Pontiac may be long gone, but its greatest hits still hold their ground—and in many cases, their value. Whether it was a GTO lighting up the street, a Trans Am dominating the screen, or a Super Duty Catalina setting dragstrip records, Pontiac knew how to build cars that left a mark.
This article rounds up 10 classic Pontiac models that are absolutely worth the money today. From high-horsepower sleepers to low-production rarities, these cars offer a mix of performance, style, and history that makes them hard to ignore—and even harder to find in good condition.
1964 Pontiac GTO – The Original Muscle Machine
The 1964 GTO didn’t just launch a car—it kicked off an entire movement. Based on the Tempest platform, it came with a 389 cubic inch V8 making up to 348 hp when paired with the Tri-Power carb setup. You could get it with a 4-speed and a limited-slip rear, making it a serious performer right out of the gate.
Only about 32,450 GTOs were sold in that first year, but it set the standard for muscle cars to come. Inside, it was basic but driver-focused, with bucket seats and a sporty dash. It was the right car at the right time—and it still holds its value today.
1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 – Raw and Refined
The 1969 Firebird 400 blended muscle and style in a way few pony cars managed. Under the hood, the 400 cubic inch V8 delivered 330 hp, and the Ram Air variants bumped performance even further. You could get it with a 4-speed manual, Rally II wheels, and factory hood tach.
Pontiac sold over 87,000 Firebirds in 1969, with only a fraction being 400-equipped models. The car’s long hood, short deck proportions were sharp, and the cabin had real presence with its dual-pod gauges and deep bucket seats. These are still undervalued compared to Camaros of the same era.
1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 – Built for Torque
The 1973 Trans Am with the Super Duty 455 is one of the most serious muscle cars of the era. Rated at 290 hp, the SD-455 was heavily underrated and built like a race motor—reinforced block, forged internals, and round-port heads. It pulled hard through the midrange and didn’t quit early.
Only 252 SD-455 Trans Ams were built in ’73, which makes them rare and highly collectible. The shaker hood, honeycomb wheels, and color-matched accents gave it a unique look. Inside, you got real performance seats and a machine that felt ready for the strip—or the street.
1957 Pontiac Bonneville – Fuel Injection in the ’50s
In 1957, Pontiac dropped the Bonneville hardtop convertible with a fuel-injected 347 V8 making 310 hp—a serious number for the time. It was only available in one color combo: Kenya Ivory over Bonneville Red, and every single one was fully loaded with power features and luxury touches.
Only 630 units were made, making it a true limited production classic. The Bonneville’s wide grille, long tailfins, and distinctive trim stood out, but it was the mechanical fuel injection system that made headlines. It was rare tech in a full-size car—and it gave Pontiac serious credibility.
1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Convertible – Understated Muscle
The 1967 Grand Prix convertible doesn’t get as much attention as the GTO or Trans Am, but it deserves a look. Standard power came from a 400 cubic inch V8 making 350 hp, with a 428 optional for even more grunt. This was big-car performance done right.
Only 5,856 Grand Prix convertibles were built in ’67. With its hidden headlights, long hood, and upscale interior, it had real street presence. You got comfort, size, and speed without drawing too much attention. It’s one of those overlooked classics that’s starting to gain serious interest.
1977 Pontiac Can Am – One-Year Wonder
The 1977 Pontiac Can Am was a short-lived muscle car revival built off the LeMans platform. It featured a 6.6-liter 400 or a 455 V8, a shaker hood scoop, and special Can Am graphics and spoilers. It looked like a Trans Am in a family sedan’s body.
Pontiac planned to build 5,000 units but ended production early due to supplier issues. Only around 1,377 were made, making it one of the rarest Pontiacs of the era. It’s a sleeper in every sense, and its rarity combined with V8 power makes it a solid investment for collectors.
1989 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am – GNX Power in a Pontiac
In 1989, Pontiac borrowed the Buick GNX’s 3.8-liter turbocharged V6 for the 20th Anniversary Turbo Trans Am. Rated at 250 hp, real-world tests showed much higher performance—0–60 in under 5 seconds and a 13-second quarter mile.
Only 1,555 were produced, all with WS6 suspension, leather Recaro seats, and Indy 500 pace car badges. It may not have had the V8 rumble, but it could outrun many of them. Quiet, fast, and now highly collectible, the Turbo T/A was one of the smartest moves Pontiac made before the 1990s hit.
1965 Pontiac 2+2 – The Full-Size GTO
The 1965 Pontiac 2+2 was often called the “GTO of the full-size lineup.” With a 421 cubic inch V8 making up to 376 hp, it was more muscle than most mid-size cars could handle. It came standard with heavy-duty suspension and a dual exhaust setup.
Only 11,519 hardtops and 1,807 convertibles were sold that year. The interior featured bucket seats, woodgrain trim, and full gauges. It was a big cruiser with real bite, and it’s still one of the best-kept secrets in Pontiac performance history. Value-wise, it hasn’t hit the ceiling yet.
2006 Pontiac GTO – The Aussie Muscle Import
Pontiac brought the GTO name back in 2004 using the Holden Monaro from Australia. By 2006, the car came with a 6.0L LS2 V8 making 400 hp and paired with a T-56 6-speed manual. It was a clean, low-profile package with real muscle under the skin.
Only 13,948 were sold in 2006, and many buyers passed it over because it looked too much like a Grand Prix. That’s changed. The GTO’s performance, build quality, and drivetrain have aged well, and clean examples are climbing in value thanks to the LS platform and low production numbers.
1963 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty – Race-Ready from the Factory
The 1963 Catalina Super Duty was built for one thing: winning drag races. With an aluminum front end, radio delete, and a 421 cubic inch V8 producing up to 405 hp, it was a no-compromise factory hot rod.
Only 14 Super Duty Catalinas were built that year before NHRA rules changed. These cars came with 4-speeds, heavy-duty internals, and lightweight body panels. Today, they’re among the most valuable Pontiacs ever made—and for good reason. They were fast, rare, and completely focused on performance.
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