2006 GTO

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2006 GTO

Like the 2004 and 2005 model years of the GTO, the 2006 model was once again a Holden Manaro imported from the GM subsidiary in Australia fitted with Pontiac and GTO emblems. While the 2006 GTO looked very much like the 2005 model, changes for 2006 included revised blacked-out tail lamps, illuminated steering wheel radio controls, faster moving power seat motors, and an interior power door lock switch. Along with the 2005 model year, the 2006 GTO was powered by the  LS2 engine that was rated at 400 hp. The standard transmission was a four-speed overdrive automatic, but a six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission was a more popular option.

In February of 2006 it was announced that GM would halt imports of the GTO in September, making 2006 the last model year for the new generation GTO. The GTO’s inability to meet new airbag deployment standards that were going into effect in 2007 was cited as the main reason for this, however, the new generation of GTOs was originally intended for only a three year run anyway.

2006 GTO Production Numbers:

8,764 with the optional manual six-speed

5,184 with the automatic transmission

Total Production: 13,948

2006 GTO

2006 GTO

2006 GTO - Rear

2006 GTO – Rear

 

Tiger Run – Pontiac GTO Northwest Regional Meet

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Tiger Run – Pontiac GTO Northwest Regional Meet – Bend, Oregon June 7th – 9th, 2013

One of the largest annual GTO meets on the West Coast, this year’s Tiger Run, hosted by the Goat Herd GTO Club of Oregon, will be held in Bend, Oregon June 7th – 9th. This is an event open to all Pontiacs of all years and all descriptions. Even if your Pontiac is ‘under construction’ or ‘not finished’, you are still welcome to register and participate in the events. You must be registered to have your particular vehicle in the car show and/or for the awards banquet dinner. This event is highly recommended for all GTO enthusiasts and several Northern California GTO Club members attend this event annually.

The host hotel for Tiger Run is the BEND RIVERHOUSE, located at the north end of Bend, just as you begin to enter the city. There are plenty of rooms available, and reservations can be made by calling toll free, 866-453-4480. This is a resort hotel, so all the amenities of a resort are available, such as a pool and hot tubs as well as great dining, and access to shopping all around the hotel. A variety of other restaurants are also within walking distance.

Click below for the Tiger Run Registration Form and the Tiger Run T-Shirt order form.

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Nor Cal GTO Club at Thunder Valley

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Here are pictures of some Nor Cal GTO Club members’ cars on display at the Thunder Valley Car Show on May 31st, 2013. Enjoy!

1956 GTO

Rick heading to the Thunder Valley Car Show in his 1965 GTO

Some Nor Cal GTO Club Members' GTOs at Thunder Valley

Some Nor Cal GTO Club Members’ GTOs at Thunder Valley

 

A Row of GTOs at the Thunder Valley Car Show

A Row of GTOs at the Thunder Valley Car Show

A Row of GTOs at the Thunder Valley Car Show

A Row of GTOs at the Thunder Valley Car Show

1965 GTO

Rick driving through the Thunder Valley Car Show in his 1965 GTO

1969 GTO

Terry’s 1969 GTO at the Thunder Valley Car Show

1967 GTO

Phil and Sandy’s 1967 GTO at the Thunder Valley Car Show

 

 

 

2005 GTO

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2005 GTO

Like the 2004 GTO, the 2005 model was once again a Holden Monaro CV8 imported from the GM subsidiary in Australia and fitted with Pontiac and GTO emblems for the U.S. For the 2005 model year, GM had the necessary time to design and implement a hood with scoops and split dual exhaust tailpipes that would exit both sides of a GTO labeled rear valance. This of course gave the new GTO some cosmetic reminders of the classics that the 2004 model didn’t have. Late in the 2005 model year, 18 inch wheels became an available option. An optional dealer installed Sport Appearance Package became available and differed visually by having a different lower rear fascia that sported quad chrome exhaust tips, louder aggressive sounding mufflers, a modified spoiler, a modified front lower fascia extension, recessed grilles, and modified rocker panels. Customers had the option to order the 2005 GTO without hoodscoops, although only 24 were produced this way. Another change for 2005 was the replacement of the LS1 engine with the LS2 engine, which was rated at 400 hp. The standard transmission was a four-speed overdrive automatic, but a six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission was a popular option.

