The front fenders featured revised wheel openings and an “eyebrow” contour that extended into the door. The rear quarter panels also featured the “eyebrow” contour and incorporated a wraparound chrome bumper design that housed the tail lamps and eliminated the need for side marker lamps in the rear. Inside, the bucket seat interior was largely carried over from 1969, but it received a new wood-grained dash cluster and the introduction of the optional “Formula” steering wheel, a version of which was first seen in the 1969 Trans Am. The changes were subtle but were in keeping with the exterior updates. There were some significant changes under the hood as well. The base engine remained the 400/350 HP 4-barrel, while the optional 400/265 HP “economy” 2-barrel was dropped. Someone apparently figured out it didn’t really fit the GTO’s image. Moving up the ladder, the 400/366 HP Ram Air III and the under-rated 400/370 HP Ram Air IV V-8s were carried over virtually unchanged. The big news, however, was a new, larger engine joining the lineup. This spectacular Bermuda Blue 1970 GTO convertible is a rare and desirable example of the breed. It features a Parchment interior, top and boot, and it was built at the Fremont, California, assembly plant. It’s one of only 241 GTO convertibles produced for 1970 with the 455 CI V-8 and automatic transmission. This car is heavily optioned, featuring power steering and brakes, a rear sway bar, console and floor shifter with walnut knob, power windows, door locks and power driver seat, a power convertible top, an AM radio, wood steering wheel, sport mirrors with remote driver-side control, hood-mounted tachometer and Rally II wheels with trim rings mounting Firestone Wide Oval tires. As this car was built for California delivery, it also featured the original evaporative emissions equipment. Other features include front and rear spoilers and a fully functional Ram Air system with underdash control. This numbers-matching 1970 GTO convertible was treated to a complete body-off-frame restoration and is believed to have traveled just 51,000 miles from new. It also includes its original build sheet, a reproduction of the original window sticker and original owner’s manual. With its rarity, condition, “built-with” powertrain and a very attractive color combination, this 1970 GTO convertible would be a great addition to a well thought-out Pontiac, muscle car or convertible collection. The rare powertrain and body style combination, combined with a very competent restoration and gorgeous color combination make this one a winner.
