Triple-Black 1964 Pontiac GTO Is a One-of-One Tri-Power Gem

Unveiled in 1963 for the 1964 model year, the original Pontiac GTO remained in dealerships until 1967, when the company rolled out a dramatically restyled version. While not as aggressive as its successor design-wise, the first-gen GTO stands out as a stylish sleeper. And the 1964 version is actually unique thanks to its more unassuming appearance and one-year-only horizontal quad-headlamp layout.

The first-year version is also the rarest iteration of the original GTO. Only 32,450 units rolled off the assembly line that model year, a small percentage of the 286,470 examples sold through 1967. The black drop-top you see here is one of those cars.

It may not seem all that special at first glance, but this GTO is not a run-of-the-mill midsize. For starters, the convertible layout makes it one of only 6,644 units built. Then there's the 3x2-barrel setup of the 389-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8, which graced only about 25% of these cars. That's less than 1,700 units made and even less if we also factor in the rare three-speed manual gearbox.

But all these numbers don't really matter because this GTO is, in fact, a one-of-one gem. That's because it's the only known example produced in this color combination and with these options. Painted Starlight black and fitted with a matching interior and retractable top, this Poncho is an authentic triple-black car.

As for the options list, it's loaded with goodies like bucket seats, air conditioning, push-button radio, a deluxe steering wheel, courtesy lamps, dual horns, and heavy-duty suspension. The beefed-up engine wasn't a standard feature either.

The 389-cubic-inch V8 was the only lump available in the GTO at the time, but Pontiac offered two flavors. The base unit featured a single four-barrel carburetor and delivered 325 horsepower and 428 pound-feet (580 Nm) of torque. This car features the optional version with three two-barrel Rochester carburetors. Marketed as the Tri-Power, the unit delivered 348 horses when new.

Treated to a comprehensive restoration, this Poncho is still highly original and has a few Concours awards to brag about. The drop-top was spotted at the Kissimmee 2024 auction, where it shared the stage with more than 40 first- and second-generation GTOs. And it left the event as the most expensive 1964-1967 GTO, changing hands for $176,000.

The drop-top is also a record holder as of this writing because it's the most expensive 1964 GTO ever auctioned. The overall record for first-gen GTOs is currently held by a 1967 convertible at $225,500. Hit the play button below to see this black beauty sitting pretty.