GTO Acceptance
 

The question I have for everyone is: Why is the 74 GTO not really accepted as a GTO? It is Pontiac powered, it is built on a shared chassis just like the 64-73 GTO is. Just wondering what it will take to change people's perception of the car.

Who said it wasn't?

Some Chebby folks.

I think they are cool. The '73 as well...

The 73-74s were the red headed step children until the 04-06 cars came along, I guess the late model GTO owners took some of the wrath off of the 73-74 owners. Now the 04-06 owners have GTOs "that aren't real GTOs". Also the famous saying" after 1981 Pontiac was non existent. It's obvious that C Cass doesn't believe this hogwash as he has made a sizable commitment to the post 81 cars as far as supplying parts for upkeep and future restorations. Many examples of the Rodney Dangerfield of cars and parts in the Pontiac hobby.

It's same as always in this hobby, someone has to exclude a certain group so they feel superior. Cylinder heads are the same way, instead of feeling grateful that the aftermarket stepped up and provided so many choices, all they do is crap on one brand or another, blocks same thing. If you don't like a product or a vendor you vote by not buying their product. It's not necessary to drag their name or someones choice of car through the proverbial internet mud.

As my departed Father used to say:

"If Saint Peter opened the gates to heaven for someone, they'd argue that he didn't do it right."

"United we stand, divided we fall."

I liked the the 74 GTO. I think it has a weak perception of being a GTO because it was the first year they donwsizd the motor to a 350.

I think its a really good looking car. In fact there are two very nice ones where I live. Its always nice to see them. You dont see many of them.

In fact, at the 2004 GTOAA Nationals, there were a ton of them.

Usually I get "Oh a nova" when I tell someone I have a 74 GTO. I agree that Pontiac should have continued installing 400's in the 74.

I like the 74. Especially the front end and shaker scoop.

You mean they tell you that you have a Nova after you tell them you have a GTO? maybe they need a hearing aid.

It's like they discount the GTO.

Well, don't count me as one to dislike the 74 GTO. I've defended them vehemently on this board and other sites, especially when an elitist says "they're not a real GTO". They are every bit a GTO. Just because they had a 350 under the hood doesn't exclude them from the GTO legacy.

And they weren't the slowest GTO's made, not by a longshot, but they WERE one of the best handling GTO's ever made.

If someone says, "Oh...it's a Nova", just ask them what they drive. Odds are they have nothing, but they know someone with a 64-72 GTO, which they consider to be a "real" GTO.

If that's the case, tell them they have a nice Chevelle. http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/happy0009.gif

I believe
 

It was a power to weight ratio thing. Not to mention gas supplies were pretty crazy at the time.

I remember the 73 oil embargo, that was just after I bought a new GP that got around 7 MPG around town.

As a previous 70Nova owner, I'd be proud to have a 70-74 Ventura, especially the GTO version.
Or clone of this 73.. anyone know what classic movie this is from?

http://www.imcdb.org/i018012.jpg

But this would do too!


http://www.allmusclecars.com/pontiac/74gtopf.jpg

MOVIE
 

The movie is-was...The 7UPS.....with Roy Sheinder as a cop.
That Pontiac had the same sound as Steve McQueens mustang as in Bullit.

I like the '74 GTO. I fact I been trying to purchase one just like the red one pictured here. Two blocks from my work I make it a point to road test down this dead end road just to talk to the original owner about it. Garaged 350/4spd with 45k. Won't start for him in about 5 years. I think the timing chain went south.

I like the looks of the 74 also. Can you imagine what it would have been like had Pontiac stuffed the SD455 into it!

News to me. I've owned GTO's since 1969, and first started restoring them in 1979 and I've never heard anyone refer to them as a 'stepchild'. They may have 'looked' like the Nova in '74, but I still like them.

I have heard people say that a '1974 was not a GTO because it wasn't on a A-body platform and it had a 350 engine.

i like them..but i never took into consideration of acceptance to anything thru a car...

Its your car..build it because you love it...