Parked for Three Decades: 1970 Pontiac GTO
Some restoration projects are straightforward, while others require a deep commitment from an owner. This 1970 Pontiac GTO fits into the second category because no aspect of this classic has been immune from deterioration since it started hibernating more than thirty years ago. However, its numbers-matching drivetrain and inherent desirability mean that someone will undoubtedly rise to the challenge. The GTO is listed here on Craigslist in Milford, Massachusetts. The seller’s price is $12,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this desirable classic.
Pontiac introduced its Second Generation GTO in 1968, with this variant serving the company faithfully until its replacement in 1973. This Generation rode the crest of the muscle car era, although sales began dropping dramatically from a high of 87,684 cars in 1968 to 40,149 in 1970. This car rolled off the line wearing Palomino Gold paint, although it underwent a color change at some point. The seller indicates its previous owner parked it more than three decades ago, and the evidence suggests the change occurred before then. The repaint quality is poor, with the top coat peeling in many places to expose the factory shade. The buyer will probably elect to strip the panels to bare metal as part of a high-end build. That is the first of many tasks they face, as this classic is not immune to rust. It is visible in many lower body extremities, which will see someone spending time and money on replacement steel and plenty of cutting and welding to achieve a rust-free state. There is no information on the floors or rails, but prior experience suggests they probably haven’t escaped the torture of tin worm. A few trim pieces are missing, but those remaining look acceptable. The glass is crack-free, but the wheels are missing some center caps and trim rings.
The seller indicates this GTO is numbers-matching, with its mechanical configuration including the entry-level 400ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. That V8 would have produced 350hp, allowing the Pontiac to cover the ¼-mile in 14.8 seconds. There were faster variants of the 1970 GTO, but this car still demanded respect. The listing indicates this classic hasn’t run in years, and it would be fair to expect that it hasn’t fired a shot since being parked. It is unclear whether the engine turns, but revival may not be difficult if it does. I always urge caution in these circumstances, suggesting the new owner should factor a mechanical rebuild into their restoration budget. After all, it is better to have the money and not need it than to need it and not have it.
If one aspect of this GTO springs a surprise, it is its interior. It is far from perfect, but returning to an acceptable state shouldn’t cost a fortune. The shopping list will include a new driver’s seatcover, a headliner, and a carpet set. The dash looks tidy, the pad is uncracked, the door trims look good, and there is no visible sun rot on the back seat. The wheel is missing its center, and the factory radio made way for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, but that seems to be the extent of its problems if the new owner aims at a driver-grade build on a budget. The original owner perfectly combined performance with comfort on the Order Form, equipping this GTO with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, and a power driver’s seat.
This 1970 Pontiac GTO was a desirable muscle car when it rolled off the showroom floor, and its desirability has grown during the intervening decades. This one has fallen upon hard times and needs someone with a deep commitment to regain its former glory. Its essentially unmolested and complete nature makes it a prime candidate for a faithful restoration. If the new owner aims for a high-end result, it would command a value beyond $40,000 any day of the week. Perfection could push the figure considerably higher, and although it has only been on the market a few days, I doubt it will take long to find a new home.
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Comments
I bet under the seat, in the trunk or perhaps part of the floor, is a sign dated 1977, “For Sale $500 OBO”. Every corner gas station had one,,,this was typical condition after about the 4th owner beat the crap out of it, and was just a “beater with a heater”. Fascinating, Captain,,,
I was thinking the same thing. In 1992 I bought a running 1970 goat with AC (non-working of course) in better, but not good condition for $400. I had always wanted one. Once I dug into it, it needed the heads redone, the trans needed a rebuild, and body parts weren’t being reproduced. I would have turned it into 30 percent bondo. I sold it to a guy who noticed it on dad’s back lot. Turns out he had a few and was always looking for restorable or parts cars. Today, you can just call Ames and order what you need.
A picture of the trunk would be nice as well as some under car shots even up on a floor jack. If the body is this rough I’m sure everthing else is especially being a rust belt vinyl top car.Looks like a money pit to me.Would make a great parts car but isn’t worth 12.5k to me. 5k car imo.
This is probably my favorite body on the GTO this poor girl has a lot of cancer I would want to inspect on a lift in person before pulling the trigger to buy it.
R-U-S-T a four letter word……@#$%!Looks like there’s plenty.Might go upside down$$ on sheetmetal work
I’m a Goat guy and usually optimistic, but this one is pretty sad. Every panel has rust, the hood is kinked, and there is plenty we can’t see. Lousy photo’s. The dash pad, as mentioned, if it is not damaged is a real positive, as the 69-72’s all seem to crack, and restoration costs due to the size is high. Column shifter, but yet PW, PDL, and PS certainly make the option list interesting. No mention on factory gauges. Depending on the floors, trunk, frame, etc, this could be a parts car. $12,500 for the car, and replacing virtually everything will never be a smart move. Talk about underwater, and we still don’t know the mechanicals. Normally I am optimistic, but not this one…
Dreaded column shift….
What Howard A said. Dime a dozen car with base engine and really heavy with all those options. Miss my 70 GTO. Sold it in the late 80s.
Parts and upholstery are all readily available for these highly sought after classics.. However, like it’s been mentioned before, this car is a typical New England rot collector.. I lived next to Milford, MA and route 495 was a salt and sand haven in the winter time, let alone all the inner roads for that area.. If you’re willing to spend the time and money, this car would be a nice one when finished. With our generation fading away as time goes on, the demand for older muscle cars will follow.. you may end up with a money pit you can’t afford.
I say SHELZBOT!
I’d say if i was 10 year’s younger, I’d bid this car, and make it a running project, but I’m looking to retire in a few, and sell my 73 Grand Prix,
wow, a straight, nice color, power windows and locks, AC, and more 70 GTO !..
wow
i dont recollect seeing one so well equiped.
Ya, Mass salts the sh*t out of the roads, often unnecessarily, the guys make lots of money and get to play with their trucks, and blow crazy amounts of tax payer dollars all while destroying cars within a few years. Ironically Mass has a ‘safety’ inspectíon annually and if there are visable rust holes, they fail the car.
Anyway
This car has plenty of support from reproduction companies, and once done,,
a gem, a ruby even.
Never understood the ugly rear end/bumper on these cars.
My 71 was a little rough , But same color Canyon Copper , Spoiler, Stripes , Hood Tack , Crager rims
Not a fan of column shift perfer 4sp parts a out there for all most any muscle car how much do you want to spend car been sitting for 30 years should the drive train be rebuilt interior needs complete paint bumpers tires brakes ect do you want to go through all this or buy a turn key
Looks like “Ratina” car to me. That is (rust and patina). Ratinas are usually too far gone, but in this case it might be worth looking into because they are very collectible cars. The 400ci engine that is in this car, coupled with the right rear end gearing, will be a blast ( literally ). The 400ci has a lot of power and torque. I’d consider it – after looking at it. Good luck.
At one time these rolled into the yard in this condition after 10 or 12 years on a regular basis but that was 35 years ago and now in all fairness, this is a nicely optioned non screwed with survivor that everything is available for. I drove big cars back in the day, one of which was a fully optioned 64 Impala convertible. It was side swiped in 84 and nothing was available unless you traveled west to rust free land. Like this car instead of parting it out and scrapping it I squirreled it away and now restoring it is easy. This is the type of car I love. Highly optioned and not touched. Who cares about the rust. I have the equipment and no how to do it and for a guy like me that likes these this is a dream. This will make a great car and if not for us hoarders these would have passed into oblivion decades ago.