Pontiac was all about attitude, style, and performance—and when it came to cool cars, they had it locked down. From muscle-bound street brawlers to sleek cruisers, Pontiac built cars that still make people stop and stare today. Here’s a look at 10 of the coolest classic Pontiacs to ever hit the pavement.

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge

The Judge wasn’t just a car—it was Pontiac’s loud and proud answer to the muscle car wars. Built to stand out, it came with wild decals, flamboyant Carousel Red paint, and a standard 400-cubic-inch Ram Air III V8 with 366 horsepower. For the real power junkies, the optional Ram Air IV pushed performance even higher. The Judge was brash, fast, and unapologetically cool—exactly what muscle cars were all about.

1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The ’77 Trans Am didn’t just ride the muscle car wave—it became a pop culture legend. With its black-and-gold paint, screaming eagle hood decal, and removable T-tops, it had serious attitude. The 6.6-liter V8 wasn’t the fastest, but it sounded mean and looked the part. Thanks to Smokey and the Bandit, this car became a symbol of 1970s swagger and remains one of the most recognizable muscle cars ever built.

1964 Pontiac GTO

The 1964 GTO wasn’t the first fast car, but it defined what a muscle car should be. Pontiac took a midsize Tempest, crammed in a 389-cubic-inch V8, and gave buyers the option of a Tri-Power carb setup and a 4-speed manual. It was affordable, quick, and perfect for street performance. The GTO sparked a revolution and turned Pontiac into a muscle car powerhouse almost overnight.

1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ

The Grand Prix SJ proved you could have brute power without sacrificing class. With a 428-cubic-inch V8 producing up to 390 horsepower, it packed serious punch under its long hood. The redesigned ’69 model featured a sleek, aggressive front end, hidden headlights, and a plush interior full of high-end touches. It was a luxury muscle car before that was even a thing—and it nailed the balance.

1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400

The Formula 400 was the Firebird’s sleeper muscle machine. While the Trans Am got all the attention, the Formula offered similar performance without the flashy looks. Its Ram Air 400 V8 delivered up to 345 horsepower, and the dual hood scoops meant business. It came with upgraded suspension and handling, making it a serious driver’s car. If you wanted power without the spotlight, this was the Firebird to own.

1967 Pontiac Catalina 2+2

The Catalina 2+2 was Pontiac’s big-body muscle machine—massive in size but quick on its feet. The 428 V8 gave it a strong kick, especially when paired with the optional 4-speed manual. It was Pontiac’s way of adding performance flair to a full-size cruiser. The 2+2 also featured bucket seats, sport trim, and aggressive styling cues. It was a boulevard bruiser with muscle car heart.

1957 Pontiac Star Chief

The Star Chief was Pontiac’s top-of-the-line offering in the ’50s, and it had presence for days. Long, low, and loaded with chrome, it featured stylish two-tone paint and jet-age tailfins. Under the hood, you could option Pontiac’s Strato-Streak V8 with fuel injection—a rare feature for the time. It brought luxury, performance, and flair together in a way that few other cars of the era could match.

1963 Pontiac Bonneville

In the early ’60s, the Bonneville was the car that showed you could have both power and poise. It was Pontiac’s flagship model, offering high-end style and serious performance. With the available 421 Super Duty V8 and Tri-Power carbs, it could easily keep pace with true muscle cars. The Bonneville’s smooth lines and upscale interior made it a favorite among drivers who wanted to go fast without shouting about it.

1965 Pontiac Tempest LeMans

Before the GTO stole the spotlight, the LeMans was already paving the way. The ’65 Tempest LeMans was clean and subtle, but you could order it with the same fire-breathing V8s as the GTO. It was lighter, agile, and offered a perfect platform for performance upgrades. Often overlooked, the LeMans proved that great style and performance didn’t have to come with flashy badging or wild graphics.

1958 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

The 1958 Bonneville Convertible was a showstopper from every angle. It combined sweeping body lines, chrome-laden trim, and prominent tailfins with serious V8 power—a 370-cubic-inch engine delivering up to 300 horsepower. This was more than a pretty cruiser; it was a high-performance convertible with a refined, luxurious feel. Drop the top and hit the highway, and you’d understand exactly why it’s still such a head-turner.ts most stylish. With sweeping lines, chrome everywhere, and tailfins that meant business, it was a rolling piece of art. The 370-cubic-inch V8 delivered solid performance, and inside, it was all luxury. Drop the top, hit the highway, and you’ll understand why this one’s still a showstopper.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been car-fully, I mean carefully, reviewed by our editors.