The 455 HO was the crowning jewel of the GTO lineup in 1972, boasting an engine capable of producing 300 horsepower (following the net rating standard, in compliance with the new regulations in the United States for engine output).
Encountering a GTO 455 HO, especially in the post-coupe variant, is a rarity, making it all the more disheartening to witness an example slowly deteriorating in a yard.
Unfortunately, this is the fate of the 1972 GTO depicted in these images, now succumbing to extensive rust and missing components. Despite its current state, the owner remains optimistic, asserting that the GTO is salvageable.
It’s crucial to note that the once-powerful 455 HO engine is now a distant memory. Both the engine and transmission are absent, necessitating the need for a new drivetrain should you choose to restore this GTO.
While the absence of these components may be disappointing, it does render the GTO more affordable for potential buyers. According to the owner, the GTO originally came equipped with a manual transmission.
The deterioration of the GTO can be attributed to two primary factors. Firstly, corrosion has taken its toll, leaving the car in rough condition overall. Addressing these mental issues will undoubtedly require significant time and effort, although the body remains relatively intact, which is impressive considering the circumstances.
Secondly, the car suffered extensive damage from a gas tank fire, particularly affecting the rear and much of the interior cabin. Consequently, a comprehensive restoration is necessary.
Undoubtedly, restoring this GTO is a challenging undertaking. However, given the rarity of the 1972 Pontiac GTO 455 HO, it’s unsurprising that it continues to garner attention on eBay.
While my figures may not be entirely accurate, I believe Pontiac manufactured approximately 645 GTOs equipped with the 455 HO engine in 1972. The majority of these around 635 were hardtops, with production almost evenly split between manual and automatic transmissions.
The GTO has been listed on eBay by seller paradiselane1975 in a no-reserve auction, meaning it only requires a single bid to find a new owner. As of now, an offer has been made, and if no further bids are received, the GTO will sell for $4,500.
However, competition will likely increase as more individuals become aware of the listing. For those interested, the car can be viewed in person in Rapid City, South Dakota, with the auction scheduled to conclude in approximately six days.