1974 Pontiac G.T.O.

Some folks will never admit this was a Pontiac GTO. Was it a Goat? (Why, it can’t be a “Goat”…the reason we called them “Goats” was because “Goats will eat anything “ ) Then, was it a Pontiac Ventura ? Was it a Chevy Nova ? Was it a Buick  Apollo ? (Or…was it simply the “ Bastard By Product ” of all three?)  Nevertheless…whatever  column you decided to check off…it was the “Swansong” of one of the greatest GM Muscle Cars in automotive history…ten years after it was conceived on the drawing board.  (I suddenly feel “misty”..hold me..)

For 1974, its last year, the once proud GTO was reduced to an option on the compact Ventura, either as a hatchback or a coupe. Only one engine was offered, a 350 V8 with a low rated horsepower. This marked the first (and only) time the GTO came with any engine smaller than 389 cid, but at least it came standard with the classic "shaker hood" air scoop. Although it died a painful death, the GTO will always be remembered as the Great One that started it all.

With only 7,058 examples created ( of which 5,335 were Coupes , and the remaining 1,723 were Hatchback models ) they weren’t all that bad in comparison to some of the so-called “performance product” that slithered along the nation’s highways in the name of fuel economy. Sure, it’s 350 V8 only cranked out 200 bhp, but it’s 0-60 still was 7.7 (I’ve had worse ), and it’s ¼ mile time was 15.2 seconds at 88 mph.

But, for the most  part…it still was cool. ( My opinion only…like mileage…yours may vary. ) To be honest, whenever I see one of these twilight  year Pontiac GTO’s at a Cruise Night or Car Show…I check it out. It probably would help those who felt these cars should never have happened to keep in mind  what came later…that was far worse. A little “revival” of ANOTHER  popular Poncho name…which I feel should never have been hatched. The year was 1988…the car: Pontiac LeMans…all  2.0L , 96 hp, 4 cylinders of it. Yep. How’s this 1974 Pontiac GTO looking  to you now ? No further questions , your honor…the defense rests.

Of course, the Pontiac GTO DID get a second chance later on…in the form of an Australian GM body that came to the states…but, that’ll be a later “ AJ Car of the Day” installment. G'day mates ! (Now...where's that Shrimp on the Barbie ??)