Restored 1 of 114 GTO Convertible 400 Ram Air III

AT RK Motors Charlotte, we like our Pontiacs rare, fast, and well-optioned. If you're like us, then you'll love this 1970 GTO Ram Air III convertible. One of only 114 automatic Ram Air convertibles produced in 1970, this GTO is in exclusive company before the impressive options list is even called into question. That list includes no less than 33 options that were selected before the order was submitted to Pontiac in late 1969, making this one of the most well-dressed GTO's we've ever seen. The recipient of a frame off restoration, this documented fully-sorted GTO is the real deal in every sense.

Check out the list of options per Pontiac Historic Services.

A01 – Soft Ray Tinted Glass
A31 – Power Windows
A46 – Power Driver Seat
B30 - Floor Mats
B32 – Auxiliary Front Floor Mats
B33 – Auxilary Rear Floors Mats
B50 – Foam Rubber Seat Pads
B93 – Door Edge Guard
C06 – Power Top
C24 – Special Windshield Wipers
C60 – Air Conditioning
D10 – Rear Armrest Ash Tray
D33 – Painted Left Remote Controlled Mirror
D55 – Floor Console
F35 – Heavy Duty Frame
GU5 – 3.23 Axle Ratio
G80 – Positraction Axle
JL2 – Power Front Disc Brakes
J50 – Power Brakes
L74 – Engine 400 Ram Air
M40 – Auto Transmission
N10 – Dual Exhaust
N30 – Deluxe Steering Wheel
N41 – Power Steering
PX8 – G70x14 White Stripe Tire
P01 – Deluxe Wheel Covers
T42 – Ram Air Hood
U27 – Glove Box Lamp
U28 – Ash Tray Lamp
U35 – Electric Clock
U63 – Push Button Radio
U80 – Rear Speaker System
Y96 – Firm Ride Package

PHS documentation shows the car was originally delivered to Kahn Motors in Englewood, New Jersey. From the outside, it's easy to imagine this car on the showroom floor in 1970. The main difference is that it probably looks better now. Wearing a fresh coat of Verdoro Green, the modern paintwork lends a level of depth that factory paint never had. There is no orange peel or any other paint defects visible anywhere on the body. Panel fitment is even all the way around and the doors open and shut with very little effort. Bright Judge-style 'eyebrow' stripes contrast nicely with the Verdoro Green while giving the car a slightly more aggressive look.

Up front, four T3 headlights illuminate the night from their recessed spot in the Endura nose. Behind it, a functional twin scoop Ram Air hood feeds air into the air cleaner while an 8,000 rpm tachometer keeps revs in check from its outpost. From the factory, there was very little brightwork on these cars but the few pieces it has look great. From the mirror to the rocker trim to the rear bumper, all trim is free of rust, waves or any other imperfections. Should you ever find a reason to put the top up, you'll be pleasantly surprised by a well-fitting fully operational black vinyl top. All glass is as show-friendly as the rest of the car.

Under the hood lives a showroom fresh L74 400 H.O. Ram Air V8 underrated at 335 horsepower. No forced induction or LSX trickery here – just honest Pontiac power. At the core is a verified numbers matching YZ block that was turned over to Farmer Automotive in Webster City, New York for a full rebuild. Sprayed with Pontiac's signature Light Blue Metallic and built with nothing but factory correct pieces, this 400 has an authentic vintage look and sound right down to the Frigidaire 5910662 air conditioning compressor. Exhaust is handled by correct cast iron manifolds that connect to a true dual exhaust featuring United mufflers. Details such as period correct decals and a Delco-Energizer R59 battery give the bay a clean factory look.

Backing the 400 is the original TH400 3-speed automatic transmission feeding power to the 10-bolt rear end with the correct 3.23 gears. The combination makes this Goat a great cruiser with plenty of bite at the stoplights. Further supporting traction is the factory 4-link out back. The stock double A-arm setup remains up front. This car was ordered with the Firm Ride Package, so the spring rate is a little higher than normal. When it comes time to stop, the JL2 power front disc brakes and rear drums get things slowed down with ease while Rally II wheels wrapped in 215/70 BF Goodrich Radial T/A's grip the pavement. Looking under the car, the undercarriage strikes the perfect balance between show and go. There is an impressive amount of detail present without going to the extremes that prevent many folks from driving their restored cars.

Open the door and you'll be greeted by an impressively optioned black interior. Between the restored bucket seats, a full center console with wood applique houses the gear selector and a storage compartment. With so many options checked off, driver controls are impressive. The speedometer, clock, and gas gauge are housed in a bezel featuring the same wood applique as the console. Below that, an engine turned panel houses the Delco push-button radio, controls for the power top, a lighter and the windshield washer switch. Under the steering column, the Ram Air lever is hidden from plain sight. Every piece of stainless from the door trim to seat trim looks absolutely mint and, when combined with the black vinyl, gives the interior a remarkably upscale feel. From the carpet up, everything inside this GTO looks like it just left the Baltimore, Maryland assembly plant.

With a car like this, documentation is important and this car has plenty. Along with full documentation from Pontiac Historical Services, the car also has three original built sheets that clarify everything you may want to know about the car. Also included in the sale is a 41” x 21” show board with all the GTO's highlights as well as selected build pictures.

Finding another one these cars is a long shot. Finding another fully documented fully restored Ram Air III with this many options? Good luck. If you've dreamed of owning a unique Pontiac that will drive well, show well and turn heads for years to come, this 1970 GTO Ram Air III convertible is the car you've been waiting for.