1964 Pontiac GTO
A-body · The GTO was technically an option package on the Tempest/LeM... · The original muscle car — John DeLorean's rule-breaking masterpiece
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
32,450
Original MSRP
$2,852
Assembly Plants
Pontiac, MI · Framingham, MA · Kansas City, MO
Wheelbase
115 inches
Body Styles
Sport Coupe · Hardtop · Convertible
Curb Weight
3,400 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
Tri-Power 389 — TriPower
Three 2-barrel Rochester carbs — iconic GTO performance option
1.8-2.5x base
8,245
produced
4-Speed Manual — 4speed
Close or wide ratio Muncie 4-speed
1.3-1.5x base
12,000
produced
Available Engines
L 389ci — V8
Standard GTO engine — 4-barrel
325 hp
M 389ci — V8
Optional 4-barrel — hotter cam
348 hp
N 389ci — V8
Tri-Power — three 2-barrel Rochester carbs. Most desirable original GTO engine.
348 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: Tri-Power matching numbers add 40-60%. Non-matching engine reduces value 30-40%.. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Order PHS documentation — Pontiac Historical Services confirms original build
Verify engine stamp on block pad
Confirm Tri-Power setup if claimed — three Rochester 2-barrels on correct intake
Check firewall tag for paint and trim codes
Inspect A-body floor pans front and rear — rust common
Frame rail rust inspection
Check lower quarter panels and door bottoms
Verify GTO badges vs LeMans clone
Confirm hood scoops are original GTO units
Check for Protect-O-Plate warranty card
Known Problem Areas
Clone GTO — LeMans cars converted with GTO trim
Floor pan rust
Frame rail rust
Non-matching engines very common — most have been swapped
Missing or altered firewall tags
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
Tri-Power matching numbers
Convertible body
4-speed Muncie
PHS documentation
Original colors
↓ Decreases Value
Clone GTO
Missing firewall tag
Rust damage
Non-matching engine
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Medium
Parts Availability
Good — strong GTO aftermarket
Driver Quality Cost
$20,000 – $45,000
Show Quality Cost
$60,000 – $130,000
Key Suppliers
Year One · Ames Performance · Ground Up SS · PY Classic Pontiac
Pop Culture & Legacy
John DeLorean defied GM corporate policy to create the first true muscle car
Car and Driver called it 'one of the most exciting cars of the decade'
Widely credited as the car that started the muscle car era
Sales of 32,450 shocked GM — they expected 5,000
Other Pontiac GTO Years