My, how quickly things can change in the automotive world. The GTO began life as a mid-size muscle car in 1964, reached 96,000 units in sales in 1966, yet couldn’t break the 6,000 number in 1972. Market saturation had something to do with that, and the insurance industry did a number on those types of cars in terms of rising premiums. This 1972 looks like a decent survivor that’s said to run well but has some sheet metal rust to be sorted out. Including the seller, this Pontiac has had only two owners and is in Cape May, New Jersey. It’s available without reserve here on eBay where the bidding has hit $24,500.
Due to declining demand, the GTO reverted to option status in 1972 (it had been its own series from 1966 to 1971). That added about $350 to the cost of either a LeMans (pillared coupe or hardtop) or the LeMans Sport with better trim. Bucket seats and carpeting came as standard with the LeMans Sport edition. The base engine in the GTO was still the 400 cubic-inch V8, but now rated at 250 hp SAE Net with a 4-barrel carburetor (the VIN identifies this as correct for the car). Out of 5,807 GTOs produced in ’72, 3,308 had the base 400 with a TH-400 automatic transmission. Can’t be too many of these left now.
We’re told that this GTO has its original drivetrain at 96,000 miles. 10-bolt rear-end, no posi-traction. The seller says it runs and drives great with no mention if anything has ever required a rebuild. It’s documented that a framed copy of the build sheet is there to validate the auto. The interior appears to have held up well though the seams in the driver’s side seat bottom look to be coming apart and will need attention. The carpeting may be a bit tired, as well.
Whether or not the yellow paint is original, there is some rust in one of the quarter panels and a lower fender. The former might be patchable with success, but the latter could require a new fender depending on how picky you are. We’re told this is a car that you could drive home, wherever you live, and it could certainly pass muster at Cars & Coffee as it sits. You could play one of the 8-track tapes it comes with in the under-dash player! The original wheels and tires have been saved to accompany the Pontiac to its next home.
Snappy 3.55 rear gear. Open diff for 1 tire smokeshows en route to the cars and coffee.
Reality is… This is not a “muscle car”. Gutless lump. Hang a disco ball from the mirror before you crush it.
People have lost their minds with old cars. Some are just that … An old car. The company tried to keep the “muscle” thing going as a sales tactic. But … They aren’t anything special
Having grown up in that area of the country, it’s the rot around the bottom corner of the rear window that causes me the most concern. I’ve torn into enough GM cars of this era to know that this is akin to seeing only the tip of the iceberg that sunk the Titanic above the water line.
To answer your question, it’s worth what someone will pay. At $24,500 it’s already well beyond what I’d offer for it.
Unless you have to have THIS ONE, this car has nothing to recommend it IMO except that it’s old. Was an embarrassment then, and still is. Worse than a clone. If you HAVE TO HAVE IT, go see it first. If it’s that important to you, it’s worth spending that money. Otherwise, IMO, it’s not worth buying at all–but if one must, $12,000. Tops.
Tough crowd today. But, they’re not wrong. It’s a 72, with rust in several areas…24.5k is too much for this car. You could probably find a 72 that does not need body work and paint for near what the bid is at now for this yellow one, if not a few thousand more.