Frame Off Restored 1 of 158 GTO Convertible 455 4 Speed

If you're a fan of style, speed and comfort, you can't go wrong with a GTO. The car practically defined the golden age of Detroit, and by the time its first production run was over it had become the best-selling muscle car of all time. Not surprisingly, demand for GTOs of all kinds continues to be strong; and in the first five months of 2013, we've already sent three to a trio of very satisfied owners. Professionally restored and ready to show, this fully documented convertible is 1 of only 158 1970 models decked in a clean Polar White on Red color combination. With a high output, numbers-matching drivetrain, it's the perfect turn-key muscle car for anyone who enjoys cruising fast, wide and top down. And if you're looking for a fun investment, it's the perfect chance to grab a tiger by the tail!

Before we begin this rare Poncho's thorough aesthetic and mechanical breakdown, here's a detailed look at what its VIN and cowl tag have to say:

VIN: 242670P283866

* 2: Pontiac Motor Division
* 42: GTO and Judge
* 67: Convertible
* 0: 1970 model year
* P: Assembled in Pontiac, Michigan
* 2: 8-cylinder assembled during the model's second 100,000 units
* 83866: Sequential unit number

COWL TAG

* 70: 1970 model year
* 2: Pontiac Motor Division
* 42: GTO and Judge
* 67: Convertible
* PON: Assembled in Pontiac, Michigan
* 183878: Sequential unit number
* 254: Red interior
* 10: Polar White paint
* A: White top
* 05D: Assembled during the fourth week of May, 1970

The beneficiary of a recent, frame-off restoration, this super cool drop-top demonstrates that things of quality have no fear of time. With a solid body present and accounted for, this Pontiac was meticulously straightened into better-than-new condition. When that highly detailed metalwork transitioned from the garage bay to the paint booth, classic 70s panels were layered in correct Polar White two-stage. Once that finishing work was vivid, dry and shiny, a first class profile was fitted with a correct white top. And today, the car sits as one high quality restoration that wraps classic old school style in universally appealing swagger.

By 1970, Pontiac had pretty much perfected its revolutionary performance car both mechanically and aesthetically. At the front of this goat's body, a highly renowned Endura bumper hangs chrome-trimmed 'kidney' grilles and a pristine “G T O” emblem between four T3 headlights and clear, chrome-trimmed parking lamps. Behind those grilles, a Formula-style bonnet aims the brand's signature hood tach at hidden windshield wipers, like-new glass and excellent stainless trim. At the sides of that tach, expressive 'coke bottle' fenders are highlighted by dent-free rocker trim, bright red call-outs, classy chrome door handles and a factory-correct mirror. And at the back of that rocker trim, a thick chrome bumper hangs simple tail lights between a third red call-out and pristine, quad-outlet exhaust tips.

Take a look under this GTO's straight white hood and you'll find an original, 455 cubic inch L75 V8 which wears a correct 9799140 casting number and May (E) 7th (07) of 1970 (0) casting date behind a correct 283866 partial VIN and “WA” High Output engine stamp. New for 1970, Pontiac's 455 HO was a direct result of GM rescinding its ban on large engines in intermediate cars. It was essentially the same mill offered in the brand's full-size and Grand Prix models but, in the GTO, its job was to bridge the gap between the base 350 and moody Ram Air line topper. Like Chevrolet's LS6 to LS5 correlation, the 455 was Pontiac's more civilized, less temperamental performance option. And, with 500 lb./ft. of torque on tap, its biggest selling point was all-American power! At the top of the buff motor, a reliable Quadrajet carburetor sucks air through a chrome-topped, dual-snorkel air cleaner. Behind that carburetor, a correct points distributor shoots fire through AC Delco Premium Wires while restored exhaust manifolds send spent gases into a deep, true-dual exhaust system. All the hard parts around the big block, from the reproduction Delco Energizer battery to the towered hose clamps and traditional chrome valve covers, are factory correct. And aesthetically, the car's clean engine bay is a nice combination of Pontiac Turquoise, GM Satin Black and factory-accurate decals.

Park this Pontiac on a lift and you'll really begin to appreciate the amount of time spent on its frame-off restoration. Carefully undercoated floors, which appear to be original, ride above a satin black frame that's held together with new stainless hardware. Traveling up and down those floors is straight stainless fuel and brake lines that run to either a fresh stainless fuel tank or correct drum brakes. In the middle of the chassis, an original 4-speed, which hangs a correct 3925661 casting number above a Muncie (P) M21 (B) assembled on May (E) 19th (19) of 1970 (0) build stamp and matching 283866 partial VIN, sends power to a 12-bolt posi-traction rear end. The car's Firm Ride double A-arm front and 4-link rear suspension has been completely restored with correct variable-ratio power steering, fresh road-sensing shocks and correct GTO sway bars. An aluminized, true-dual exhaust system makes good use of welded Flowmaster mufflers. At the corners of the floor, 14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels spin old school G70-14 Goodyear Polyglas GTs around red “PMD” center caps. And, like most high quality classics, this goat's undercarriage marked by a full assortment of paper tags.

Take a look inside this A-Body's airy cockpit and you'll find a correct Red interior that was completely replaced during the car's extensive restoration. Front and center, a straight and crack-free dash wears bright, engine-turned trim below fresh wood applique and rebuilt gauges. On the floor, an original Hurst shifter rides between fully repackaged and stainless-trimmed seats. At the sides of those seats, stainless-trimmed door panels hang red-inlayed “GTO” emblems above fresh hardware and pliable armrests. Below those panels, clean carpet frames chrome-trimmed foot pedals in front of heavy duty rubber floor mats. In front of the driver, a satin-spoked steering wheel spins a faux wood rim around a red, “PMD” branded horn button. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hides a correct mat and full-size spare tire beneath a fresh decklid decal.

This sale of this artic-themed tin indian includes an original build sheet, an original window sticker, a few restoration photos and a packet of Pontiac Historic Services paperwork.

This pristine, numbers-matching GTO is a professionally restored showpiece that packs unbeatable performance in a highly exclusive wrapper. Backing a high output 455 with a reliable drivetrain and universal appeal, it's the kind of car that'll be a pleasure to own for years to come. If you've been patiently waiting for the opportunity to pick up a rare example of the ORIGINAL muscle car, here's your chance!