Perhaps the most significant automobile that was never supposed to be — Among the more interesting caveats in the GTO’s defining history is that the car slipped through the cracks in a corporate edict that performance cars were strictly off the menu.
Nevertheless, as sales began to list it became clear that Pontiac’s salvation may come in the form of a product oriented toward the growing market of younger buyers. By 1962 Pontiac proceeded with the experiment with the desired results: increased sales. Hurst shifters began to appear on floor mounted manual transmissions and larger more powerful engines began to find their way into many other GM models.
Spearheading this radical effort was the then Pontiac chief engineer John Z. DeLorean who insisted that performance and styling would sell cars. DeLorean designed the GTO but Pontiac General Manager Elliot “Pete” Estes is credited with pushing the idea through the politics at GM. Regardless, the birth of the GTO represents the true beginning of the Muscle Car era–a movement which still enjoys tremendous popularity. Wildly popular upon its introduction, the GTO was hailed as an instant classic, and to this day, the GTO remains near the top of the chart as among the most sought after and collectable cars of all time. Offered for sale here is a superb example of one of GM’s greatest creations. Finished in Montero Red with black interior this beautifully equipped and restored Pontiac Lemans Sport Coupe GTO clone is equipped with: power brakes, automatic transmission, original 326cid Pontiac V-8, power steering, air conditioning, has remarkably extensive service documentation, is a solid Arizona car, has been carefully cared for, very well restored, and is a very well done Pontiac Lemans GTO clone.
With fewer Lemans Sport Coupes than convertibles produced in 1965, these Sport Coupes are increasingly rare and sought after collectibles!
