Pontiac is credited with inventing the first muscle car—the original GTO. It rocked the enthusiast world when it launched in 1964. However, the ultimate GTO came decades later, with the relaunch of the model in 2004.
The 2006 GTO recently listed on eBay represents a rare opportunity to own an example of this modern muscle car from its last year of production. It’s one of the last and most sophisticated Pontiac muscle cars ever made, with numerous performance upgrades and clean styling inside and out.
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Australian-American Performance
Bob Lutz - opens in new window or tab., the colorful exec who was chairman of General Motors at the time, is credited with the decision to bring back the GTO. Known as a die-hard car enthusiast, Lutz was inspired by positive reviews of the Holden Commodore SS - opens in new window or tab., built by GM’s Australian division and sold exclusively Down Under.
With a big V-8 engine up front and rear-wheel drive, the Commodore had the bones of a quintessential muscle car. When Car and Driver described the Commodore as one of the best GM vehicles available anywhere on the planet, Lutz and a team of American GM executives traveled to Australia to drive one for themselves.
They must have liked what they saw because they decided to bring the Holden coupe to the US, badged as a Pontiac GTO. Early models used a 350-horsepower LS1 V-8 - opens in new window or tab., but 2005 and 2006 models were upgraded to a 6.0-liter LS2 - opens in new window or tab., making 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
Factory Looks, Ferocious Power
Finished in its original Impulse Blue Metallic, the 2006 GTO you see here gleams like a new car. The listing photos show no evidence of body damage or corrosion. The two-tone blue and black interior shows well, with minimal wear visible on the deeply bolstered leather bucket seats. This muscle car shows just under 50,000 miles on the odometer. It’s likely to be one of the best examples of a final-year GTO that you’ll find.
This GTO is powered by a 6.0-liter LS2 V-8 engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission - opens in new window or tab.. Several modifications and a dyno tune make this a healthy runner. The seller claims 420 horsepower at the rear wheels. Upgrades include:
- Texas Speed BFD performance camshaft - opens in new window or tab.
Luxury amenities include air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, a 10-speaker Blaupunkt stereo - opens in new window or tab. with an in-dash six-CD changer, eight-way power seats, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The original owner’s manual and paperwork are included with the listing.
Collectible Performance at a Compelling Price
GM worked hard to connect the new GTO to the 1960s original, even tuning the modern car’s exhaust to sound like a 1964 GTO. But the Australian-born Pontiac ended up having only modest success in showrooms. A high sticker price, increased competition, and somewhat generic styling all kept the 21st-century GTO from being a smash hit.
In the end, dealers discounted their 2004 to 2006 GTOs just to get them off the lot. GM canceled the model after 2006. Since then, it’s become a collector item. Values are on the way up. That makes this a terrific opportunity to get the most evolved version of this modern muscle car for less than it cost new almost two decades ago.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.