1964 Pontiac GTO

1964 Pontiac GTO Convertible The 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans, with the GTO option package, was the car that started the muscle car era. The package included the high performance 389ci V8, dual exhausts, special GTO nameplates, simulated engine turned dash panel inserts and dual hood scoops. A heavy duty three speed or close ratio four speed transmission was optional along with a more powerful Tri-Power engine producing 348 horsepower. The 325 horsepower GTO went from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Pontiac sold 32,450 Tempests with the GTO package during the 1964 model year.  GM.com For consignment, a 1964 Pontiac GTO convertible with a title verified 62,212 actual miles. We use the term Holy Grail sparingly, but this car and its period correct drivetrain, qualifies.  Just 6,644 convertible GTO's were built in 1964 and this fine example is one of them. This car was restored 1,000 miles ago. Exterior Appearing in its original color, the Starlight Black now presents in two stage depth, accented by the red pinstripe along the waistline, the perfect complement to the GTO badges on the fenders and the redline tires. There's also a bit of red that makes an epic appearance; that of the lightbar in back, running the width of the car with a ribbed design that is Pontiac's unique field mark and undeniably cool. That light panel would evolve over the lifespan of the GTO of course, but only the '64 has this exact design. For this era, only the '64 retains the Tempest side by side headlights which flank the Pontiac beak and symmetrical ornamental intakes on the hood. Our wheels are Pontiac Rally I's, 14-inch in front, 15 in back and like the rest of the exterior, present very nicely. Imperfections include some minor inclusions, a few small blemishes in the soft top, gap issue on the trunk, a few chips on the decklid, a few bubbles about, a scratch on the front fender, scuffs, and a spot of paint run.  Interior The black vinyl door panels contain sections of decorative stitch patterns that create visual interest and hold the clean hardware and armrests. Grain vinyl covers the front bucket seats with near perfection and the rear bench follows suit and things stay consistent when you look forward. A shiny steering wheel and D-shaped horn ring present beautifully ahead of the stock dashboard and instrument cluster with a few additions that include a tachometer on the column, a triple gauge pack under the dash, and what would have been a dealer installed option, a manifold vacuum gauge in the center console. There's an AM/FM radio on board, the GTO emblem on a glossy black face, and a clean dash pad up top. A white handled shifter is in the center console where the ribbed motif seen on the tail lights continues decoratively, over black loop carpet. The trunk is spotless and covered with a black and white vinyl mat.  Drivetrain Under the hood is a clean, period-correct 389ci V8 with Tri-Power carburetion and set into motion with the joining of a period-correct Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission. Power is routed to the 10 bolt axle where our consignor tells us 3.55 gears with Safe-T-Track reside. Power brakes and power steering are here and the bay presents in original configuration.   Undercarriage  The clean train continues to roll underneath where we find a show worthy underside. There's the typical drop of oil on the pan but clean surfaces throughout. Dual exhaust runs cleanly through FlowMaster mufflers, exiting through the iconic chrome splitters. Brakes are divided as front power disc and rear drum and suspension includes coil springs at both ends with a 4 link in back. Did we mention the underside is show worthy? It's worth repeating.  Drive-Ability The car not only looks fantastic, but drives without a hiccup and delivers the legendary power trip that was the catalyst for the muscle car movement we could argue continues to this day.  With such attention to detail, it comes as no surprise that all functions