Remember that Seinfeld episode when George bought himself a Chrysler LeBaron Convertible just because he thought it once belonged to actor Jon Voight? Turns out, the car’s previous owner used to be a man called John Voight, who was a periodontist. While the moral of that story is obvious, we can certainly understand why somebody might want to own a vehicle that once belonged to a major celebrity.
If such a vehicle is a simple LeBaron, then so be it. However, that level of appeal is amplified ten-fold if the car in question is a genuine superstar in its own right – which just happens to be the case with the 1969 Pontiac GTO.
The GTO nameplate needs no introduction among muscle car enthusiasts. Its origin story is tremendous, and since you probably like big names getting thrown around, know that one John DeLorean was part of the team responsible for the creation of the original Pontiac GTO, in the early 1960s. DeLorean would, of course, go on to establish an automotive company of his own, creating a car capable of sending teenagers back in time. Allegedly.
On a more serious note, let’s recall a few things about the second-generation Pontiac GTO, which was in production between 1968 and 1972. Compared to its predecessors, these newer models looked more streamlined, featuring a shorter wheelbase, headlights positioned horizontally (available as hidden), dual hood scoops, and more.
For the 1969 model year, the vent windows for the doors were eliminated, and some work was done on the grille and taillights.
In terms of performance, these were serious straight-line machines, and this Midnight Green one we found here just happens to be equipped with the 400 ci Ram Air III V8 engine, factory-rated at 366 horsepower. The unit comes with functional hood scoops, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, cast aluminum intake manifold, aluminum radiator, and a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic gearbox.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
Other general highlights include the body color front bumper, hidden quad headlights, driver-side mirror, recessed wipers, dual exhaust outlets, Rally II 15-inch wheels with 235/60 BFGoodrich Radial TA tires, power steering, power-assisted front discs, black vinyl front bucket seats, faux woodgrain trim, air conditioning, a three-spoke steering wheel and a dash-mounted lever that controls the Ram Air flapper door.
I know what you’re thinking – who on Earth did this car belong to? Which NFL star? Was it really a “big star” or just some NFL player earning the moniker ‘star’ even though he never had that great of a career. Well, rest assured that I for one wouldn’t throw such words around lightly.
According to the ad, the car belonged to none other than Larry Fitzgerald Jr, one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. The man was an 11-time Pro Bowler, a one-time First Team All Pro, led the NFL in receptions twice (2005 and 2016), and led the league in receiving touchdowns twice more, in 2008 and 2009. He also spent his entire career with only one team - the Arizona Cardinals.
Apart from all that, he apparently had really good taste in cars.
Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration. Full profile
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