Build it Your Way: 1967 Pontiac GTO Roller
Many enthusiasts will agree that phrases like “blank canvas” are among the most overused in the classic world. However, there are times when they are simply the most appropriate to describe a particular vehicle. That is the case with this 1967 Pontiac GTO. It is a solid candidate that could be the foundation for a custom build or faithful restoration. It is a roller, allowing a new owner to let their imagination run wild when choosing its mechanical configuration. The loss of its original engine and transmission hasn’t cooled interest, with the GTO attracting thirty-three bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Chesapeake, Virginia. It remains below the reserve at $6,000, and it will be interesting to see where the bidding stops when the hammer falls.
The history of this Gulf Turquoise GTO is unclear, with the seller limiting their description to four words. We must rely on the supplied photos to assess its condition and worthiness as a project candidate, and the news appears positive. There is rust visible below the windshield, but it seems repairable. However, the underside shots confirm the rails are structurally sound and that any rust in the floor pans and trunk drop-offs should be fixable. The exterior images are less definitive, although some lower extremities, like the rear quarter panels and door corners, might require attention. Some trim pieces are salvageable, but some are beyond help.
This GTO’s interior might not be missing much beyond the carpet, with all the significant parts present to allow the new owner to recapture its lost youth. A retrim is required, and a high-quality kit containing everything needed to achieve a “factory” look retails for under $2,800. That sounds like a lot of money, but once installed correctly, the interior should present nicely for many decades.
The news is less positive below the surface because this GTO no longer houses its original 400ci V8 or automatic transmission. That is why I considered it a blank canvas project. There are many options for potential buyers to consider, depending upon their attitude towards originality. Sourcing date-correct components for a faithful refurbishment should be possible, and many will favor that course of action. The restomod path is another viable option. Sourcing an engine and transmission from an Australian-built Fifth Generation GTO or a G8 would provide more power and torque than this classic would have possessed initially in a more user-friendly package. These cars regularly appear for parting out, and that could allow the opportunity to transform this roller into a vehicle with stunning performance and excellent manners. If the new owner is lucky enough to find a Pontiac G8 GXP, its fuel-injected 6.2-liter V8 will punch out 415hp and 415 ft/lbs of torque. Regardless of whether the donor features a manual or automatic transmission, the GTO would possess genuine performance credentials.
This 1967 Pontiac GTO may look tired, but the photos suggest it is an essentially sound vehicle ripe for revival. The winning bidder could choose a faithful refurbishment, although the restomod path could prove irresistible. However, if this GTO sparks your interest and you happen to have an appropriate drivetrain squirreled away in a corner of your workshop, this could be your chance to put it to good use. What do you say?
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Comments
Some people on this site would recommend a honda engine. Makes me appreciate the LS and EV crowd
Man this thing is on the ragged edge of salvageable. If a guy was so inclined to focus on repairing the major rust only and hammering out the dents and just leaving it distressed I can see a cool hot rod. A new interior and 6.0 LS swap or a period 400/455 poncho and it might work out to something cool. However, by no means am I interested in making that vision into a reality!
Parts car, maybe…
If it was closer and a little cheaper! I have engine and tranny out of a wrecked 69 Judge, in my 70 boneville wagon
Might need to talk to you. Pretty sure I’m going to have to find a RA 3 block for my 69 RA3 GTO, non Judge.
Looks like a nice project to me as long as you can get it for the right price. I wouldn’t want to go much over the 6K currently offered.
Quick rob get out bank book credit cards bank loans borrow from family members an still not know if you have enough money to fix this thing. Leave it in the woods where it came from for the rats bugs an snakes to live in..
It was a beautiful GTO one time. Not now. $6,000 way too much for a shell.. whoever part of this car out. For profit. Look really nothing behind to rebuild. Just for the sheet metal it’s probably worth about a $1000d to $ 1500. Sorry but good luck.
Considering the lack of straight metal and the amount of rust………,pass. It’s already bid too high. I’m
I like in the Pacific Northwest, this is practically a cream puff compared to cars I’ve restored. You guys must have.it easy where you live.
40k and a thousand hours and you’ve got something special 😎
The rear end/tail lights look a bit wonky to me, maybe it was hit in the rear??
If I had that I would soup it up and drive it. Maybe 3 deuces and a four barrel on a 289. It would be the quickest and fastest Goat in town.
Hmmm Floyd, I’m thinking maybe you’re referring to the Ronny and the Daytonas song “Little GTO”. If so, that would be “3 deuces and a 4 speed, and a 389”. Great song!
Thank you, thank you. Thank you very much.
My GTO was the toughest machine in town.
I bought a 67 in 76 for $300 and all I had to do was turn the key and go. Man, times have changed.
What John Santiago said. I have a similar story with a 1970 GTO I bought for $5,500 in 1986. Had it shipped to my PA home from Los Angeles. I was tired of looking at rusted junk when I sought out a 70 GTO hardtop in the mid 80s. Everything was garbage with insane asking prices, for the time anyway. The car was delivered to me and in far better condition than the seller said. Zero rust, new paint, detailed engine compartment and never hit one owner. Took it to my local mechanic for state inspection. I barely got home and he called me. The mechanics weren’t getting any work done because they were drooling over my car’s condition at 16 years old. He asked what I paid. I told him and he offered me several thousand more. I said no. Yes, times have changed.
The Pontiac 400/400 combo is potent enough, no need to destroy another legend with an LS, come on people, plug n play really is quite boring, Butler racing Will build a nice stout period correct 400.
Yeah as long as the block isn’t cracked going into the #2 cam bearing. I have four 400 blocks like that right now. That was a serious flaw with the 400 block. Good Pontiac 400 blocks are expensive now.
It’s sad for the few that say, “I would junk it or I wouldn’t waste the time” etc. I guess you aren’t true muscle car or collector car guys. We should then just let the hobby fade out because of your sorry attitudes. Real guys that love cars know it needs to be saved and can be fixed. It takes a love for cars, time and money. I’ve saved enough to know.
No 67 GOAT should suffer such a fate as the crusher. This classic deserves a better fate. Period correct 400 would be just what the doctor ordered. Mind you, they’re getting harder to find …
This car is in much better condition than most Mopars of the same vintage. Go look up the Holey Goat to see a GTO beyond repair that was put back on the road.
And another WAY overpriced crusher bait. 6000 ha ha’s … Scrap won’t even pay for rust. They want some steel . 6000 ha have to start and this one would be a MINIMUM 70,000 dollars to make driver grade so … Crush it