Minneapolis Street Sighting: Pontiac GTO

As an enthusiast, I can't help but love muscle cars; there's some debate about what really was the first muscle car, but its hard to argue that the introduction of Pontiac's GTO ended up playing a major role in this genre of Americana. By model year 1964, Pontiac would decide to shove bigger and beefier engines into the LeMans and Tempest two-door post coupes (or would those be sedans), and convertibles; the idea behind this move is to create quick cars that are mildly affordable, and cars that also have massive aftermarket appeal.

This particular car is a second generation model, and this one is an example of the first year this bodystyle was made; 1968. How do I know?  Logo turn signals/side markers, the vent windows, and hideaway headlights. And this example also has the chrome bumper, which I don't quite like. I do admit that this one looks tons better than the 1971-1972 cars, and that's ironic, coming from someone who likes the 1971-1972 Chevelles and Cutlass' a whole lot more than their 1968 counterparts.

While I am a huge fan of classic Pontiacs, I do feel that the GTO is a tad overhyped, as it (along with the Firebird and Trans Am) is the cliche "sweet" Pontiac. 

This GTO is what I would call a good "nice-weather  driver"; it isn't perfect and it doesn't intend to be so. The paint is clean, and the trim is fairly clean as well. However, the paint intself is a bit faded, and the red hue doesn't quite make the car; it seems rather drab--and totally un-muscle-car-like. I know I am nit-picking here, but I am not quite sure I like the idea of a chrome rear bumper with the plastic "Endura" nose; yes, I realize its factory, but it just looks a bit silly.

The main thing that really bothers me about this otherwise-nice example is the damned wheels. I used to adore everything from Colorado Customs and their ilk, but looking back on it, those wheels--for the most part-- are tacky and have horrible patterns--and these are no exception. While I do admit that I rather hate these wheels, there are certainly worse choices--like say Bonspeed wheels or about ninety percent of Lexani's entire product range--so yeah, the wheel choice could be worse.

Overall, I am glad I did shoot this; I think 1968 is my favorite year for the GTO, along with a variety of other Pontiacs, and I have never spotted another one on the street. Hopefully, this summer will change that, but for now this is the best I've got.