Did the Pontiac GTO kickstart the muscle car segment? The jury is still out on that. While the general consensus is that the GTO popularized the niche, the concept can be traced back to the 1950s. But it doesn’t really matter because the first-generation GTO is one hot rig.
Unveiled in 1963 for the 1964 model year, the original Pontiac GTO remained in dealerships until 1967, when the company rolled out a dramatically restyled version. While not as aggressive as its successor design-wise, the first-gen GTO stands out as a stylish sleeper. And the 1964 version is actually unique thanks to its more unassuming appearance and one-year-only horizontal quad-headlamp layout.
The first-year version is also the rarest iteration of the original GTO. Only 32,450 units rolled off the assembly line that model year, a small percentage of the 286,470 examples sold through 1967. The black drop-top you see here is one of those cars.
It may not seem all that special at first glance, but this GTO is not a run-of-the-mill midsize. For starters, the convertible layout makes it one of only 6,644 units built. Then there’s the 3×2-barrel setup of the 389-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8, which graced only about 25% of these cars. That’s less than 1,700 units made and even less if we also factor in the rare three-speed manual gearbox.
But all these numbers don’t really matter because this GTO is, in fact, a one-of-one gem. That’s because it’s the only known example produced in this color combination and with these options. Painted Starlight black and fitted with a matching interior and retractable top, this Poncho is an authentic triple-black car.
As for the options list, it’s loaded with goodies like bucket seats, air conditioning, push-button radio, a deluxe steering wheel, courtesy lamps, dual horns, and heavy-duty suspension. The beefed-up engine wasn’t a standard feature either.
The 389-cubic-inch V8 was the only lump available in the GTO at the time, but Pontiac offered two flavors. The base unit featured a single four-barrel carburetor and delivered 325 horsepower and 428 pound-feet (580 Nm) of torque. This car features the optional version with three two-barrel Rochester carburetors. Marketed as the Tri-Power, the unit delivered 348 horses when new.
Treated to a comprehensive restoration, this Poncho is still highly original and has a few Concours awards to brag about. The drop-top was spotted at the Kissimmee 2024 auction, where it shared the stage with more than 40 first- and second-generation GTOs. And it left the event as the most expensive 1964-1967 GTO, changing hands for $176,000.
The drop-top is also a record holder as of this writing because it’s the most expensive 1964 GTO ever auctioned. The overall record for first-gen GTOs is currently held by a 1967 convertible at $225,500.