Most enthusiasts will acknowledge that the Pontiac GTO was the first “muscle car” the way we currently define them: big engine in a mid-sized car. The formula was outrageously successful when John Z. DeLorean bent the rules in 1964 and produced some of the most enduringly popular cars of all time. Whether you’re a Pontiac person or not, you’ll probably agree that any GTO is a cool GTO. Here at Harwood Motors, our experience has been that the GTOs from 1967 are particularly popular, as everything came together just right: a bit more power from a 400 cubic inch V8, cleaner yet more interesting styling, and the big car comfort that made the GTO a grown-up’s car, not a boy racer. There’s a reason all their advertising was illustrated with dashing men in suits.

This bright Regimental Red 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible is just as fun as its looks would suggest. We have PHS documentation proving that it’s a real GTO, so no worries there, and with a high-quality restoration perhaps seven or eight years ago, it still looks fantastic. The cowl tag and accompanying PHS documentation indicate that it was originally Cameo Ivory, but I don’t think anyone is going to complain about a bright red ragtop in their driveway. We don’t have a lot of details on the restoration itself, but anyone can see that the sheetmetal today is extremely straight and ripple-free, and that only comes from a big investment in time and money. Gaps are quite good throughout and there’s no evidence that this ragtop spent any time in a rust belt state because it sure looks like all the important areas are not only clean, but original to the car. Stacked headlights and the twin mesh grilles are arguably the GTO’s best look and a car like this needed only a modest hood scoop to intimidate others on the street. You’ll note this one also carries a hood tach, which is always a cool option, as well as a Hurst emblem on the trunk, highlighting the “His-N-Hers” shifter on the center console. Excellent chrome and stainless, correct badges, and new lenses round out the quality presentation.

It’s equally nice inside where you’ll find fresh black vinyl upholstery very much the way the factory did it. Almost everything you can touch is new, including the door panels, seat covers, carpets, and dash pad, and it looks great. Code 223 Black vinyl is how this car was ordered so it remains as intended inside, right down to the woodgrained appliques that help warm it up in the otherwise monochromatic passenger compartment. The gauges appear to be original so there’s a little fading, but they all work except the clock, and a trio of aftermarket dials have been installed under the dash. The aforementioned shifter for the TH400 3-speed automatic transmission works as advertised, adding a bit more manual control when you want it but easy-cruising fully automatic mode when you don’t. The original AM radio is in the dash, but if you’re going to use this car regularly, perhaps an upgrade is in order so you don’t have to suffer through whatever passes for entertainment on the AM dial these days. You’ll also note that this car carries factory power windows, a rather rare option that’s always a nice addition to a convertible, and the traditional GTO grab handle over on the passenger’s side is more evidence that this is a real Goat. The black vinyl convertible top is in excellent condition and folds easily using the switch tucked under the dash (the switch is brand new and you’d better believe it’s expensive and difficult to replace). A brand new black vinyl boot covers the top when it’s stowed and the trunk is outfitted with plenty of insulation under the reproduction mat, as well as a full-sized spare and jack assembly.

The engine is a correct YS-coded 400 cubic inch V8, rated at a rather robust 335 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor on top. It’s nicely detailed with correct Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel, a louvered air cleaner, and chrome valve covers, because Pontiac knew people were going to admire this powerplant. It starts easily, runs beautifully, and doesn’t have any bad habits—no smoke, no noises, and it’s not even a leaker in any way that matters. There’s a little evidence of use, of course, with the engine enamel being discolored around the exhaust ports and the EGR recirculation on the intake, but otherwise it looks just like it should. Little details like the tower hose clamps, factory hardware, and cad-plated brake booster all help with the OEM presentation. It isn’t quite show quality but it’s not far off, either, and at this price, you’re getting one heck of a car that you can show without needing any excuses.

Underneath, it’s just as clean with satin black floors, a rugged TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, and the original 10-bolt rear end. According to the PHS documentation, there are 3.36 gears on a limited-slip inside, and that’s about how it feels from behind the wheel: punchy without being too busy on the highway. A new Flowmaster exhaust system offers a rumbling muscle car soundtrack that calms down at speed and the GTO is a big car so it has a big car comfortable ride. Recent shocks are certainly part of that equation, and we note fresh ball joints, new brake components, and lots of other recent service work on the chassis, so it’s ready to drive. We can find no evidence of rust or rust repairs on the floors or trunk pans, and it certainly sits right on those Rally II wheels and 225/70/14 BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radials.

Documentation includes a full PHS package verifying this is a real GTO and that it is properly equipped.

Always a favorite, this GTO gets a lot of things right: great colors, great options, and plenty of performance to back up the GTO name. Best of all, it’s reasonably priced and easy to live with, making it a no-hassles hobby car. Get in, turn the key, start having fun. It’s really that easy with this beautiful red GTO. Call today!