1964 Pontiac GTO 389/ 340 hp, 3-Speed, "Triple Black" Convertible

Pontiac's GTO (short for "Gran Turismo Omologato"), was introduced by GM in 1964 as a performance option for the Tempest in Convertible, Coupe and Hardtop form. Among standard equipment included was a 389 V8 which developed over 325 hp. In addition, the package included a 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust premium tires and a close ratio steering rack.

By far, the hottest version of the GTO included a tri-power carburetion setup. Three vacuum powered Rochester carburetors increased the power to a potent 348 horsepower. Unfortunately, in 1967 General Motors made a corporate ban on multi-carburetor engines. This put an end to the legendary tri-power GTO. Boo.

The gorgeous first-year GTO convertible in the included photo is quite possibly the rarest example known to exist. PHS documented, this "Triple Black" Concours award-winner was ordered from the factory with optional Tri-Power carburetion, air conditioning and a floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission. Its black interior incorporates bucket seats, Pontiac floor mats and a pushbutton AM radio, while the plain Jane exterior look is enhanced by blackwall tires on painted steel wheels with dog dish hubcaps. This particular "one of one" Triple Black" 1964 Pontiac GTO 389/ 340 hp V8 , 3-speed Convertible hammered down for $140 K at auction.

In total, over 32,000 Pontiac GTOs were sold in its first year. Largely helping sales was the low $300 price for the Tempest GTO. As we now know, the GTO rapidly became a major success, defining and motivating an upcoming market of muscle cars. ( A story complete with a happy ending...works for me.)