The Pontiac GTO is undoubtedly one of the most iconic American muscle cars ever made, matching classic, sinewy good lucks with impressive V8 performance. The end result is one hugely desirable slab of domestic iron. Now, we’re getting a look at a 1969 Pontiac GTO as it races down the 1320 side-by-side with a 1963 Studebaker Avanti.
Compared to the enormously popular Pontiac GTO, the Studebaker Avanti is relatively rare. Production was short-lived, lasting between June of 1962 and December of 1963, with less than 6,000 units produced during that time.
Nevertheless, the Studebaker Avanti was unquestionably quick for its time. In fact, the Avanti was the fastest production car in the world when it was first introduced, reaching a top speed of 178 mph thanks to its supercharged 289 cubic-inch V8 engine.
The example featured here is equipped with that very same engine, running the factory Paxton SN90 blower putting out about 6 psi of boost. Output is routed rearwards by way of a Borg Warner three-speed automatic transmission, which feeds 3.73 gears.
Not that its competition is any slouch, either. This particular 1969 Pontiac GTO is running a Ram Air III V8 engine producing 366 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque, all of which is harnesses by a four-speed manual transmission. It also looks fantastic thanks to its glorious red paint and dual exhaust treatment, not to mention the functional hood scoop.
Lucky for us, YouTuber Cars And Zebras caught these two beauties at an amateur drag racing event, where they went head-to-head for three runs down the quarter mile. The video includes walkaround for both the Studebaker Avanti and the Pontiac GTO, and provides plenty of interesting info and details as well.
The question, of course, is which will win? After all, these cars first rolled off the line more than 50 years ago, and there’s the question of driver skill as well.
Find out for yourself by hitting play on the video below:
Subscribe to GM Authority for more Pontiac GTO news, Pontiac news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
SPOILER ALERT! The Stude beat the pants off the GTO three times. I love it!
Studebaker was always underestimated I had 1954 commander years ago set Dstock track record in57 raceing Oldsmobile and chev beat them all
That was a fun video. I’m a huge GM fan. I just couldn’t help rooting for the Studebaker.
Impressive, I figured the Avanti would have 30-40 more hp and torque than claimed here but still nice. Weight makes a difference, I wonder what would happen if transmissions were the same in each car or vise versa what they are here?
The gto has 100 more cubic inches and still lost ! Those stude’s were strong horses
I’m driving a factory stock 1963 Avanti R2. Factory Paxton supercharger, Borg Warner T10 4-speed, TwinTrac posi, and 4:55 rear gears! It’s pretty zippy for a 58 year old stock Studebaker. Surprises most everyone.
I was 13 when I saw my first 1963 Avanti at a local chrysler dealer down the street from my house. Just so different than anything sold in those day. Maybe that’s why it didnt go over but I loved it.