Pontiac GTO

The original muscle car. GTO stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato" which is Italian for Grand Accredited Touring. The nameplate was originally just a performance package for the Pontiac LeMans and the Pontiac Tempest. For a $296 premium, the car could be had with a 389 c.i.d. 325 bhp V8. A more powerful "Tri-Power" engine with 348 bhp was also available. Tri-Power refered the the three two-barrel carbouretors that the engine had. The car did so well that the GTO later became its own model. In 1969 Pontiac released the "GTO Judge", an appearance package which included the Ram Air III engine, styled wheels, a Hurst T-Handle shifter, wider tires, various decals, and a rear spoiler. With just under 7,000 made, this is one of the most collectable Pontiacs. The oil embargo of the seventies killed all muscle cars and the GTO became a compact based on the Nova. The GTO had passed on in 1974. Thirty years later, Pontiac released a redone version of the Holden Monaro and labeled it the Pontiac GTO. Originally equipped with the 350 bhp 5.7 Liter LS1, the GTO was a respectable performer. The 2005 and 2006 models got the 6 Liter 400 bhp LS2 which really made the GTO a rocket. The last of a dying breed, the GTO will cease production at the end of 2006. Many people miss what it has to offer; large doses of power and an exceedingly comfortable cockpit for a reasonable price. The GTO doesn't have much competition. Many people are turned off by the seemingly bland styling, or the fact that it is an Australian-built car. About 40,000 have been sold from 2004 - 2006