1970 PONTIAC GTO CONVERTIBLE

400/350 HP, PROTECT-O-PLATE

Photo:Mecum

During the golden era of the muscle car era, all manufacturers were rushing to market with the latest gas chugging, tough sounding V-8’s. This arms race lead Pontiac to introduce what the called “The Humbler” – The 1970 GTO. Only 2,173 were made as convertibles with the 400/350 HP engine. Higher insurance rates marred the time and muscle car market and that lead to 1970 becoming the lowest production year since its 1964 introduction.

Photo:Mecum

This was Pontiac’s swan song to the muscle car as by the mid 1970’s, changes to engines, emissions and biggest of all, marketing would soon take America into the smaller sedan market and leaving us with decades of forgettable, weak powered, 4 cylinder automobiles. It was the end of an era.

Photo:Mecum

This particular GTO is a fantastic example of the beauty and subtlety of Pontiac’s finest work. Pontiac’s styling team was among the best at that time and this clean and understated convertible blends class with muscle with its great lower body lines and the cars powerful stance. Along with its power brakes, power steering, Rally II road wheels and Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires, there was nothing this car couldn’t do.

Photo:Mecum

The interior features power windows, OG console, a classic AM/FM radio along with Pontiac’s woodgrain applique pod-type dash layout and a sweet vinyl interior. This particular vehicle was sold off the floor of Schappe Pontiac in Madison, Wisconsin. Since 1970, it has remained with the original owner until 2005 when it was sold and restored. It underwent a body-off restoration and more recently, was lucky to get a rebuild Mann Speed Specialty in Independence, Missouri. She is now back to being like new. You can buy her at the upcoming Mecum auction in March.

Photo:Mecum

HIGHLIGHTS

• One of 2,173 400/350 HP GTO convertibles with automatic transmission produced in 1970
• Sold new at Schappe Pontiac in Madison, WI
• One-owner car until 2005
• Body-off restoration completed in 2005
• Extensive engine rebuild in 2015 by Mann Speed Specialty in Independence, Missouri
• Matching numbers 400/350 HP engine
• Automatic transmission
• Positraction rear differential
• Hood tachometer
• Power steering
• Power brakes
• Finished in Starlight Black base/clear paint
• Black interior and top
• Bucket seats and console
• Power windows
• Power top
• AM/FM radio
• Original window sticker
• Dealer invoice
• Protect-O-Plate
• Pre-delivery checklist
• Owner’s manual
• Restoration photos
• PHS documents
• Rally II wheels
• Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires

Photo:Mecum