1970 Pontiac GTO Ram Air III

Description

In 1970, the Pontiac GTO underwent a minor facelift. While the split Endura bumper remained, it featured a boxed center section similar to the Firebird, now sporting four headlights. Additionally, the fenders were creased above the wheel wells, and the rear bumper and taillights extended to the sides. The prices for both body styles remained stable, with the Hardtop priced at $3,267 and the Convertible priced at $3,492. The 255 horsepower two-barrel 400 cu-in engine was dropped, but a 360 horsepower 455 cu-in V8 was added, which was an excellent engine with more torque but less top-end than the 400. Even with a scaled-back options sheet, over 50 available extras could quickly push GTOs past $4,500. A total of 22 exterior paint colors were offered this year. Despite the changes, the GTO continued to impress with its performance and design and remains sought after by car enthusiasts to this day. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Granada Gold (Z) with a Sandle Wood vinyl roof 

• Interior is reported to retain its original Brown vinyl upholstery 

• Powered by the original, numbers matching 400 cu-in V8 

• Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter 

• Desirably equipped with the RAM Air III option from new 

• 14 inch Rally II wheels are shod with Dymax Classic tires 

• Optioned when new with power-assisted front disc brakes 

• The floor was replaced in October 2021, with the carpet replaced the following month 

• The cylinder heads were rebuilt in February 2022 with a new exhaust system fitted the same year  

• A replacement vinyl roof was installed in July 2022 

• The bodywork is said to retain large portions of its original paintwork, with minor areas being retouched 

• Please note that the just over 99,800 miles displayed on the five-digit odometer are reported to be original by the current owner 

Features 

• Center console 

• Manually operated windows 

• Frameless doors 

• Dual bucket seats 

• AM radio 

• Fog lights 

• Hood pins 

• Adjustable headrests 

• Heater 

• Power steering 

• 140 mph speedometer 

• Aluminum door sills 

• Cigarette lighter 

• Three-spoke steering wheel 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor rust is present on the inside bottom of the doors 

• Cracked dash 

• Minor wear to the driver’s seat 

Included 

• Original build order sheet 

• Copy of the original window sticker 

• Pontiac Historical Society documentation 

Ownership History 

According to the accompanying window sticker copy, this 1970 Pontiac GTO was initially sold at Red Holman Pontiac Inc. of Wayne, Michigan. The current owner relayed that they purchased the car from the original owner in October 2021 and has driven the car approximately 900 miles since.  

Hagerty Marketplace has confirmed a clean title status, the owner maintains the title in hand and will send it to the Hagerty Marketplace team to be reassigned to the new owner after the auction is complete.