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Behind the GTO mystique is its fame as America's first "muscle" car. It was created by stuffing the 389-cid V-8 from the larger full-sized Pontiacs into the new, 115-inch wheelbase Tempest LeMans. The GTO package featured a GTO grille, fender, deck lid and glove box door emblems.
With a few creative modifications, a big 389 CID V8 engine was crammed inside the new intermediate-sized Tempest. The original GTO package consisted of a 325-horsepower V-8 with dual exhaust and a four-abarrel carburetor, plus a three-speed manual transmission, Hurst shifter, heavy-duty clutch and 14x7.5 redline tires on 6.0-inch rims. Dimensions: Weight- 3,122 lbs. Wheelbase- 115 in. Length- 203.0 in. Total Production: 32,450
No longer a Tempest option but its own model, GTO for '66 was completely redesigned with new contours and restyled roof and tail lights. The last year for the legendary "Tri-Power" carburetor, sales topped out at more than 96,000 GTOs that year. Dimensions: Weight- 3,259 lbs. Wheelbase- 115 in. Length- 206.4 in. Total Production: 96,946
Big changes in '67 meant the end of tri-power engines. GM banned multi-carb setups for all cars except the Chevrolet Corvette, probably in the face of increasing emissions standards. The rear and grille were restyled again and the new 400 cid engine was available in economy (255bhp), standard (335bhp), High Output (HO) (360bhp) and Ram Air (360bhp) versions. The tiger roared as never before. Dimensions: Weight- 3, 593 lbs. Wheelbase- 115 in. Length- 206.6 in. Total Production: 81,722
With another complete restyling update, the '68 GTO was awarded Motor Trend Car of the Year. Body-colored Endura bumpers caused a stir. The GTO now sat on a 112 inch wheelbase but was still heavier than the 1967 models. A new option was hidden headlights. The engine choices remained the same, with the economy and standard 400 cid receiving more horsepower. All engines were tuned for more torque at lower rpms.Dimensions: Weight- 3,622 lbs. Wheelbase- 112 in. Length- 200.7 in. Total Production: 87,684
"All rise for the Judge." Introduced this year with an available 370hp Ram Air engine and signature "Carousel Red" paint. The Judge came down the road like it was shot from a gun. Named after a phrase on the TV show "Laugh In", the Judge was actually a $332 option package that included a new 366bhp Ram Air III 400 cid V8, outrageous body paint, a large rear spoiler, and decals throughout. New to both versions of the GTO was a Ram Air IV 400 cid V8 rated at 370bhp, as well as restyled taillights. Vent windows and the HO engine were discontinued.Dimensions: Weight- 3,672 lbs. Wheelbase- 112 in. Length- 205.5 in. Total Production: 72,287
Standard equipment included bucket seats, a vinyl-trimmed-and-padded dash-board, twin air scoops, a heavy-duty clutch, a sports-type suspension, carpeting, courtesy lamps, dual exhausts, a deluxe steering wheel, a three-speed manual floor shift, and fat G78 x 14 tires.
Distinguished by new forward intakes on the hood and the first year of the SAE engine ratings. The SAE method brought consistency to the horsepower ratings, and the "net" standard was introduced. Dimensions: Weight- 3,593 (two-door hardtop) Wheelbase- 112 in. Length- 203.3 in. Total Production: 10,532
"You'll be seeing a lot more of Pontiac's great GTO this year, because Pontiac has made the GTO easier to own," the 1972 sales catalogs said. "By letting you decide how grand you want your Grand Turismo Omologato to be."
The legend returns for 2004, the modern incarnation of the best of its ancestors. It all started as a simple idea, nearly 40 years ago. Allow a small collection of dedicated engineers to challenge the rules. Package a 350 HP V8 into a thoroughly modern rear-wheel-drive contemporary coupe. And this time, show the world what a few decades of automotive engineering advancements can deliver. Then get out of their way. In 2004 , the GTO is back.