Pontiac Power

Spotter's Guide
1964 GTO

This was number one, the First GTO, the one that started an eara. The GTO was actually an option of the LeMans line. Pontiac was lucky to even bring the GTO to light. GM had a ban on engines bigger than 330 cid on any cars other that the full size models. Pontiac found a loop hole and did what no one else did, put a big engine in a small car. Since the 389 V8 was an Option it was not standard equipment, hence the loop hole.

The GTO option was available on three body styles on the LeMans series: sports coupe, hardtop coupe and convertible. They were all two-door models. Exterior identification was through the use of GTO lettering on the blacked-out left front part of the grille, on the right rear deck lid and on the rear quarter panels. A GTO 6.5-liter crest was mounted on each front fender, behind the front wheelwell. The hood came with two simulated hood scoops.

The standard GTO engine was the 389 cid V8 rated at 325 hp with a 10.75:1 compression ratio. It came with a Carter four-barrel carburetor. Optional was the 389 cid 348 hp V-8 using the Rochester Tri-Power triple two-barrel carburetors. The end carburetors were vacuum controlled. All 389 cid V8s came with chrome valve covers and chrome oil filler cap. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual with a Hurst floor shifter. Optional was two four- speeds: the M20 wide-ratio box and the M21 close ratio. The two-speed Powerglide automatic was optional on both engines.

In the interior, a GTO emblem was located above the glovebox. Other interior features standard on the GTO were bucket seats, an engine-turned applique on the instrument panel and a Hurst shifter on manual- transmission-equipped cars. Some early cars got Hurst shifters without the familiar Hurst inscription on the shift lever. All interiors except Parchment came with matching door panels and trim; with Parchment interiors, the seats, door panels, head- liner, sun visors and windlace were Parchment and the carpets, console base, rear package shelf, door kick panels and dash pad were black. The four-pod instrument panel contained the following gauges and indicator lamps: oil pressure indicator lamp and battery, far left; 120 mph speedometer and odometer, left center; fuel gauge and temperature indicator lamp, right center; and a blank pod, far right. If the optional 7000 rpm tachometer or the Rally clock was ordered, it would be located in the far right pod. Also optional was a brake warning lamp, located at the bottom of the speedometer. An optional manifold vacuum gauge was available, as well; it was mounted on the console. Two steering wheels were available. The standard GTO wheel was the LeMans Deluxe wheel, which matched the interior in color, except with Parchment interiors, which got a black wheel. The optional Custom Sports steering wheel came with four brushed metal spokes and an imitation wood rim. All GTO radios could be had with either the standard manual antenna, mounted on the front cowl, or the optional power antenna, located on the rear quarter panel.

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