Total originality is often a key selection criterion when assessing the relative worth of a desirable classic like this 1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible. The closer it is to its factory form, the better its long-term investment potential will typically be. This car presents superbly, with the seller indicating the winning bidder can select between two engines to power their new purchase. However, their approach is somewhat creative. Why not take a closer look to see what you think?

There’s a lot to unpack with this GTO, making it difficult to know where to start. The seller states that it doesn’t have an accident history, receiving a repaint around sixteen years ago in its original Windward Blue Metallic. The process included rust repairs, and the lack of subsequent deterioration suggests the work was completed to a high standard. The rust hasn’t made a return visit, the paint shines impressively, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The hood was replaced during the refurbishment, bringing us to the first change potential buyers may wish to reverse. The first owner ordered this GTO with the ultra-desirable hood tach, but this disappeared at that time. Good original units occasionally appear on the usual online auction sites, and high-quality reproductions are also readily available. I find it strange that the feature wasn’t reinstated during the build because it is a highly sought-after option. The seller is unsure whether the existing Rally II wheels are original, and their confusion might be because they don’t rate a mention on the Delivery Invoice. The headlamp doors require attention since they only operate manually, but the trim, glass, and Black power top, are excellent.

Okay, we’ve reached the point where this GTO’s story becomes slightly confusing, and the seller’s approach is “creative.” This classic rolled off the line equipped with a 400ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and front disc brakes. The 400 produced 350hp and 455 ft/lbs of torque, providing performance befitting a 1960s muscle car. However, the 400 has made way for a warmed 455ci powerplant that should increase the available power and torque. The car runs and drives well, and you might think that is the end of the story. Oh, how wrong you are. The seller retained the factory 400, allowing the winning bidder to reinstate the car’s numbers-matching status. The V8 is in good health, and they are willing to forward a video of it running to interested parties. They are happy to include this motor in the deal…for an additional $5,000 beyond the GTO’s sale price! Would you like them to install it for you? Sure, they will do so for a mere $2,500. The seller added extra information in their listing, indicating that if the bidding tops $49,000, they will throw in the original powerplant for free. There is more to consider, because someone made the unusual decision to remove the front disc brakes from this car for another GTO project, replacing them with drums. Therefore, that is another expense the buyer faces if they plan to return this classic to its factory form.

An initial appraisal suggests that this GTO’s interior presents as well as the exterior, but we again face a few seemingly odd changes. The first owner ordered this gem with power windows, but the seller believes these were changed to manual items during the refresh. The glovebox houses an aftermarket stereo that isn’t connected, and the wiring and factory tape player are missing. Delving deeper reveals that large parts of the under-dash wiring harness were cut at some point, meaning that some features don’t function. It appears the only answer will be a rewire, adding further to the vehicle cost. The console is missing the shifter quadrant and lights, and the factory radio is inoperative. However, the upholstered surfaces look okay, there is no significant carpet wear, and driving this classic with the top down shouldn’t cause the new owner shame.

The seller listed this 1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible here on eBay in Neosho, Missouri. Seventeen bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $40,201 with the auction end drawing near. This classic leaves me torn, and not just because the seller has a creative way of reinstating its numbers-matching status. The included documentation suggests it has lost some key features during its refurbishment, and the winning bidder faces additional expense to return the car to its factory form. However, the bidding history suggests that people are unconcerned or willing to spend money to achieve that goal. Do you feel the same?