Photo: Detroit Speed
When the ICE era comes to a forceful close, and we're all forced at the end of a proverbial rifle to drive battery EVs, we'll probably look at the year 1969 as the finest year for internal combustion engines in its 150-year history. But even the greatest sports cars from this model year always have room for improvements on the aftermarket. In the case of this restomod 1969 Pontiac GTO, there's room for several improvements and then some. Let's take a look at the details.
The second-generation Pontiac GTO was a world-class American sports coupe, one with the benefit of one of two fire-breathing, Pontiac-exclusive V8 engines at 400 and 455 cubic inches, respectively. The larger of those two motors jetted out a (probably underrated) 360 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque from the factory. For some context, the Lamborghini Miura P400 of the same model year only made 345 horsepower to the wheels. The hood-mounted tachometer alone was cool enough to make petrolhead hearts melt.
But even by those lofty standards, the 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8 under the hood is something of a spiritual successor to the old Pontiac 455. I.e., the loudest, most powerful, and most desirable General Motors V8 it's possible to buy. At least, until the crate-version of the upcoming C8 ZR1 engine eventually hits shelves. The engine swap and the rest of the restomod build was done by Detroit Speed in Mooresville, North Carolina, and you better believe the fun doesn't stop with a shiny, new engine. With aftermarket forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods, and crankshaft with titanium intake valves, you can rev the snot out of this engine all day long, day after day, without issue.
All this power is fed to a Bowler T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission that leads to a 3.82-ratioed GearFX Ford-style, nine-inch rear end. It may not be brand specific, but we can't imagine the kind of comment flames being spit if anything other than a Ford nine-inch at the back end of this car. The frame underneath this car also didn't come OEM from the factory; it's a Detroit Speed-proprietary box frame running an in-house developed X-gen 595 suspension unit on JRi adjustable coilover shocks. Braking is handled by Baer R-Spec 15-inch rotors and six-piston Baer XTR calipers at all four corners.
Add on a custom brown-on-white interior designed and installed by Avante-Garde design trimmed in plush leather, polished wood, and shiny metal dials, and this is the kind of restomod that only a well-to-do, well-of person of great circumstance could be able to afford. That's why it makes all the sense in the world that this '69 GTO is headed to the Garage of the world-famous actor and comedian Kevin Hart. Just, please, for the love of all that's holy, please don't crash it.
But even by those lofty standards, the 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8 under the hood is something of a spiritual successor to the old Pontiac 455. I.e., the loudest, most powerful, and most desirable General Motors V8 it's possible to buy. At least, until the crate-version of the upcoming C8 ZR1 engine eventually hits shelves. The engine swap and the rest of the restomod build was done by Detroit Speed in Mooresville, North Carolina, and you better believe the fun doesn't stop with a shiny, new engine. With aftermarket forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods, and crankshaft with titanium intake valves, you can rev the snot out of this engine all day long, day after day, without issue.
All this power is fed to a Bowler T-56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission that leads to a 3.82-ratioed GearFX Ford-style, nine-inch rear end. It may not be brand specific, but we can't imagine the kind of comment flames being spit if anything other than a Ford nine-inch at the back end of this car. The frame underneath this car also didn't come OEM from the factory; it's a Detroit Speed-proprietary box frame running an in-house developed X-gen 595 suspension unit on JRi adjustable coilover shocks. Braking is handled by Baer R-Spec 15-inch rotors and six-piston Baer XTR calipers at all four corners.
Add on a custom brown-on-white interior designed and installed by Avante-Garde design trimmed in plush leather, polished wood, and shiny metal dials, and this is the kind of restomod that only a well-to-do, well-of person of great circumstance could be able to afford. That's why it makes all the sense in the world that this '69 GTO is headed to the Garage of the world-famous actor and comedian Kevin Hart. Just, please, for the love of all that's holy, please don't crash it.
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