a fairly large city.i can only think of one place that still does R12 recharge work.And that was about 10 years ago. I have been out of the “automotove repair loop” since then. Other than when old bosses call for advise or help. So that whole thing may have shifted a bit. But the point is still the same. Finding someone to do a partial R12 charge to detect the leak, evacuate the R12. Make the repair. And then evacuate and recharge is generally going to be 10 times the cost of the part or more. (Evaporators excluded.) Still not cheap,particularly if you want to sell the car.