After being its own separate model in the Pontiac lineup since 1966, it was a sign of the times back in ’72 when the GTO returned to an option package on the LeMans. By this period, the muscle car market was dwindling, with many consumers shifting their focus to practical and economical transportation. Fortunately, for those still seeking something more, the GTO remained a capable performer, especially when equipped with the optional 455 under the hood, such as this 1972 Pontiac GTO here on Craigslist. This one’s a project that’s been off the road for a dozen years, and while some work will be needed, the goat seems pretty solid overall. It’s currently sitting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with the owner aiming for $15,500. Mitchell G., thanks a lot for sending in the tip here!
The seller tells us he’s owned this GTO for the past 33 years, stating that the car had no problems when he last drove it 12 years ago. There’s no information on why it hasn’t been started since, but he does mention that the engine got a complete rebuild before, with approximately 7,000 miles of use since the overhaul. It’s unknown if it will fire up without any attention first, but the owner is hesitant to try due to the age of the gas in the tank. There’s also no confirmation that the 455 is original to the car, and no details are provided about the 4-speed manual transmission, either.
To have been out of commission for such a long period, the storage conditions must have been favorable, as the body appears straight and solid from what I can tell. The owner states that the Pontiac was painted in 1991, and if I did the math correctly, that was one year before his acquisition. It’s not specified if any sheet metal or other exterior repairs were made before the respray, but unless there’s an excessive amount of filler present, this one may be OK for a while as-is on the outside.
If you’re a fan of aftermarket interior products, this one’s got you well covered. Those seats would look more at home in a Bradley GT if you ask me, but to each his own, and at least there’s a fire extinguisher between the buckets in case of emergency. However, the worst news inside by far is that mice have entered, so it’s probably going to need to be gutted anyway. Even with some negatives, this one seems desirable overall, and perhaps at a decent point to take over sans rodent damage. If it doesn’t sell before then, the seller says he will be taking the goat to the Jefferson Auto Swap Meet & Car Show in Wisconsin later this month, which would be a good opportunity to see it up close. Is this 1972 Pontiac GTO one you’d be interested in getting back on the road?
