The 1964 Pontiac GTO is widely considered the vehicle that ignited the American muscle car craze of the 1960s. Rather than being a standalone model, the GTO was initially sold as an option package for the Pontiac Tempest. This was a key move: it marked the first time a major automaker offered a high-performance, big-engine upgrade to a mainstream car.
From Tempest to Titan
The base Tempest came equipped with a modest 3.2-liter four-cylinder engine. But opting for the GTO package meant getting a significantly more powerful 6.4-liter V8. The most potent version of this engine was tuned with three carburetors, delivering a respectable 348 horsepower. This was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, reinforced suspension, wider tires, and distinctive hood scoops.
Performance and Price
At $4,500 fully loaded, the GTO was an aggressive offering. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly equivalent to $35,000 today — a bargain for a car that could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. The GTO’s performance was so striking that automotive journalists of the time even pitted it against the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO in head-to-head tests.
The Pontiac GTO didn’t just sell cars; it defined a segment. By proving that accessible, high-performance vehicles could be mass-produced, it forced other automakers to follow suit. The GTO’s legacy continues to shape the modern muscle car landscape.
