If there was any car with a reliable claim for 'first muscle car', the GTO laid down its stake clearly and without hesitation. Kicking off in '64 as an options package for the Pontiac Tempest - which, by most regards, was a rather standard mid-sized platform - it elevated the car into a high-octane territory that enraptured the motoring public.

The irony is that the press didn't quite seem to 'get it' - the car felt dangerous to most magazines of the day, which is probably why it was kicking off so well with the public. This was a new age of motoring, something aggressive, sporty, and brash that put pedal to the metal - a force of nature. It's a bit of a shame, really, that Tempest was occupied.

The GTO offset what had been policy for some time. The standard had always been that the A Platform allowed a maximum engine displacement of 330 cu in (5.4-litre) - the GTO rolled out a 6.4-litre V8. That was plenty for a motorist in 1964, but then you had this - the Tri-Power, a 6.6-litre V8 powerplant with three two-barrel Rochester 2G carburettors. That made for an extra 20 horsepower. Put simply, this was a remarkable bit of pure grunt.

Nowadays, the Tri-Power is a bit of an all-American unicorn, especially this side of the Atlantic. But what a unicorn it is. This example arrived in the UK in 2012, and has been subject to a comprehensive (and very expensive) restoration. Only 1,500 miles have been covered since import, and it's really quite the remarkable-looking car - ready and waiting to be driven away.

Angular and relatively unassuming, the GTO isn't quite as brash as its performance might suggest. The subtle, sloping lines, loaded with straight, subtle and stylish brightwork, are loaded with sophistication, and only the gentle forward lean and hood scoop of the car's nose seem to hint at what lurks underneath the bonnet. 

This one is beautifully finished. Having done over 1,500 miles since it was restored, it's all spick and span with remarkably fresh paintwork and brightwork. The underside has some gentle signs of patina, but it's all very much surface level and freshly waxoyled. Factor in that fabulous metallic livery and you've got a true showstopper. 

The cabin is equally sharp and well-placed, with leather upholstery and wooden accented features - still carrying their original Pontiac dials and even a period-correct radio/stereo. Everything here has been restored, reupholstered and polished up, presenting the car's rather distinguished interior at its best.

We understand the cabin's fixtures and fitting to be working as it should, the carpets are well presented and the delicately stitched, textured seats are beautifully finished.

Popping open the bonnet reveals the car's arsenal in fine fettle. Rebuilt, beautifully finished and with period-and-factory-correct triple Rochester carbs, everything here is exactly as it should be, and has been freshly rebuilt. We understand that the car is in excellent health, with no issues to report.

The car is reportedly starting on a turn, offers a fabulous turn of speed, and sounds fantastic. Knowing the GTO's impressive mechanical make-up, we don't doubt it!

These cars are incredibly rare in the UK and often sell for upwards of $100,000 in the USA, so we expect this one to garner plenty of attention.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

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