- 1 of 241 1970 GTO Convertibles w/455 HO and Automatic Trans
- 465ci V8 with 605hp and 595 lb.ft.Tq
- 4 Wheel Disc Brakes
- Reinforced Chassis
- Custom Leather interior
1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible
This 1970 Pontiac GTO Convertible is a spectacular and very rare example. It is one of only 241 1970 GTO Convertibles with the 455 HO engine and Automatic transmission. It has benefitted from a comprehensive, body off, rotisserie restoration and upgrade that was completed by Great Lakes Motor Works in 2004. Every component of this car was attended to for cosmetic appearance and functionality. The end result was a visually striking classic GTO with custom appointments that enhance its drivability and comfort. This is a “real deal” code 42 GTO, born with the 455 HO and Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Its quality has been acknowledged with numerous awards including the prestigious Concours Gold Award from the GTO Association of America.
This one off build includes a specially prepared 455 V8 with 605hp and 595 lb. ft of torque coupled to a 700R4 4 speed automatic transmission. The fully restored chassis received tubular frame stiffeners, modified suspension and power 4 wheel disc brakes. The power is put to the pavement through a 12 bolt positraction rear end a set of Mickey Thompson ET Street S/S tires on the rear.
The bespoke interior was designed by David Draper, president of Great Lakes Motor Works. He was an interior designer, on staff at GM in 1969-1970 working on these cars. For this build he describes his design as an upscale Euro treatment of a traditional trim pattern of the era. A special stereo system was designed for this car incorporating twin amplifiers and numerous speakers. The result is an immersive sound experience.
The body was stripped to bare metal and hand finished and fit with precision. The original color of code 75 Cardinal Red was selected and applied. The convertible top utilizes German Haartz cloth and a glass rear window. It presents beautifully and helps dampen road noise when deployed.
The specifications of the build are as follows:
Engine:
The beautifully presented engine bay features a Rock ‘N’ Roll Engineering King Street 455 adorned with chrome and polished aluminum. The period correct engine was prepared as follows:
455 factory block bored .030 for a total displacement of 465ci.
455 factory crank – both cleaned – deburred – magnafluxed and blurprinted
to RRE specs.
Forged 4340 rods with ARP rods bolts
JE/SRP pistons with light weight wrist pins.
Total Seal ductil iron top ring – gapless second ring – standard tension oil ring.
Clevite 77 bearings.
H.P. baffled oil pan.
R.A.4 oil pump – blueprinted.
Hardend oil pump drive shaft
True double roller timing chain.
RRE harmonic balancer
RRE flexplate
Fel-Pro gaskets.
Comp Cam hydraulic roller custom profile by Bruce Fulper – Top Secret.
Crane hyd roller lifters.
Rotating assembly balanced.
Edelbrock heads ported by Bruce Fulper – Comp Cams componentes.
Harland Sharp roller rocker arms.
Edelbrock RPM intake manifold – polished
Mighty Demon 850 carb
MSD distributor and wires.
Meziere electric water pump.
Peak hp 605 @ 5400 rpm
Peak torque 595 @ 4100 rpm
The ORIGINAL, NUMBERS MATCHING 455 engine and turbo-hydamatic has been retained and is included with the sale of this car.
Transmission:
Fully rebuilt and specially prepared 700R4, 4 speed Automatic Transmission.
Brakes:
4 wheel power assisted Baer disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors on the front.
Interior:
The bespoke interior was designed by David Draper, president of Great Lakes Motor Works. He was an interior designer, on staff at GM in 1969-1970 working on these cars. For this build he describes his design as an upscale Euro treatment of a traditional trim pattern of the era. This includes custom leather seat covering with enhanced bolsters for improved comfort and support. Full leather dashboard trim with leather covered steering wheel as well as leather custom door panels. The 4 primary seating surfaces are equipped with individual seat heaters. Custom Bentley carpet is installed throughout the interior floor surface. Leather convertible boot is hand made to fit perfectly.
Convertible Top:
Black German Haartz cloth canvas with a glass rear window.
Chassis/Suspension:
The stock, original GTO chassis was stripped and cleaned. Tubular reinforcements were welded to improve torsional stiffness. All bushings were replaced and upgraded. The chassis is finished in durable and attractive chassis black. The Differential mounts have been reinforced and adjustable suspension links installed for improved traction and ride quality. Front and rear suspension has been lowered 1.5″.
Audio:
Pioneer Premier Deh p940 mp cd tuner with JL Audio amps 300/4, JL Audio 250/1 250, 2 JL Audio 6w0 Subwoofers, Focal K2 component speakers.
This wonderful GTO has been part of a prestigious collection for past 2 decades and has been lovingly cared for. It is an exceptional example that is ready to show and enjoy. It comes with an exhaustive amount of documentation detailing its entire build in addition to PHS documentation verifying it is a real 455HO GTO.
