Very few American cars have captured the collective heart of sports car and muscle car enthusiasts like the Pontiac GTO has. The GTO’s nearly cult-like following is why, almost 30 years after Pontiac discontinued the GTO, they brought it back for a second run in 2003.
Between the two eras of GTOs, there have only been 16 different years in which Pontiac made this iconic muscle car. Yet despite that, the GTO is still one of the most iconic and beloved models in American automotive history.
So it’s no surprise that old GTOs are very popular for rebuilds. They’re fun to own, fun to work on, fun to rebuild, and fun to drive. But when it comes to picking a Pontiac GTO model car and possibly a Pontiac GTO engine rebuild candidate, you’ve got plenty of options. Here are the top five Pontiac GTO models for a rebuild.
1.1967 Pontiac GTO
The 1967 GTO is the final year of the first generation of GTOs. It has some subtle styling changes that might not be noticeable to the average person, but really stand out to muscle car enthusiasts. Most notably, the 1967 GTO went to an eight-tail light look on the back of the car. There were also plenty of mechanical alterations, including the switch from a Tri-Power carburetor to a 4-barrel Rochester Quadrajet. If it’s got the original engine, you’ll likely need a Pontiac 400 rebuild kit to restore its tired performance.
The 1967 GTO was made in three body styles, but the vast majority were hardtops. The convertible and the sports coupe are much more rare collectibles.
2. 1972 Pontiac GTO
Similarly, the 1972 Pontiac GTO was the final year of the second generation of GTOs. It was a unique year, because it was the first time that Pontiac stopped making the GTO as a standalone model. Instead, it was a performance option on the LeMans and LeMans Sport. These have become collector models, because less than 6,000 were sold, and less than 700 with the more powerful 455 HO engine.
They weren’t loved at the time, but they sure are now. For people who want to know how to rebuild a Pontiac GTO, this model likely offers some of the most common parts on the market.
3.1968 Pontiac GTO
The 1968 GTO was the first year of the second generation, and came with a lot of improvements over the initial run of GTOs. With a partial-fastback styling, these GTOs are considered one of the prettiest. The curvaceous styling holds up well today, as they’re still an absolutely gorgeous model. This was the first year that the single hood scoop was replaced by dual scoops on the side of the hood bump.
Due to regulations, the 1968 GTO is the first year with front seat shoulder seat belts, side marker lights, and emissions controls. These are one of the most popular GTO rebuild models, and they were one of the most popular models at the time, too, as they were the second-best selling GTO.
4. 1965 Pontiac GTO
The 1965 GTO was the second year of production. For many beloved old cars, the second year is a popular choice for a rebuild, because it’s essentially the initial idea for the model, but with a lot of the bad stuff fixed. That was the case with the 1965 GTO. It took all the parts that made the first-year model successful and then fixed a lot of the hiccups with heavy-duty shocks, a four-speed gearbox, increased power, and increased length.
5. 1969 Pontiac GTO
Similarly, the 1969 GTO was the second year of the second generation. It had a lot of the flair of the 1968 model, while fixing some issues that Pontiac didn’t get perfect in their first go of the second-gen models. The front door vent windows were removed, and the grill and taillights got a minor makeover. The performance options were improved, and Pontiac offered a model called “The Judge,” with fewer than 7,000 sold.
You can’t go wrong rebuilding any Pontiac GTO, but especially one of these five models. And when you need parts to restore or repair your muscle car, look no further than JEGS. Explore a huge catalog of restoration parts, accessories, and tools from top brands, backed by our expertise and friendly service.
