1967 Pontiac GTO

The GTO invented the muscle car. Period. In 1964, John DeLorean and his team at Pontiac dropped a big 389 V8 into the mid-size Tempest, creating a formula that every other manufacturer would copy. By 1967, the GTO had its own body — no longer just an option package — with more aggressive styling and the new 400 cubic inch V8. The 1967 model is the sweet spot: refined from the crude early cars but still raw enough to feel dangerous. Ronnie & the Daytonas wrote a song about it. Little GTO, you're really lookin' fine.

The '67 GTO's body panels are distinctive and age well. Original Burgundy, Champagne, and Starlight Black with honest wear look period-correct. The stacked headlights and chrome grille are iconic. Watch for rust in the trunk floor, floors, and quarter panels. The convertible is the most desirable but also the most prone to water damage. Documentation through PHS is essential for Ram Air cars. Regular 400 cars are honest muscle without the premium.

The GTO shares its A-body platform with the Chevelle, El Camino, and Buick Skylark, so many chassis and suspension parts cross over. But Pontiac-specific items — Ram Air intakes, unique exhaust manifolds, hood scoops — are harder to find and more expensive. The 400 engine is reliable and makes good power. The automatic transmission (TH400 in '67) is bulletproof. The enthusiast community is passionate and the GTO Association of America is an excellent resource.