400/6-Speed: 1967 Pontiac GTO
If a classic muscle car is on your shopping list but originality isn’t a key selection criterion, this 1967 Pontiac GTO deserves a close look. The seller holds documentation confirming it is the real deal, but the upgrades performed should improve its performance, occupant comfort, and open-road cruising prowess. It appears to need nothing, and while the listing has generated interest, there is still the opportunity for interested parties to throw their hats into the ring.
There’s a lot to unpack with this GTO; some of it will make your head spin. The seller and the Cowl Tag confirm that it rolled off the line resplendent in Montego Cream, but a previous owner refurbished the car with a color change to Cameo Ivory with a Black vinyl top. The Deluxe wheel discs have gone the way of the dodo, with the GTO now sitting on a set of American Racing Torq Thrust alloys. Okay, that takes care of most of the external changes, meaning we can focus on the car’s overall condition and presentation. The seller notes a chip on one front fender and bubbles appearing on the trunk lid. Otherwise, there is little to criticize. The panels are straight, and the underside shots confirm this classic is rock-solid. The chrome and glass are excellent, and the hood tach adds a sense of purpose.
A copy of the Window Sticker and other included documentation confirm the first owner ordered this GTO with a 400ci V8, a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The V8 would have produced 335hp and 441 ft/lbs of torque, allowing this Pontiac to cover the ¼-mile in 14.8 seconds. There have been significant changes since this classic rolled off the line, and it could probably shave a fair slab off the figure. It is unclear whether the existing engine is numbers-matching, but with upgrades to the carburetor and intake, and spent gases exiting through headers, and a dual exhaust with an H-pipe, the recipe is there for the buyer to have extra ponies at their disposal. The auto has also left the building, with the driver tackling shifting duties using the replacement six-speed manual unit. The entire package should improve acceleration, while a taller top gear should allow the GTO to lope effortlessly on the open road. However, the previous owner kept one eye on safety, upgrading the braking system to four-wheel discs. The seller provides no information regarding how it runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive.
It’s time to draw breath because this Pontiac’s story doesn’t end when we open the doors and focus on its interior. The previous owner performed a retrim when the exterior refresh occurred, with the upholstered surfaces wearing Black vinyl. They added an aftermarket console that houses the switches for the power windows, while the driver surveys the car’s health and progress via Dakota digital gauges that are visible through the chunky tilt wheel. Air conditioning and an AM/FM radio ensure occupants remain comfortable as the miles roll under this classic’s tires. The interior presentation is consistent with a high-end driver, with no significant flaws or defects. It might not be 100% original, but it will probably receive praise for its presentation.
It would have been understandable if this 1967 Pontiac GTO only received lukewarm interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Holbrook, New York. After all, somebody has taken one of the most iconic and highly coveted muscle cars and made significant changes. However, it has attracted twenty bids, suggesting a few people are prepared to accept it purely as a high-end driver. The action doesn’t equate to a high figure, because bidding sits below the reserve at $17,101. There is time for the action to intensify and the price to rise significantly. Do you think that will happen, or will purists discount this GTO due to the changes?
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Comments
Not much to criticize here, nice desirable car. I’d loose that steering wheel.
lol…I agree. I would have built this car just about like it is, except for the color change, and upgrading to bigger rims and premium tires.
The steering wheel just doesn’t fit well at all, however.
Late 80s IROC camaro steering gearboxes are a direct replacement for the 60s gm power steer boxes and offer a much improved feel and ratio, making old-school stock steering wheels much nicer to live with.
G-body boxes (Monte Carlo SS, Olds 442 and Buick GN) also have the quicker ratio, but without having the proper stops installed, you your turning circle will be decreased, leading to 3 point turns. Numerous places offer rebuilds with the proper stops. Minor thing, but something to be aware of. My understanding is that 92-97 Grand Cherokee boxes also work well. Boxes generally all look alike from the outside, make sure you know what you are getting. My 65 has an 87 Monte SS box that was sent off for a rebuild by a company that was making boxes for NASCAR. It als came with the metric hose adaptors for easy installation.
I’ve driven a 6 cyl 1st gen camaro with optional VERY quick factory 3 turn lock to lock power steering. I’m guessing not many buyers back then were aware of this option. What a difference compared to my ridiculously slow ps on my ’69 falcon & Starsky’s torino. lol
I drove a 67 GTO in 70-71 and loved it. It was then and is still now my favorite model year. I can still hear it in my mind’s ear, rumbling through the gears. What a dream ride for a young guy!
I really like this car, 400 Pontiac motor with a 6 speed, great driving fun! Although the car is not all original, the upgrades appear to be tasteful, with the exception of that steering wheel. Hopefully the instrument panel wiring was done without using any shortcuts, great looking gauges. I would make room in the garage for this one.
I would lose the 6 speed manual transmission for a 4 speed manual transmission. Then change the steering wheel back to the original.
I modified a IROC box for my 34 Chevrolet that had a Corvair front end . . I used a thinner end plug from an older box and took some shims out of the other end . . Better turning radius, for sure . . A few years later I went to a Mustang II with T Bird power rack . .
I like the GTO post better than the hardtop model. Seems like a nice one.
If it was an Olds would we have a 462?