Featured is a stunning 1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible. The year 1970 was the high point for the GTO model line. The car had it all. Superb performance, terrific styling, and character. Unlike the 1964 model, when the Pontiac GTO was an option package for the Tempest LeMans, in 1970 the GTO was a stand alone specific model. The 1970 Pontiac GTO is truly one of the greatest muscle cars from that era.
1970 GTO Styling
The Pontiac GTO was always designed to be a muscle car and was the brainchild of Pontiac engineer and engine specialist Russell Gee along with Pontiac chief engineer John De Lorean. It was De Lorean who came up with the GTO name. When Pontiac created the original GTO it reshaped the automotive world.
Regarding the 1970 model year, the 1970 model year had a new body shape which was much smoother than before. What was changed were the previous angular lines and sharp angles that were changed for curves and soft edges. Its long pony car hood had two vents.
During the period from 1964-1972 Pontiac made certain that the GTO’s styling never became old. Every year during the late 60’s early 70’s Pontiac put out some of the best and most appealing styling of any of the American automakers and the 1970 GTO was one of the best.
GTO’s offered for the 1970 model year were the coupe and convertible. Of significance is that 1970 was the second year in a row that the upscale GTO “Judge” was available.
Like all the serious muscle cars of the golden era, the GTO came standard with a dual exhaust system. The GTO took this one step further by having two chrome exhaust tips off of each main pipe for a total of four exhaust tips.
1970 GTO and the Muscle Car Era
The GTO is a true classic muscle car icon. Most would say that Pontiac started the muscle car craze when they introduced the GTO in 1964. After that the GTO steadily gained in popularity which lasted right through 1972. Things changed in 1973 when the GTO was put aside by Pontiac in favor of the new Trans Am as its performance offering.
Most classic automobile enthusiasts would agree that the 1970 model year was the high point of the muscle car 1964-72 era. General Motors would lower engine compression starting in 1971 ahead of schedule to meet the 1972 Federal emissions unleaded fuel requirement. Adding to the collector popularity today for the 1970 GTO with original engines is that it represented the last year for muscle car era high compression motors.
1970 GTO Specifications
The base engine for the 1970 GTO was the 300 horsepower 4 bbl 400 Cubic Inch V8 that was standard on the 1969 GTO. The Pontiac GTO also offered a Ram Air III package which was standard on the Judge model. The Ram Air was a 455 Cubic Inch V-8 with a four barrel carburetor that delivered 365 HP.
Transmissions available were three and four speed manuals and a three speed automatic. .
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Wheelbase was 112.0 inches and outside overall length 202.9 inches, 76.7 inch width.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
Reference material for this article includes..The Complete Book of Pontiac GTO: Every Model Since 1964 by author Tom Glatch..GTO: Pontiac’s Great One by Darwin Holmstrom..Collector’s Originality Guide Pontiac GTO 1964-1974by Thomas DeMauro.
The 1970 GTO Collector Car
As great as the GTO was for 1970, the total GTO sales figure did not reflect it. Sales fell off from the previous year even with new styling.
Among GTO followers today 1970 is one of the more popular years. Not only was the restyling excellent but that year was still prior to the federal emissions regulations. The 1970 model year was the last for GM high compression engines which had become the standard of the muscle car era.
The 1970 models are a bit more rare since 1970 production dropped close to 40 percent from the previous year.
Currently we see asking prices for the nicely restored 1970 Pontiac GTO’s in a range from about $45,000 to $85,000. Originality, matching numbers, overall condition, engine size, restoration degree and age and mileage will effect prices.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)