A surprise champion emerged from the muscle car pack in 1964 the Pontiac GTO. Introduced as an optional package for the midsize LeMans, the GTO defied Pontiac’s modest sales target of 5,000 units by a staggering margin, moving an impressive 32,450 in its debut year.
This unexpected success story cemented the GTO’s status as a legend and a key player in the burgeoning muscle car arena. Sales continued to climb in 1965, solidifying the GTO’s position as a dominant force.
While not all GTOs are rare collectibles, certain configurations hold immense value for enthusiasts. The first-year models hold a particular allure, and this Marimba Red example stands out with a unique combination of features that raise its collectability.
Bathed in a stunning Marimba Red paint job following a comprehensive rotisserie restoration, this GTO is a guaranteed head-turner.
But the true gem lies beneath the hood a potent 389cubic-inch Tri-Power V8 engine. This powerhouse boasts 348 horsepower thanks to its triple threat of two-barrel Rochester 2G carburetors, a significant upgrade over the standard four-barrel setup.
Collectors take note: a rare 1964 Pontiac GTO with the sought-after Tri-Power carburetion is primed to become the star of the Mecum’s Florida Summer Special auction on July 13th, 2024.
While the standard single-carburetor GTO was a success story for Pontiac, only a quarter of those manufactured received the Tri-Power upgrade, making this example considerably more desirable.
The rarity factor gets a further boost with the hardtop body style, and potentially the inclusion of a four-speed manual transmission, although definitive production numbers for this specific combination remain elusive.
However, exclusivity extends beyond the engine and body. The wood-rimmed sports steering wheel is a true rarity in 1964 GTOs.
In pristine condition, these wheels can command a price exceeding $4,000, and even those needing restoration typically fetch well over $1,500.
This particular GTO boasts additional treasures a Saf-T-Track rear end with 3.23 gears, Hurst wheels wrapped in iconic Redline tires, comfortable bucket seats, gleaming triple-plated chrome trim, and sophisticated Soft Ray glass.
To top it all off, the car is accompanied by PHS documentation, which should unlock a wealth of information about its unique features and solidify its collector car status.
With its Concours Gold win at the 2022 GTO Nationals, this exceptional GTO is sure to be a highlight of the Mecum auction, and its final selling price is anyone’s guess.
However, one thing is certain bidders with a penchant for powerful, limited-edition muscle cars will be lining up to take a shot at owning this piece of automotive history.
