Pontiac GTO 1964

This model is often referred to as the one which started the muscle-car wars, and it combined a 1964 Tempest body with a 389ci (6.3-liter) V8 to be the 'GTO'. In creating the new model, designers got around a GM ruling which limited its intermediate cars to a maximum engine size of 330ci (5.4 liters). Thus the trend for shoehorning big engines into medium cars began, lasting for almost 10 years before the fuel crisis of 1973. The GTO had a thicker anti-roll bar, stiffer springs, uprated shocks and higher speed rated tyres. The top-option gearbox was the four-speed 'Muncie' that made the most of the huge power output. Drum brakes weren't the greatest attribute of the GTO, but they could be ordered with sintered lining, which helped a little. The biggest advantage was the weight, some 300lb (136kg) lighter than most later muscle cars, making the car very quick off the line.

Pontiac GTO 1964 Specifications