Of course the GTO is powered by its original 389 WS Tri-Power engine that boasts a 10.75:1 compression ratio, the correct 068 cam with 288/302 degrees duration and 093 stock cylinder heads featuring 1.92/1.60 valves and 1.5:1 ratio rockers. The distributor and coil are the correct date coded stock applications that are free of hesitation and lag. The GTO exhales through a stock replacement exhaust from Gardner and bucks out 360 hp via the numbers-matching original Hurst-shifted Muncie four-speed transmission. The 3.55 Safe-T-Track in the correctly coded YH differential housing makes the Goat a formidable performer that more than holds its own on any track or street anywhere. John's GTO is true testimony of the fusion between classical European styling and pure American muscle. Outstanding design, sophisticated appearance, and Neanderthal power make this GTO timeless but the appearance was altered slightly.
We were fortunate enough to enjoy a ride with the top down on the winding mountainous asphalt of northwest Jersey and when you dump it into second on a straight away, you get pulled right back to yesteryear without missing a beat. The sure-footed Goat's reputation for balance and stability held true even with the original spiral shocks, Rally Is, and redlines taming all the terrain it came in contact with in mid-'60s technology fashion.
Despite its factory original appearance, there are a few deviations from "as-delivered." Assembled in the Kansas City, Missouri, plant, this GTO interestingly enough came with a white convertible top. During the 1990 restoration, the previous owner opted for the black and we certainly have no complaints. The Deluxe wheel discs have also given way to Rally I wheels and the walnut shift knob is not on the original options list. But all are correct for the year so no points are deducted at the shows. And its correctness is what John enjoys most. He spent over $600 sending the steering wheel out to get completely refurbished and well, you decide how it looks.
These days, the great mountain Goat is enjoyed sparingly at best. The GTO was never raced while it was in John's possession and while basking in the twilight of retirement, this quality piece of Pontiac history enjoys limited action in occasional weekend use and the elite show circuit. Cartier enjoys keeping in regular contact with the Goat's previous owner (now 74 years young) in Oregon. Every now and then a "surprise" comes to John's mailbox. Last time it was a set of negatives detailing some of the goat's Rocky Mountain roots. John quips, "I would've paid 35,000 bucks for the car, it's so beautiful. It was really hard for the old guy to part with it, but I'm glad he did". We can see why.