[Baron Von Zeppelin]

That's a foul ball for sure.
This car was ordered with all performance oriented options.
Then no PS or PDB to boot.
It doesn't seem like it would be an AC order.

HD Radiator would include with AC.
AC was most expensive option and I don't think it would get missed.
They usually always had at least SoftRay WS or SoftRay All , with AC
But it was not Required.

Is it possible it was a 3spd , not 4spd
Surprising the amount for Bucket Seats.

I never PHS'd the one I have , and not schooled up on these.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Here is a link to a Mike Noun 74 GTO window sticker.
https://pontiacwindowstickers.com/pr...indow-sticker/

4spd was extra cost
PS and PDB were not standard

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

Link to an original 74 GTO W.sticker
https://cdn.dealeraccelerate.com/vol...74-pontiac-gto

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

PHS on a White , Red&White Interior , with side stripes.
The trim tags did bolt on , so a body swap could have less clues.
VIN tag doesn't have exposed rivets.

[John Milner]

The phs on mine lists the 4 speed option out. Agree that this one was probably a 3 speed new. Looks like a great project. A pretty rare find.

[Verdoro 68]

When I look at the PHS, then think about the seller mentioning it previously had an automatic in it, the mystery A/C system, and the fact that the trim tag is easily swappable, I'm starting to wonder if there may be more to the story of this car. There’s also no blue VIN decal on the drivers door. Maybe I’m being overly cautious, but it the warning lights are starting to blink for me.

I also noticed that the vin tag on the dash is rusty while the dash itself isn't. Is this a common thing? Are there other places you can find VIN numbers stamped on the body of these cars?

[Held for Ransom]

Originally Posted by Verdoro 68

Are there other places you can find VIN numbers stamped on the body of these cars?

https://www.stevesnovasite.com/threa...cation.131922/

Scroll down for the hidden VIN on a '73. California is not a good place to have a rebodied car.

[mgarblik]

Does the seller have any explanation for these inconsistencies or does he get all twitchy and defensive when you even ask a question? That would tell me allot about the honesty of the seller or possibly how good of a liar he is. It may be all legit but I understand your concerns. Not to disparage your possible purchase, but a 74 GTO doesn't seem like a car with enough value to go through all the work to re-body one. Seems like allot of work to put into that model GTO. However, it doesn't seem completely crazy that a 74 GTO could have been "created" from several Ventura parts cars and one GTO. May take some effort to sort out. I would think the seller could fill in some blanks if he has had it a long time.

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

A borescope could probably get under the dash and view the VIN rivets.
He should understand your concern of the AC contrast.

It is odd that he is having to "think about" accepting his full asking price.
Maybe you have already scared him or concerned him.

[71GP76TA]

If you are questioning the vehicles integrity... walk..

I saw the car advertised a couple weeks ago. Looks like a big project. The seller has to think about it after offer full price with cash in hand? I've had game player sellers do that to me a couple times. If the guy calls you back... I'd tell him to eat sh**.

I'd walk as the car and sellers integrity aren't up to par IMO.

[Verdoro 68]

I feel the seller has been straight with me. He’s a young guy who inherited the car from a family member (who has since passed) about 10 years ago. The family member apparently owned and restored several GTOs (which is also a flag). He has an emotional attachment to the car hence the hesitation on selling. We’ve been working through the clues together.

If there’s been a body swap, which is looking increasingly likely, obviously I’m out.

[b-man]

So the guy wasted your time.

Bail.

He’ll probably call you back and then you can offer maybe 75% of the asking price at that juncture if you’re still interested.

Honestly he probably did you a favor, that car is a money pit.

[brut4s]

Contact Steve Caldwell he's in our area and races a 9 second Venture Street/strip car. Maybe he can help find one. Not sure what his name is in here but he's on the Pontiac forums on Facebook

[Verdoro 68]

All good on my end. It’s been an education and a good reminder for someone like me who doesn’t buy a lot of cars to slow down and do the homework.

[Held for Ransom]

Listed an hour ago on Facebook Pontiac Parts for 6K in Vacaville, CA.

[Verdoro 68]

I pressed on the VIN issue this morning and he suddenly said he’s not ready to sell. You guys called it - a while later he texted me a few lower offers and reposted it on Marketplace. This has been an education.

[b-man]

So much for sentimental value.

Let this flake sell it to someone else who will put up with his games.

[carbking]

Condolences.

It would have made a great Father/Son auto shop project.

Something else will turn up.

Jon

[Baron Von Zeppelin]

The Silver 71 Formula for 11k on Clist seems like a fairly honest car.
Pay more & Get more.

I know my little brother is way better off with his 79 TA 444 #s car for $4000 , than he would have been with a free 74 GTO 4spd #s car.

[Verdoro 68]

Originally Posted by b-man

So much for sentimental value.

Let this flake sell it to someone else who will put up with his games.

Lol. I feel a little like a rube, but fortunately my logic overshadowed my emotions. Hard not to get wrapped up when considering a father/son project. There are plenty of other cars out there.