2005 GTO Production Numbers:

6,809 with the optional manual six-speed transmission

4,260  with the Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission

Total Production: 11,069

2005 GTO

2005 GTO

2005 GTO with the recessed grilles

2005 GTO with the recessed grilles

 

2005 GTO

2005 GTO

2004 GTO

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2004 GTO

After a 30-year hiatus, the Pontiac GTO returned in 2004. Built in Australia by GM subsidiary Holden, the 2004 GTO is based on the Monaro CV8. Holden rebadged the Monaro CV8s with all new “GTO 5.7 Litre” emblems at their Elizabeth plant as 2004 GTOs for export into the United States. Adding a split front grille with a Pontiac crest in the middle and a “GTO” nameplate on the driver’s side grille gave the 2004 GTO a relation to the GTOs of the ‘60s and ‘70s. The 2004 GTO was offered in only one body style. Unique to the 2004 GTO, the hood has no hoodscoop design and the dual exhaust tailpipes exit together on the driver’s side rear of the car.

The 2004 GTO is powered by an LS1 5.7 Litre aluminum block V8 (the same engine as in the Corvettes of the time) rated at 340 hp. The transmission choices were a six-speed manual (the same transmission as in the Corvette ZO6 of the time) or an electronically controlled Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic.

2004 GTO Production Numbers:

8,466 with the manual six-speed transmission

7,262 with the Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission

Total Production: 15,728

2004 GTO

2004 GTO

2004 GTO - Rear (Photo courtesy seriouswheels.com)

2004 GTO – Rear (Photo courtesy seriouswheels.com)

 

1974 GTO

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1974 GTO

For the 1974 model year, the GTO was moved from the LeMans family to the smaller Pontiac Ventura (cousin of the Chevy Nova) platform to make the GTO an economical alternative after the fuel crisis of 1973 and the shaky economy of the time. For the first and only time during its run, the GTO was no longer Pontiac’s top performance car taking the backseat to the Pontiac Trans Am. Available in a coupe or hatchback model, the 1974 GTO was identified by the shaker hoodscoop it borrowed from the Trans Am and unique to 1974 Red, White, and Blue “GTO” decals affixed to the fenders, nose, and tail. The GTO identification on the nose was on the passenger side and the identification on the tail was on the driver’s side, opposite of where the front and rear identification appeared on all the previous model years of the GTO. Unique to the 1974 GTO hatchback model was a tent option. Yes, you read that correctly, Pontiac made the most of the hatchback utility feature by offering an optional strap-on tent. An optional four-speed transmission and Rally II wheels were nice reminders of previous GTOs.

The 1974 GTO’s one and only engine was a four-barrel carbureted 350 rated at 200 hp.

In the summer of 1974, Pontiac made the decision to end the GTO’s run. It was a nice 11 model years!

1974 GTO Production Numbers:

5,335 Coupes

1,723 Hatchbacks

Total Production: 7,058

1974 GTO Coupe

1974 GTO Coupe

1974 GTO Hatchback with Tent Option

1974 GTO Hatchback with Tent Option

1974 GTO Hatchback with Tent Option - Rear

1974 GTO Hatchback with Tent Option – Rear

 

 

1973 GTO

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1973 GTO

The new body style that was originally intended for the 1972 LeMans and GTO ended up being introduced for the 1973 model year. The GTO was a $368 option on the new LeMans Sport Coupe and Coupe models. GTO equipment included a unique hood with NACA-type hoodscoops, a blacked out grille, heavy duty suspension, chrome dual exhaust tips, and GTO identification decals and badges.

The standard engine for the 1973 GTO was a four-barrel carbureted 400 rated at 230 hp. A four barrel carbureted 455 was an optional engine that was rated at 250 hp and only available with an automatic transmission. GTOs with the 400 came standard with a Hurst shifted three speed transmission while a four speed or an automatic were options.

1973 GTO Production Numbers:

4,312 Sport Coupes

494 Coupes

Total Production: 4,806

1973 GTO Sport Coupe

1973 GTO Sport Coupe

1973 GTO Sport Coupe - Rear Shot

1973 GTO Sport Coupe – Rear Shot

 

1973 GTO Sport Coupe in Black with Honeycomb Wheels

1973 GTO Sport Coupe in Black with Honeycomb Wheels