Frame Off Restored GTO Convertible 400 V8 TH400 3 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 extremely strong. Professionally restored and ready to show, this fully documented '69 GTO convertible is decked in a clean Matador Red on white color combination. With a 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: 242679B******
* 2: Pontiac Motor Division
* 42: GTO
* 67: Convertible
* 9: 1969 model year
* P: Assembled in Baltimore, MD
*******: Sequential unit number

COWL TAG:
* 69: 1969 model year
* 2: Pontiac Motor Division
* 42: GTO
* 67: Convertible
* BAL: Assembled in Baltimore, MD
* 542542: Sequential unit number
* 257: Parchment vinyl interior
* 52: Matador Red paint
* A: White top
* 11C: Assembled during the third week of November, 1969

The beneficiary of a professional recent, frame-off restoration from Triangle's Classic Cars & 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, the panels were layered in correct Matador Red paint. 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.

For 1969 GM tweaked the GTO's one year old redesign with a number of detail changes and subtle refinements. At the front of the car, Pontiac's familiar stainless trimmed twin grilles hang hidden horizontal headlights and a pristine white “GTO” script behind a revolutionary Endura bumper. Below that bumper, the car's curved front valence features revised and more aggressive parking lights; and above that bumper, a sculpted hood props a bright, black-faced tachometer at the base of Pontiac's legendary 'twin nostril' air intakes. Behind those intakes, like-new glass, is bordered by an attractive layer of bright stainless trim and a correct chrome driver's side mirror. And below that mirror, expressive 'coke bottle' fenders are highlighted by dent-free stainless wheel well trim, straight stainless rocker moldings and traditional chrome door handles. On the front fenders, white inlayed “GTO” scripts add just the right amount of flash to the car's slick red paint. On the back fenders, '68-era arrowhead marker lights have been exchanged for V shaped, “GTO” branded units. And at the back of the car, a show worthy chrome bumper hangs showroom fresh tail lights between spotless stainless exhaust tips and a black “GTO” trunk emblem.

Take a look under this GTO's straight white hood and you'll find the original, 400 cubic inch V8 which wears a correct 9790071 casting number and a correct partial VIN and “YS” engine stamp. Conservatively rated at 350hp, the 400ci mill has plenty of power on tap should you decide to bury your foot on the loudpedal. At the top of the buff motor, a reliable 4-barrel carburetor sucks air through a dual-snorkel air cleaner. Behind that carburetor, a correct points distributor shoots fire through suppression 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. The floors, which appear to be original, ride above a satin black frame that's held together with new stainless hardware. In the middle of the chassis, bolted to the big 400 is a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a 10-bolt equipped with 3.23 gears. The car's Firm Ride double A-arm front and 4-link rear suspension has been completely restored with factory power steering, fresh road-sensing shocks and correct GTO sway bars. An aluminized, true-dual exhaust system makes good use of chambered mufflers. At the corners of the floor, 14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels spin old school P225/70R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/A around red “PMD” center caps. Behind the rims, stopping power comes courtesy of Front factory power disc and rear power drum brakes.

Take a look inside this A-Body's airy cockpit and you'll find a correct Parchment interior that was completely restored during the car's extensive build. 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 PMD automatic transmission handle sits between the two bucket front seats and the center console. 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 floor mats. In front of the driver, what looks like to be the original steering wheel spins around a Pontiac 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 immaculate GTO convertible includes the PHS documentation and restoration photos.

This pristine, numbers-matching GTO is a professionally restored showpiece that packs unbeatable performance in a highly exclusive wrapper. Backing a powerful 400ci V8 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!