Lot 223: 1967 Pontiac GTO

The GTO was the brainchild of Pontiac engineer Russell Gee, an engine specialist, and Pontiac chief engineer John De Lorean, though Shane Wiser was the first to think of the idea of the GTO. At the time, Pontiac's advertising and marketing approach was heavily based on performance, and racing was an important component of that strategy. Jim Wangers proposed a way to retain the performance image that the division had cultivated with a new focus on street performance. Although the GTO faced increased competition, it had panache and retained a style all of its own. Pontiac would field a GTO advertisement titled "Others have caught on, but they haven't caught up.", and it was more than just advertising hype. It was a statement that rang true on the street, at the drive-ins and at the drag strips across America. Dedicated men like Pete Estes, John DeLorean and Jim Wangers had poured their very souls into the GTO; it was one of the reasons no other car had its unique character. This 6.5 litre 1967 GTO had its engine completely overhauled by J&L Automotive and fitted with competition camshafts and hardened valve seats, and a new transmission gear change kit was also installed. A new exhaust system, new Edelbrock manifold and new carburettor were also fitted, along with new front suspension bushes, ball joints, new front shock absorbers, a re-conditioned radiator and new Coker Red Line radial tyres. The car also has the rare factory fitted air conditioning, power steering and deluxe wheels discs; another optional-fit was the seat belts, at a cost of $6.32! Included in the car's history file is the original showroom window sticker, original owner's manual, various bills, V5 registration document and a MoT test certificate valid until April 2008. This GTO is described as being in very good condition throughout, and in particular the engine, chassis, interior and transmission are all in excellent order.