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Classic American Muscle Car Design: What Was the Best Year for the Pontiac GTO?
The Pontiac GTO, like the Chevrolet Chevelle, was a classic American muscle car that debuted in 1964. Initially the GTO was merely a performance package for Pontiac's Tempest, but became an actual separate model in 1966.
The GTO's design was tweaked every single year of the decade it was in existence. To see how it's evolved, we'll rely on the excellent and consistent photography of RK Motors Charlotte, which also records 360 turntable video of the models they restore:
1964
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1965
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1966
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1967
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1968
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1969
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1970
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1971
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1972
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And then, folks, it all came crashing down.
1973
Enter a caption (optional)1974
Enter a caption (optional)Which year was your favorite, and why?
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Comments
While my gut reaction would have been 67, the 64 is noteworthy as it was the first muscle car.
66. The taillights were better than 67, while retaining the recessed back glass and boxy shape throughout.
That '67 is hands-down the pinnacle of GTO muscledom.
I have to go with '65. It seems the most refined to me. All the moves are much more subtle when compared to it's chunkier brethren. It seems equally at home on the track, as it would on its way to a business meeting (in black of course).
I second this – '65 is the sweet spot.
1968. Simple, but aggressive. The split grill is pretty cool.