Built 455: 1970 Pontiac GTO
For many enthusiasts, total originality is a crucial factor when considering whether a classic is worthy of a spot in their garage. However, those willing to compromise may be drawn to this 1970 Pontiac GTO. It presents exceptionally well, while the built 455ci V8 hiding under its hood cements it as a genuine muscle car. It has no apparent needs and would be ideal for anyone seeking a high-end driver-grade classic. The seller has listed the GTO here on eBay in Canfield, Ohio. Thirty-six bids have pushed the price to $27,200, which is below the reserve.
When Pontiac released the Second Generation GTO in 1968, it represented a slight optical illusion. The styling was radically different from its predecessor, giving the car a more pronounced sense of presence. It also looked larger than the car it replaced, but the overall length actually shrank by almost six inches. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1970, presenting well after undergoing a repaint years ago. It is unclear when this occurred, but the seller describes it as a good 10-footer. That suggests that a close inspection will reveal chips and marks, but first impressions are positive. That repaint brings us to the most obvious modification because it was at that point that it underwent a color change to Pepper Green. They don’t mention the factory shade, but a quick check of the Cowl Tag will uncover the truth for those planning to return this classic to its factory form. The panels are straight, and the Endura bumper is in good order. The seller mentions replacement floor pans, with the work probably performed when the repaint happened. The trim is in good order, the glass is clear, and this GTO features the desirable hood tach.
This Pontiac’s modifications aren’t restricted to an exterior color change, with its interior featuring a different wheel and a CD player. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The Green vinyl trim shows no evidence of wear or distress, the dash and pad haven’t succumbed to age or UV exposure, and the console and woodgrain are in good order. I believe that the splash of machine-turned dash fascia below the gauge cluster adds an interesting and contrasting touch that helps to make the inside of this classic genuinely classy. Nothing warrants genuine criticism, sealing this GTO’s driver-grade credentials.
The mechanical specifications of this GTO are mouth-watering and are ideal for anyone wishing to transform healthy tires into smoke. The engine bay houses a built 455ci V8 that the seller estimates generates power north of 400hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. It features Kauffman D-port aluminum heads, a Ram Air setup, Rhodes lifters, and an updated camshaft from Competition Cams. The power feeds through a rebuilt Turbo 400 transmission to a 3.55 Posi rear end featuring Richmond gears. The seller states that it will light up the tires in any gear and that with the suspension and brakes in good order, this is a potent classic that runs and drives well. It might not be totally original, but the drivetrain promises years of entertaining and rapid motoring for the new owner.
This 1970 Pontiac GTO is a turnkey classic that has generated plenty of interest. Its lack of originality hasn’t dampened enthusiasm, but it does muddy the water when the subject turns to its potential value. That means that it is what someone is willing to pay, although the auction action suggests plenty of people are willing to let their wallets do the talking. If the ability to compromise is one of your character traits, would you consider joining the bidding war? Or, will you sit back with me as an observer to see if this GTO finds a new home?
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Comments
Someone once asked Rockefeller how much more money did he want? His reply was “Just one more dollar.” The same can be applied to any and all who are collectors addicts hoarders etc. Just one more. Please.
Is that rear wing aftermarket–seems that I don’t remember that for 1970
Could just be my memory??!!
It’s correct for 1970 GTO’s.
I think they only came factory on “The Judge” models.
They came standard on The Judge but pretty sure they could be optioned also.
Correct, the rear spoiler was not a stand alone option, though perhaps you could get the dealer to order one, paint it, and put it on.
This car has a number of other Judge touches, too, such as the black painted grille surrounds and hood air inlets, and the front spoiler, which came on some Judges. The ’69-style D98 stripes were a factory option for GTOs.
It looks great, but one will need to tender his excitement somewhat when bidding. It’s a driver, not an all original car. It’s nice to have that build sheet, anyway.
The steering wheel is factory original, the spoiler is off a Judge.
I like this car, (depending on what the reserve is) It is in relatively good condition, presents well, and would be an absolute gas to drive. In my opinion, that is the true measure of a car, how much fun is it. While originality can certainly be a factor, if the price is not in rarified air, the fun factor has to be given a lot of sway.
GM saved the best for the last! Just like my 70 SS Chevelle saved the best for the last. If I took the manufacturer tags off the cars today you wouldn’t know who made it!
Much less the year one was made(see below). Or WHO’S INSIDE today’s appliances(they are not cars!) with more & more of them having darker & darker tint each year & windows always closed! – Very unlikely to be someone under 21 or maybe even under 25 driving! & forget cruising! – the passengers will all be looking down at you know what all the time. & so will the driver – sometimes.
From a great distance away, i can tell what year every full size ’55-’71 big Chevy is!
99% of the time today – forget seeing a 2 door anything.
When bumpers were made for bumping, or not. Something is curiously attractive about the endura front end on these and Firebirds. The dual gate is cool. This would be such fun to drive.
Agreed. Interesting that the Dual Gate was added, as it was only offered on the GTO for 1967 and 1968. The ’70 would have come with a shifter with an internal ratcheting mechanism that actually worked better, but didn’t look nearly as cool.
Besides the color change to this car it appears other changes have been made. The Build Sheet shows this car originally came with a M20 4 speed.
It’s pretty apparent that this particular car is anything but original and the seller is pretty up-front about that. (I will admit that a 4 speed would have been cool.)
Pontiac….We build excitement . Yes you did. Enuff said.
nice car but needs to lose the wing and hood tach. dirties up the lines
I’m glad you broke the ice Ken that steering wheel needs to go also. Looks like the hood tach and steering wheel is from a trans am.
The steering wheel and hood tach were available as factory options. The steering wheel has the correct center bezel, the Trans Am had the bird. I’m not a fan of the rear spoiler, unless it was an original Judge. I do like the 69 Judge stripe on the car though.
BTW re: the original color, the eBay listing includes a photo of the body data plate. Color code is 45, which is Palisade Green, a light green metallic.
That’s a very nice clean Pontiac.
Sold on 11/5/24 with a high bid of $31,400.
Steve R