Continuing with its handsome long-hood, short-deck styling introduced for 1968 with only detail updates made for 1969, Pontiac’s midsize GTO defined the American muscle car concept with its strong high- end, high-performance identity and wide array of high-performance features and options. Only the body-color, Endura, urethane-covered front bumper was available for 1969, heightening the GTO’s premium stature in the Pontiac model lines. Pontiac held an enviable third-place sales ranking from 1962 through 1969, and the GTO played a significant role in that success, only slightly outsold for 1969 by its GM archrival, Chevrolet’s SS396 Chevelle. While a grand total of 72,287 GTOs were produced for 1969, not counting the GTO Judge, the convertible body style accounted for only about 10% of GTO production or 7,436 cars, according to figures cited by the GM Heritage Center. The bulk of 1969 GTO convertibles—6,800 of them—were factory- equipped with Pontiac’s potent 400/350 HP V-8 engine, including this eye-catching example, which is one of 4,385 equipped with the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Delivered new to Winkel Motors, Inc., in Reno, Nevada, this 1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible is finished in correct Code 52 Matador Red paint with a striking all-red interior treatment and a contrasting white convertible top. Ample power is delivered by a proper Pontiac 4-barrel 400 CI V-8 engine, professionally rebuilt by Watson Service and Repair of Dallas, Oregon, in June 2021; that engine is matched to a Turbo Hydra- Matic 400 automatic transmission rebuilt at Salem Transmission Service, Inc., of Salem, Oregon, in June 2021. In addition to power brakes with front discs and power steering, this stylish and powerful GTO convertible is very well equipped with desirable amenities including air conditioning, power windows, a power convertible top, front bucket seats, a center console, a pushbutton radio with a tape player and power antenna, and a remote driver’s side mirror. PMD Rally II wheels and BF Goodrich radial tires provide road contact. Documents include a window sticker and owner’s manual.
