1970 Pontiac GTO

Description

FACT: Muscle cars are awesome.

That's a tenet virtually every car enthusiast believes in. But, as we all know, there's always room for improvement. That's where cars like this superb GTO restomod come into the picture. In fact, that's pretty much the definition of the phrase 'pro-touring restomod' -- taking a lit classic and dousing it in updated technology to create an unmatched driving experience with few compromises. Combining 6.2 liters of LS power with a smooth, 4-speed drivetrain and striking red and black aesthetics, this gruff ground-pounder draws big crowds and big compliments. And if you're one of the many enthusiasts looking for a fun classic that's unrelentingly cool, it's your ticket to car guy nirvana!

A CAROUSEL OF EXCITEMENT

Fully sorted and ready to roll, this authentic 242 GTO dresses all-original sheetmetal in exuberant 2-stage that, while reminding of Pontiac's glorious Carousel Red pigment, no doubt sinks a bit deeper. At the front of the car's swank profile, an aggressive Endura nose seats “GTO” branded grilles between stainless-trimmed headlights, ornate parking lamps and a glossy chin spoiler. At the top of those grilles, a broad hood centers black-trimmed scoops in front of a factory tach and tinted glass that's framed in straight stainless and reflected in a polished mirror. At the sides of the car, bright Judge call-outs add a little pizzazz, while traditional door handles perfectly complement requisite wheel lips and polished rocker guards. And out back, a polished bumper hangs conservative taillights between a big wing, polished exhaust tips and another vivid Judge call-out.

LS NATION

Hoist the hood and you'll find 6.2 liters of small block fury that, along with much of the car's sorted mechanicals, was professionally installed by Classic Conversions by Speed Inc. Officially known as the GM Gen IV LS3, that all-aluminum mill creates a respectable 480 horsepower. And despite consistently delivering track-blistering, low-end performance, it revs to 6,600 RPM and regularly achieves over 20 MPG! Up top, familiar ram air induction funnels wind in to a polished Holley throttle body. That bowl is seated on a lightweight Holley intake that's juiced by modern Holley fuel rails. That air/fuel mixture progresses to rectangular-port L92-style heads, which balance a polished breather on polished valve covers. A nodular crank, powdered connecting rods and hypereutectic pistons provide compression, while a hot cam maximizes intake efficiency through better breathing. Speaking of breathing, the smooth mill funnels spent gases through stainless Hooker Blackhearts. An aluminum radiator fronts quick-spinning puller fans. A March serpentine drive turns a Tuff Stuff alternator above modern power steering. And items like relocated coils, an AGR quick-ratio steering box and MSD Super Conductor plug wires convey a sense of top-notch detailing.

MODERN IS AS MODERN DOES

Take a gander under this cool A-Body and you'll find a fully detailed chassis that mixes new age technology with old school durability. A Satin Black frame reflects thoroughly solid floorpans that, likewise, have been dressed in a clean layer of Satin Black. At the center of those floors, a 4L60E automatic gearbox, assembled by Finish Line Transmissions. That trans spins a heavy duty aluminum driveshaft, which twists a posi-traction differential around a tough 12-bolt axle that's finished with Strange 3.73 gears. Stopping is a cinch thanks to two Wilwood calipers and a duo of factory drums. Factory-style power steering complements a fully rebuilt suspension that's finished with a beefy Hotchkis sway bar. Exhaust is handled by a series of large-diameter pipes, which swirl spent gases through throaty Flowmaster mufflers. And at the corners, Nitto NT555 Extreme ZRs, sized 255/45ZR17 and 285/40ZR17 respectively, lap gorgeous Year One Rally IIs.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Open the car's solid doors and you'll find a conservative Black interior that's stylish and very livable. There's a quartet of original seats, two of which are fitted with small headrests, all of which are wrapped in restoration-fresh vinyl. In front of those seats, a monochromatic dash founds original telemetry next to a hidden Sony CD player that kicks crisp Hertz speakers. At the bottom of that dash, fade-free carpet bridges the gap between original side panels, fresh insulation, a fresh console and a factory shifter. And the driver traces the road through an aftermarket Formula Steering Wheel.

It doesn't take Oxford's Guide to Gearheads to understand the appeal of this incredible Pontiac restomod. In fact, we can sum it up in one sentence: A restored, LS-powered GTO that's been modified in all the right ways. Life is just too short to drive something boring. Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and schedule a little seat time in this sweet Judge!

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Authentic 242 GTO
• 6.2 liter GM LS3 V8 / Holley electronic fuel injection
• 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
• 12-bolt posi / Strange 3.73 gears
• Quick-ratio power steering
• Power front disc and rear drum brakes
• 17-inch Year One Rally II Wheels
• All-original sheetmetal
• Largely-original interior
• Modern audio
• All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point inspection
• We can ship your new classic anywhere in the world