If You Bought This Pontiac GTO In 1964, This Is How Much It’s Worth Today
Only a few lucky drivers managed to sit behind the wheel of their own 1964 Pontiac GTO. This muscle car faced limited production that year. Many models were wrecked or driven into the ground on the track. However, I’m willing to bet some folks sold their beloved GTO models while they were still in solid condition, and that was a mistake. If you had this rare engine option, its value has increased by 1,400 to over 3,000 percent from its original price.
How Many 1964 Pontiac GTO Models Were Made?
The Pontiac GTO debuted as an optional performance package for the Pontiac Tempest LeMans. It didn’t become a standalone model until 1965, so production was not yet at full scale. Historians estimate that about 32,450 GTO models were built in 1964. It’s unclear how many still survive today, but there could be several thousand ranging in condition from rough projects hidden in barns to fully restored show models.
With the available $296 Pontiac GTO package, you could get a floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter or a two-speed automatic Super Turbine 300 transmission. You also got a true-dual style exhaust, and a seven-blade clutched engine fan. The setup was paired with chromed valve covers and an air cleaner. Also, it rode on stiffer springs and a larger front sway bar with a Safe-T-Trak limited-slip differential.
It enhanced the car’s looks with hood scoops, larger wheels and tires, and plenty of GTO badges. The interior featured bucket seats, more GTO badging, and a simulated engine-turned aluminum dash panel insert. It housed a 120 mph speedometer and gas gauge. Plus, the steering wheel and floor carpeting matched the interior color theme.
Drivers rode in style with a range of comfort and convenience features. This package came with factory AM radio, power windows, and air conditioning. You could also opt for a tilting steering wheel and a power-tilt driver’s seat. But while comfort and style are appealing, the most important feature for muscle car culture is power, and the one crucial engine upgrade worth seeking was the Tri-Power option.
The Best 1964 Pontiac GTO Is A Tri-Power Model
The standard 1964 Pontiac GTO features a 389 cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 engine with 325 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a single four-barrel carburetor, which helps the car fly from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 7.0 seconds and complete a quarter mile in about 15.0 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph.
But more power was available by selecting the Tri-Power upgrade. This paired the engine with three two-barrel Rochester carburetors to boost its output to 348 hp at 5,000 rpm and 428 lb-ft of torque. This improved its 0 to 60 time to about 5.8 seconds and helped it cover a quarter mile in around 14.1 seconds with a top speed of 125 miles per hour.
While a 0 to 60 time of seven seconds was already impressive for the era, achieving that in under six seconds was remarkable. The standard GTO had an original MSRP of $2,852, while opting for the Tri-Power model increased it by $115. But the rarest and most expensive configuration was the convertible body style with a starting MSRP of $2,796.
Out of the 32,450 GTO models built in 1964, only about 8,245, or 25%, received the Tri-Power upgrade. About 18,422 cars were hardtops, with 7,385 sport coupes, and only 6,644 convertibles. However, the number of Tri-Power convertible models that were built is unknown. Historians estimate that under 2,000 models may have existed.
Here’s How Much A 1964 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power Model Is Worth
To get to the point: The value of a 1964 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power model ranges from $26,000 to $45,000 if the car is in project condition or can serve as a daily driver. Then well-maintained or restored models fetch between $60,000 and $85,000. But usually, these models have the four-speed manual transmission.
1964 GTO models in pristine condition that are ready for museum exhibits and car shows sell for between $97,000 and over $139,000. Meanwhile, the standard 389 models typically sell from $28,000 to over $90,000, depending on quality and condition. So, opting for the $115 Tri-Power upgrade in 1964 could really pay off today.
While models with the four-speed manual transmission and Hurst shifter usually command a 15% increase in value, the convertible body style increases that premium even further. 1964 Pontiac GTO convertibles sell for between $80,000 and over $200,000. A manual Tri-Power convertible is the ultimate find. The highest selling price for one of the rarest models over the past three years was $330,000.
Buyers should, however, be cautious of cloned or misrepresented examples. Pontiac GTO models supported by official Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) documentation or original build sheets confirming their authenticity, rather than cloned Tempest LeMans models, command significantly stronger resale values. It’s also important to prove that they are factory-built Tri-Power models instead of cars that were upgraded to the Tri-Power setup later.
Source: Pontiac, Nor Cal GTO Club, Hagerty
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