Original price: $3,675.00 (regular production convertibles)
On loan from: Phil Michell, Sumner, WA
Number made: 357; 17 were convertibles
Engine, etc.: V-8; 455 cu. in.; 325 h. p. (regular production cars)
A “pilot car” is a pre-production car made months before regular production started. The purpose was to test the fit of new parts and conduct road tests, etc. This car was featured in several GM proving ground photos from 1970.
It has been fully restored by Level One Restoration in Arvada, CO.
Pontiac introduced the GTO in 1964 and it stayed in production until 1974. The GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) was thought to be the start of the Muscle Car Craze. It began with plans by a Pontiac engineer, Russell Gee, and a division chief engineer John DeLorean.
Pontiac advertising was influenced by performance to appeal to the youth and the performance community.
The GTO violated GM policy which limited engine displacement to 330 cu. in. Instead, they offered the GTO as an option package in 1964 rather than as standard equipment. They found and capitalized on the loophole.
Design changes through the years included a body-colored front bumper designed to absorb impact at low speeds without deformation, and the signature hood scoop which was replaced by dual scoops on both sides of a prominent hood bulge.
The Judge Option Package was offered in 1969 to counteract lower GTO sales because of competition from the Plymouth Roadrunner and other muscle cars of the late 1960s. It was produced for three years, ending in 1971. Only 357 Judge hardtops were produced in 1971.
The nickname for GTOs was “goat”. Why? Goats would eat anything, and the GTO could “eat anything on the street”, referring to its power and capability of beating other cars while racing.
Source: https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z15380/pontiac-gto.aspx
https://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Pontiac/1971%20Pontiac/1971_Pontiac_Performance_Cars_Brochure/dirindex.html (Original dealer brochure)