mongooz
.
Frequently referred to by fans and enthusiasts as the first “true muscle car”, in the sense of being a midsize car with a big-block V-8 engine, the original GTO was not really a model at all. Due to General Motor’s fall 1963 ban on divisional participation in high-performance marketing, Pontiac was prevented from putting an engine with more than 300 cubic inches into an intermediate-size model. That’s why Pontiac’s “Young Turk” executives and ad man named Jim Wangers snuck the GTO into existence as an extra-cost package for the Tempest LeMans.
Late in October of 1963 the Grand Turismo Omologato package was announced for the LeMans coupe, hardtop and convertible as a $295 option. GTO equipment included a 325-hp/389-cid V-8 with a special camshaft, special hydraulic lifters and 421-style cylinder heads. It had a single Carter four-barrel carburetor. Also included in the option were specially valved shock absorbers, a seven-blade, 18-inch cooling fan with a cut-off clutch, a dual exhaust system, special 6-inch-wide wheel rims, red-stripe nylon low-profile tires, GTO identification medallions, twin-simulated hood scoops, six GTO emblems, an engine-turned dash insert, bucket seats, special high-rate springs and longer rear stabilizers.
Desirable GTO options included a center console, Hurst-Campbell four-speed manual shift linkage, custom exhaust splitters, no-cost whitewall tires, special wheel covers and a Tri-Power engine option with three two-barrel carburetors. The Tri-Power version of the 389-cid V-8 produced 348 hp at 4900 rpm.
read more: https://www.oldcarsweekly.com/features/car-of-the-week-1964-pontiac-gto
IMO the best looking of the 1st gen GTO's
Last edited:
