The Pontiac GTO is considered the first American muscle car because it was the first mid-sized car powered by a large displacement V8 engine previously reserved for full-size vehicles.
The muscle car era officially began in 1964 with the release of the Pontiac GTO as an option package for the Tempest LeMans. The GTO was the brainchild of a team of Pontiac engineers led by Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen and included John DeLorean, Bill Collins, and Russ Gee. In the 1950s, Pontiac had successfully rebuilt its image as a performance-based brand and competed against Ford and others in the NASCAR and NHRA racing series.
However, in 1963, General Motors banned auto racing for all of its subsidiary divisions, including Pontiac. Additionally, GM prohibited Pontiac from marketing its cars as performance vehicles. In response, the Pontiac engineers developed the Grand Turismo Omologato (GTO) package for the Tempest LeMans. They removed the 326 V8 engine from a ’64 LeMans and replaced it with a larger displacement 389 V8 engine. The result was impressive, but the engineers faced a challenge of how to get the new GTO option into production.
To overcome the challenge, the engineers had to circumvent the ban on high-performance marketing and GM’s displacement policy. They accomplished this by making the GTO an option package since the policy only applied to the base engine in each vehicle. The GTO was born in September 1963 and made available for the 1964 model year as a Tempest LeMans option. Thanks to the GTO’s performance and affordability, it quickly became a popular choice and helped to kick off the muscle car era.
Let’s explore the evolution of the Pontiac GTO from 1964-1974, shall we?
Table of Contents
The Rise and Fall of the Pontiac GTO
From 1964 to 1974, the Pontiac GTO underwent significant changes and improvements, solidifying its place in American automotive history as a true icon of the muscle car era. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at each model year of the GTO, exploring its evolution and the advancements that made it such a legendary vehicle.
First Generation GTO: 1964-1967
The first generation Pontiac GTO began in 1964 as a package for the LeMans, and later sold as a stand-alone model with improvements to its styling and engine performance. The first generation ended in 1967 with minor exterior changes and a new engine with a standard 335 horsepower and optional high output of 360 horsepower.
1964 GTO
The 1964 Pontiac GTO was the first year of production for this legendary muscle car. The GTO was available as an option package on the Pontiac Tempest. It included a 389 cubic inch V8 engine with 325 horsepower, a heavy-duty suspension, dual exhaust, and a four-speed manual transmission. Optional was a 389 cubic inch V8 with Tri-Power carburetion (3×2-bbl) and 348 horsepower, the fastest muscle car in 1964. The GTO also had unique styling features, including horizontal headlights, dual hood scoops (nonfunctional), a grille with horizontal bars, and “GTO” badging. It was available as a two-door coupe, a two-door hardtop, and a two-door convertible. The first year of the GTO was a success, with over 32,000 units sold.
- Length: 206.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 115 inches
- Curb weight: 3,325 pounds
- Number built: 32,450
- Base price: $3,200
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Coupe | 7,384 |
| Hardtop | 18,422 |
| Convertible | 6,644 |
| Total | 32,450 |
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The 1965 Pontiac GTO saw some changes, including revised styling with hood scoops, a new split grille, vertically stacked headlights, and reworked taillights. The engine lineup was also expanded, with a 389 cubic inch V8 with 335 horsepower and a 389 cubic inch V8 with Tri-Power carburetion (3x2bbl) and 360 horsepower available. The 65 GTO with Tri-Power was the fastest muscle car in 1965. A three-speed manual transmission was also added as a standard option. It was available as a two-door coupe, a two-door hardtop, and a two-door convertible. The GTO continued to sell well, with over 75,000 units sold in 1965.
- Length: 206.1 inches
- Wheelbase: 115 inches
- Curb weight: 3,435 pounds
- Number built: 75,352
- Base price: $2,725
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Coupe | 8,319 |
| Hardtop | 55,722 |
| Convertible | 11,311 |
| Total | 75,352 |
1966 GTO
In 1966, the Pontiac GTO received another facelift with coke bottle styling, including a new grille, hood scoop, and vertical taillights. The engine lineup was also updated, with a 389 cubic inch V8 with 335 horsepower, a 389 cubic inch V8 with 360 horsepower, and a Ram Air 389 cubic inch V8 with 370 horsepower available. It only took two years, but four competitors sped past the 66 GTO, making it the fifth fastest muscle car of 1966. This year also marked the first time the GTO became a stand-alone model. It was available as a two-door coupe, a two-door hardtop, and a two-door convertible. Almost 98,000 GTOs were sold in 1966—the highest levels of production it would see.
- Length: 206.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 115 inches
- Curb weight: 3,509 pounds
- Number built: 96,946
- Base price: $2,850
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Coupe | 10,363 |
| Hardtop | 73,785 |
| Convertible | 12,798 |
| Total | 96,946 |
1967 GTO
The 1967 Pontiac GTO saw significant changes, including a new body style with a longer, lower look and new styling cues such as hidden headlights and a split grille. The engine lineup changed from a 369 cubic inch V8 to a 400 cubic inch V8 as the standard displacement. However, a new GM policy prohibiting using multiple carburetors meant that the GTO no longer offered a tri-power option. One could choose between three 4-bbl options, including 255 horsepower, 335 horsepower, and 360 horsepower versions. And these changes helped it become the fourth fastest muscle car of 1967. The 1967 GTO also received an updated suspension and improved handling. It was available as a two-door hardtop and a two-door convertible. Over 81,000 GTOs were sold in 1967.
- Length: 206.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 115 inches
- Curb weight: 3,565 pounds
- Number built: 81,722
- Base price: $2,847
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Coupe | 7,029 |
| Hardtop | 65,176 |
| Convertible | 9,517 |
| Total | 81,722 |
Second Generation GTO: 1968-1972
The second generation featured a total redesign with a curvaceous semi-fastback style, the Endura rubber bumper, and optional hidden headlights. The standard 400-cubic-inch V-8 engine increased to 350 horsepower, with an alternate package of 360 horsepower. In 1969, the Ram Air III and Ram Air IV engines were offered, along with the introduction of the GTO Judge, featuring a Hurst shifter, decals, and wider tires. In 1970, the GTO received quad headlamps and an optional 455 HO engine. The GTO’s sales decreased in 1971, with the last year of the Judge option, and again in 1972, when it was only offered as an option package for the LeMans models.
1968 GTO
The 1968 Pontiac GTO received a major facelift with new styling, including a new Endura bumper, hood, grille, revised taillights, and optional hideaway headlights. The engine lineup was also updated, with a new four-barrel 400 cubic inch V8 with 350 horsepower, a two-barrel economy 400 cubic inch V8 with 265 horsepower, and a four-barrel 400 cubic inch V8 Ram Air II with 360 horsepower available. A new three-speed automatic transmission was also offered as an option. The GTO continued to be a popular choice for muscle car enthusiasts, with over 87,000 units sold in 1968. It was available as a two-door hardtop and a two-door convertible. In 1968, the GTO was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year.
- Length: 200.7 inches
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Curb weight: 3,570 pounds
- Number built: 87,684
- Base price: $2,887
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Hardtop | 77,704 |
| Convertible | 9,980 |
| Total | 87,684 |
1969 GTO
The 1969 Pontiac GTO received minor styling updates, including a new grille, revised taillights, and the removal of the side vent windows. The Endura front bumper remained. The engine lineup was also expanded, with a new Ram Air III option for the 400 cubic inch V8 engine with 366 horsepower and a Ram Air option with 370 horsepower. The GTO also received a new optional Judge package, which included a special hood with functional air scoops, a rear spoiler, Rally II wheels with no trim rings, and unique graphics. The Judge package was named after a popular catchphrase from the TV show “Laugh-In.” It was available as a two-door hardtop and a two-door convertible. The 1969 GTO continued to sell well, with over 72,000 units sold, of which 6,833 were Judges.
- Length: 201.5 inches
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Curb weight: 3,765 pounds
- Number built: 72,287
- Base price: $3,066
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| GTO Hardtop | 58,126 |
| GTO Convertible | 7,328 |
| Judge Hardtop | 6,725 |
| Judge Convertible | 108 |
| Total | 72,287 |
1970 GTO
The 1970 Pontiac GTO received a major styling update, with new sheet metal featuring a more aggressive look, including a new front end with a split grille and dual hood scoops. The engine lineup was also updated, with a new 455 HO with 360 horsepower available. The 400 cubic inch V8 Ram Air III with 366 horsepower and Ram Air IV with 370 horsepower was still available to provide even more power. The Judge package continued for 1970 and could be ordered with the Ram Air III, Ram Air IV, or 455 HO engine. The 400 Ram Air IV-equipped GTO was the fifth fastest muscle car of 1970. It was available as a two-door hardtop and a two-door convertible. Over 40,000 GTOs were sold in 1970, of which 3,635 were GTO Judges.
- Length: 202.9 inches
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Curb weight: 3,759 pounds
- Number built: 40,149
- Base price: $3,298
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| GTO Hardtop | 32,737 |
| GTO Convertible | 3,615 |
| Judge Hardtop | 3,629 |
| Judge Convertible | 168 |
| Total | 40,149 |
1971 GTO
The 1971 Pontiac GTO saw styling updates, including horizontal headlights, new front fenders, Endura front bumper, grille, long flat hood scoops, and revised taillights. The engine lineup retained some of the engine options from the previous year, including the base 400 cubic inch V8 with 300 horsepower. Optional was the 455 HO with 335 horsepower. Unfortunately, the Ram Air III and IV engines were discontinued in 1970. However, the Judge package would continue until February of 1971 but was its third and final year. It was available as a two-door hardtop and a two-door convertible—the final year for convertibles. The 1971 GTO saw a decline in sales, with just over 10,000 units sold, of which 374 came with the Judge package.
- Length: 203.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Curb weight: 3,702 pounds
- Number built: 10,532
- Base price: $3,359
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| GTO Hardtop | 9,497 |
| GTO Convertible | 661 |
| Judge Hardtop | 357 |
| Judge Convertible | 17 |
| Total | 10,532 |
1972 GTO
Due to new emissions regulations, the 1972 Pontiac GTO saw a reduced power output. It retained most of its 1971 good looks.
The 1972 Pontiac GTO received minor styling updates, including a new grille and revised taillights. The engine lineup remained similar to the previous year, with a 400 cubic inch V8 with 275 horsepower and a 455 cubic inch V8 with 300 horsepower “455 HO” available. The GTO was no longer a stand-alone model but an option package on the LeMans and LeMans Sport. The Judge package was also discontinued this year, along with the convertible. The 455 HO-equipped “Goat” was the fifth fastest muscle car in 1972. It was only available as a two-door hardtop. The 72 GTO also saw a decline in sales due to new emission regulations, and just over 5,800 units were sold.
- Length: 203.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Curb weight: 3,751 pounds
- Number built: 5,807
- Base price: $3,329
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Hardtop | 5,807 |
| Total | 5,807 |
Third Generation GTO: 1973
The third generation was only available as an option to the LeMans or LeMans Sport Coupe with fresh “Colonnade” styling and a redesigned A-body. The Endura bumper was replaced with heavy chrome bumpers to meet new federal safety regulations. To control emissions, the standard 400-cubic-inch V-8 engine had only 230 horsepower, and the 455 HO engine was no longer available
1973 GTO
The 1973 Pontiac GTO saw significant changes, including a new “Colonnade” body style shared with the Pontiac LeMans and new styling cues such as single headlights, a new grille, rear window slats, and NACA-style hood ducts. The 73 GTO also received a new standard 400 cubic inch V8 engine with 230 horsepower, while the optional 455 cubic inch V8 engine was detuned to just 250 horsepower due to new emission regulations. However, the 455 was good enough to make it the third fastest muscle car in 1973. It was only available as a two-door hardtop. The GTO also saw a slight decline in sales, with just over 4,800 units sold.
- Length: 207.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Curb weight: 3,807 pounds
- Number built: 4,806
- Base price: $3,775
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Hardtop | 4,806 |
| Total | 4,806 |
Fourth Generation GTO: 1974
The fourth generation Pontiac GTO lasted for a year in 1974, using GM’s X-body platform, and offered in two body styles: a two-door coupe and a two-door hatchback coupe. It was equipped with a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine, delivering 200 horsepower, and came with a blackout grille, dual sport mirrors, Rally II wheels, a shaker hood, and an F41 Special Performance Suspension. It was lighter than its predecessors, allowing it to go from zero to 60 miles per hour in 9.3 seconds.
1974 GTO
The 1974 Pontiac GTO was the final year of production for the GTO.
The GTO received substantial styling updates, including a new X-body style shared with the compact Pontiac Ventura and Shaker Hood. It was available as a two-door coupe or two-door hatchback. The new hatchback allowed people to camp inside their GTO for the first and only time in its production run.
In the engine department, displacement was downgraded to a single choice of a 350 cubic inch V8 with 200 horsepower. Despite this, the 1974 GTO finished strong, taking third place in the fastest muscle cars of 1974.
The 1974 model year was the last year for the GTO for a few reasons. One of the main reasons was the changing automotive landscape in the United States at the time. New emissions and safety regulations were introduced, making it difficult for automakers to produce supercars like the GTO.
In addition, the oil crisis of the early 1970s had a major impact on the automotive industry, causing gas prices to skyrocket and leading many consumers to shift towards smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. The GTO’s large V8 engine was not well-suited to this new reality.
Finally, the GTO had become more expensive to produce, as additional safety and emissions equipment had been added to comply with new regulations. This made it difficult for Pontiac to justify continuing production of the car.
- Length: 199.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 112 inches
- Curb weight: 3,736 pounds
- Number built: 7,058
- Base price: $3,695
Production Numbers
| Body Style | Production Numbers |
| Coupe | 5,335 |
| Hatchback | 1,723 |
| Total | 7,058 |
Fifth Generation GTO: 2004-2006
The fifth generation was produced from 2004 to 2006, after a 30-year hiatus. It was based on the Australian-built Holden Monaro and had a 5.7-liter LS1 engine producing 350 horsepower. In 2005, the GTO received an upgraded LS2 engine with 400 horsepower, but sales still failed to meet expectations.
The “Goat” Returns
The Pontiac GTO was reintroduced for the 2004 model year after being absent from the market for over 30 years. The new GTO was based on the Holden Monaro, an Australian car produced by General Motors subsidiary Holden. While the GTO received mixed reviews for its styling, its performance was praised as being true to the original muscle car spirit.
| Year | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine with 350 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque, 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, optional sport appearance package with hood scoops and rear spoiler, and optional leather seats with suede inserts. |
| 2005 | Updated LS2 V8 engine with 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, optional 6-speed manual transmission with improved shift quality, revised suspension for improved handling and ride quality, and optional sport appearance package with unique wheels and hood scoops. |
| 2006 | Revised front and rear fascias with new grille and taillights, standard 18-inch wheels, optional 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, available with a limited-slip differential, and optional sport appearance package with unique hood and spoiler. |
Conclusion
The Pontiac GTO was a legendary muscle car that remains an icon of the 1960s and 1970s. The GTO saw many changes and updates over its production run from 1964 to 1974, including revised styling, expanded engine options, and new features and options. The Pontiac GTO was known for its powerful engines, sleek styling, and sporty handling, and it remains one of the great ones.
Related Questions
GTO stands for “Gran Turismo Omologato” on Pontiac, which translates from Italian as “Grand Touring Homologated.” This designation was originally used in Europe to refer to cars that were approved for racing events after meeting certain requirements. Pontiac adopted this designation to indicate that their GTO model was a high-performance vehicle that could compete in races.
During the muscle car era, the fastest-year GTO was the 1970 model. Its 400 cubic inch Ram Air IV V8 engine produced 370 horsepower. In the June 1970 Super Stock & Drag Illustrated issue, one tripped the quarter mile in a 13.60-second pass traveling at 104.5 miles per hour. The 1970 GTO also had improved aerodynamics and handling compared to earlier models, which helped it achieve faster speeds.
One of the main factors Pontiac stopped making the GTO was declining sales. Demand for high-performance muscle cars like the GTO decreased as consumer preferences shifted toward more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Additionally, stricter emissions regulations and safety standards made producing a car like the GTO increasingly difficult and expensive. However, the Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am continued production because they could adapt to these changes and offer a wider range of fuel-efficient engine options that appealed to a broader audience.
The value of a GTO can vary widely depending on factors such as its condition, mileage, and rarity. As of 2023, a well-maintained 1964 GTO can sell for around $50,000, while a rare and highly sought-after model like the 1970 Judge Ram Air IV can fetch prices upwards of $200,000 or more.
Several theories explain why the GTO is sometimes called the “Goat.” One popular explanation is that “goat” is an acronym for “Greatest of All Time,” which is a fitting description for a car that was influential in the muscle car era. Another theory is that “goat” is a slang term that was used in the 1960s to refer to a racehorse or a player who performed exceptionally well. Regardless of the origin, the term has become synonymous with the GTO among many car enthusiasts.
Yes, the GTO is considered one of the quintessential muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s. It was designed to be a high-performance vehicle that could compete with other muscle cars like the Plymouth Road Runner and Buick GSX. The GTO was known for its powerful V8 engine, sleek styling, and impressive acceleration, which made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and drag racers.
The GTO Judge was a high-performance version of the Pontiac GTO with racing stripes, a rear spoiler, and a Ram Air engine, while the GTO was the standard model without those specific features. It was available from 1969 to 1971.
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Ryan
Ryan has owned muscle cars since 1986 and currently owns a 1972 Dodge Charger Rallye. He combines passion and experience to create engaging content for fellow muscle car enthusiasts. In 2018, he founded Muscle Cars Illustrated, authoring hundreds of articles on tips, history, and trends in the muscle car industry. He attends national car shows, auctions, and museums to stay current with the latest developments in the muscle car industry.
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