At MotorAbility, we take pride in bringing classic cars back to life, and one of our current project cars is nothing short of legendary—a 1967 Pontiac GTO. Known as the car that helped solidify the muscle car movement, the GTO is a treasure of American automotive history. Ours? It’s PHS-certified (Pontiac Historical Society), and we’re diving deep into its restoration, balancing respect for its origins with modern safety and performance updates.
A Look at the History
Our GTO originally rolled off the assembly line in a stunning Regimental Red with an Ivory top, a color combination that turned heads back in the day. With a binder full of original specs, news articles, and documentation, we have a treasure trove of history to guide this restoration. It’s always fascinating to learn about a car’s past as we plan for its future.
Restoration Challenges and Goals
As much as we’d love to preserve every detail of this classic, time has taken its toll. The original frame, while a marvel of 1960s engineering, no longer meets today’s safety standards. We’re currently fabricating a new frame to ensure the car can safely handle modern roads and driving conditions. Though we aim to keep the car as original as possible, certain updates—like the frame—are essential to blend safety, durability, and performance.
We’re also tackling some much-needed metalwork, ensuring every panel is as good as (or better than) new. While the majority of the original parts are being restored and reinstalled, some components will need to be replaced or upgraded. These small changes will ensure the GTO not only looks incredible but performs flawlessly.
The Color Conundrum
One of the biggest decisions we face is choosing the new paint color. The original Regimental Red is undeniably iconic, but we’re considering a refresh to give the GTO a unique look while honoring its classic roots. Options like deep metallic blues, rich blacks, or even modern takes on classic reds are all on the table. If you have suggestions or a vision for how this GTO should stand out, we’d love to hear them!
Preserving a Legacy
Our approach to restoring this GTO is rooted in respect for its legacy while ensuring it can thrive on today’s roads. With every weld, every part replacement, and every coat of paint, we’re working to create a car that captures the essence of the original but with the performance and safety standards expected of a modern vehicle.
Follow us on this journey as we continue to work on this 1967 Pontiac GTO. We’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and more about the challenges and triumphs of restoring this American classic. If you’re as passionate about muscle cars as we are, you won’t want to miss it!
What color would you like to see on this GTO? Let us know in the comments or stop by MotorAbility at 1710 Calaway Dr., Green Bay, WI. We’d love to chat about this project—or your own dream restoration.
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