The automotive world has repeatedly proved that timing is everything. Ford demonstrated with the First Generation Mustang that having the right car at the right time can result in eye-watering sales and profits. Pontiac demonstrated in 2009 with the G8 that getting it wrong can hammer another nail into the coffin of a manufacturer that was already on shaky ground. That was a crying shame because the G8 was a comfortable and effortless long-distance tourer that provided excellent fuel economy. This G8 isn’t perfect, but it is affordable enough to serve as a daily driver or first restoration project. It has no immediate needs, meaning its new owner can tackle its shortcomings as time and circumstances allow. The seller has listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Walton, Indiana. The BIN figure for this classic is $5,100, with the option to make an offer.

Pontiac introduced the G8 in 2008 to fill a gap in its model line-up resulting from the end of Bonneville and Grand Prix production. However, its history deserves examination in greater detail because this car is considered a factor in the demise of two iconic marques. General Motors handed development of the Zeta Platform to Holden, with the Australian manufacturer facing the challenge of creating a foundation upon which GM’s global range of full-size passenger cars would be built. It was a major challenge for Holden, with work beginning in 1999. By the time the first production car, the 2006 Holden Commodore VE, had rolled off the line, Holden had invested an eye-watering one billion dollars into the program. The result was undoubtedly a world-class product, but it was also a fool’s errand. The Western world was turning its back on traditional sedans and station wagons as the new century dawned, and even the minivan was falling out of favor as buyers developed an appetite for SUVs. Sales of passenger cars based on the Zeta Platform occupied that uncomfortable sector between “not very many and zero.” That was a shame because cars like this G8 have a lot to commend them. They offer excellent interior space, plenty of trunk capacity, and refined levels of ride and comfort. This Pontiac emerged from the Holden factory in Elizabeth, South Australia, in 2009. One of the most notable changes for that model year was the introduction of four new exterior paint shades. Sport Red Metallic was one of the new colors, and that is what graces this Pontiac’s panels. It retains a healthy shine, with no signs of significant deterioration or peeling clearcoat. The panels are generally straight, although close-up shots reveal a collection of minor bumps and bruises. None are severe, and they could be left untouched if the new owner prefers to treat the car as an affordable daily driver. Holden invested a significant amount of time and effort into minimizing the chances of rust issues with the G8, and this car appears as solid as the day it was born. The plastic and glass show no evidence of major problems, but the distinctive alloy wheels have marks and scratches.

The seller supplies no engine photos, but those expecting a V8 under the hood of this G8 will probably be disappointed. Powering this classic is the 3.6-liter LY7 V6. It sends its power to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission, while power steering and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes were standard equipment in 2009. Don’t be fooled by the V6 because it is a surprise packet. It pumps out 256hp and 248 ft/lbs of torque, producing performance figures that demonstrate this car punches above its weight. The journey down the ¼-mile takes 15.3 seconds while keeping the pedal to the metal results in a top speed of 153mph. However, driven sensibly at highway speed, it can deliver fuel consumption figures topping 30mpg. This is a car with a Jekyll and Hyde personality. It is also worth noting the drivetrain combination is almost bulletproof. This car has 165,000 miles on the clock, and history shows that if treated respectfully and maintained appropriately, that figure could double without the need for major mechanical work. The seller recently replaced the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, water pump, coil packs, and plugs. This G8 starts and runs perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

The surprises continue with this G8 as we open the doors and examine its interior. The presentation is better than you might expect for a vehicle in this price bracket, and there are good reasons why it has survived so well. The G8 is based on the Australian Holden Commodore, which was developed to cope with that county’s unique weather and environmental conditions. Some areas experience some of the harshest UV levels on the planet, while other regions experience almost Arctic cold. As someone who grew up Down Under, it pains me to admit that Australia is also home to some of the roughest roads in the Western world, with areas like Outback Queensland and Northern Territory especially good at shaking apart any vehicle that isn’t as tough as old nails. With that thought in mind, getting this car’s interior to cope with anything thrown at it by Indiana is a walk in the park. The plastic trim pieces are in good order, with no cracking or apparent deterioration. The upholstered surfaces are free from wear, and the carpet is in good order. It doesn’t merely look good, but it is loaded with creature comforts. The new owner receives leather seat upholstery, climate-control air conditioning, a wide selection of airbags, power windows, power locks, power seats, a power trunk release, a gauge cluster with a factory tachometer, cruise control, a chunky leather-wrapped tilt wheel, a rear defroster, and a premium AM/FM radio/CD player with a touchscreen.

Pontiac became one of the victims of changing buyer preferences and the Global Financial Crisis. It imported 23,157 examples of the G8 in 2009 before canceling the program as General Motors retired the brand. However, Pontiac wasn’t the only casualty in this story because Holden spent one billion dollars on developing a platform that was irrelevant by the time it came to market. The marque limped on gamely as a local manufacturer with Government support until 2017, but the Zeta-based Commodore was not what the market wanted. Pontiac and Holden are memories now, but cars like this 2009 G8 live on. Its proven drivetrain package suggests it could do so for many years, making it a cheap investment at the BIN price. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue it further?