If you’re a fan of the Pontiac GTO, especially the original first-generation model built for the 1964 through 1967 model years, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this beauty. The red 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO is said to be the earliest known GTO in existence, being only the fourth vehicle to roll off the assembly line at the Pontiac, Michigan factory in September 1963 – its VIN is 824P8954. A Very Early Example Of The World’s First True Muscle Car Credit: Saratoga Motorcar Auction This GTO not only belongs to the world’s first true muscle car line, but it is also one of the first original 1964 Pontiac Tempest GTOs ever made – a double whammy! Obviously, these bragging rights make it a prized collectible, and that should be reflected in the price this car will fetch at the 2025 Saratoga Motorcar Auction (September 19–20, 2025). What’s more, this car is completely stock and appears to be in great condition inside and out. The listing notes that it has also been subject to a rotisserie restoration, which explains why it looks so good even though it has 62 years and 75,360 miles under its belt. This type of restoration is one of the most painstaking methods of rejuvenating a classic car, as the vehicle is completely disassembled and the body is removed from the frame and mounted on a specialized rotating stand (the rotisserie). This allows restorers to gain complete access to every surface for sandblasting, rust repair, bodywork, priming, and painting, resulting in a top-to-bottom, high-quality restoration. Credit: Saratoga Motorcar Auction The 1964 Pontiac GTO two-door hardtop has red paint with shiny chrome trim pieces that looks absolutely spotless. The paint matches the tire sidewalls and the factory fresh vinyl red interior that features standard front bucket seats and a Deluxe Steering Wheel. It Comes With The Original Window Sticker Credit: Saratoga Motorcar Auction The original window sticker included with the car provides a detailed look at the vehicle’s spec sheet. The available ‘Gran Turismo Omologato’ package for the 1964 Tempest (a $295.90 option) included the four-barrel carburetor 389 (6.4-liter) V8 engine, a Hurst floor shifter, a dual exhaust system, 14-inch black sidewall redline tires, and exterior identification (i.e. the GTO badges on the front grille, fenders, boot lid and dashboard). Credit: Saratoga Motorcar Auction This car also has the available all-synchro 4-speed manual transmission, which was a $188.30 option at the time (the standard gearbox was a three-speed manual). Other notable standalone options include a tachometer ($53.80), push-button radio ($62.41), console between the front seats ($48.15), Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential ($37.66), and the Handling and Ride package ($3.82), which brought stiffer springs, a larger front sway bar, and special wheels and tires for improved handling. Overall, this car cost $3,368.74 when new, which, accounting for inflation, would be around $35,666 in 2025. That’s not a bad deal at all – or a sign that the real inflation dwarfs the official one. Pop up the hood, and you’ll see a clean and shiny engine bay where the 389 (6.4-liter) V8 engine takes center stage. This was the base motor for the GTO trim, and it produced 325 hp at 4,800 rpm and 428 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm from the factory. That was a huge amount of power in 1963, and it gained the GTO the title of the first true muscle car. Credit: Saratoga Motorcar Auction The Saratoga Automobile Museum, which is auctioning off this GTO, does not list a starting bid. Mind you, the average transaction price for a 1964 GTO Hard Top is $63,288, according to Classic.com. However, low-mileage examples in great condition typically fetch more, and if they’re historically significant, like this very early GTO, they can exceed the $100,000 threshold.
