Restoration
Print this Email this diggDigg this! del.icio.us

When the Pontiac GTO was reintroduced a couple years ago, reactions were mixed, because the car didn't seem to come from the same end of the gene pool. That fact that the "new and improved" GTO was designed and manufactured by GM's Australian operation didn't help matters. All the more reason, then, to pair a '65 and '04 GTO, and see just how much DNA they actually share.

Drive '65
While it's obvious that these Pontiacs are separated by some 40 years of technology and distinctively different designs, it turns out they can have far more in common than just a Pontiac emblem. All it takes are a few aftermarket modifications.


Using new technology, Larry Weiner of Performance West improved on the vintage '65, bringing its performance up to date. And RKSport invigorated the '04 by reaching back to the past for some of that fire-breathing musclecar attitude.


GTO hobbyists who grew up in the Sixties no doubt recall the "Tiger" ad campaign. Even though some GM execs disdained the Pontiac tiger theme and thought it "undignified," this feline mascot is still the most recognizable icon of Pontiac's heritage. So when Weiner did an extensive restification on his '65 GTO, he spared no expense in sharpening its claws, both under the hood and throughout the chassis, as a fitting tribute to the Tiger.


But what about the modified '04 model with the matching paint? The builder of the car, RKSport, felt that it too needed to have some razor-sharp fangs. That meant bolting on a number of upgrades, such as a Magnuson supercharger, along with a racy RKSport body package to match the extra muscle.

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008

 
Related Photos More Photos...


lamborghini v12 engine
What made th...
lamborghini 400 gt 2+2
The 400GT 2+...


Vintage raci...


Related Articles
Resin Redo
The Coveted Camaro: 1967-1969
Rediscovering AMC Muscle Cars
Carroll Shelby's Racers
Restoring a Rare '32 Nash


autoMedia Car Blog
Ouch! Small Pickup Truck Crash Tests - Painful Results
As gas prices soared past $4/gallon nationwide, and full-sized pickup trunk sales plummeted by double-digit percentages, some corners of the auto indu ... more...

Official: 2010 Lotus Evora 2+2
Lotus’ first all-new model in 13 years was unveiled at the British International Motor Show this week, the Evora. (We’re partial to the “Project Eagle ... more...

Car Sales Reaching the Lowest Levels Since 1993
It can’t be ignored that on the same day J.D. Power and Associates spreads doom about light-vehicle sales being expected to drop to the lowest levels ... more...


Forum Highlights
Need help putting brakes on 1961 Ford Ranchero
 I can't remember how my passenger side rear emergency brake attaches to the rear shoe. I know it attaches to the top with a pin and a horsesho ... more...

Re: engine smoke
he is right. Piston ring migth have not been the same. are they genuine parts? or its timing belt was'nt did right.   ______________________ ... more...

Re: 2000 Ranger front brake pads and rotors
don't worry about the sound. Tha's a good sound, it means the pads are working well, soon it will be gone. New pads ussually does that. Because its st ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2008 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.