Few muscle cars have had the same sort of impact on American culture as the Pontiac GTO. First rolling off the line in the early ‘60s as an optional package for the Pontiac LeMans, the GTO is often credited with injecting the muscle car segment into the mainstream, kicking off the American muscle car golden age before the high fuel prices and emissions restrictions of the ‘70s sent it into a tailspin. No surprise then that these classics are still hugely desirable, and now, a team of automotive detailers are bringing this 1971 Pontiac GTO back to life in the following video.
As it turns out, this particular GTO that has been sitting in a barn for over a decade. The owner apparently stored the car after purchasing it several years ago, and his daughter arranged for the team to clean and revive it. After pulling back the covers, the team finds the car in surprisingly good condition, with a solid body and paint, though it does have some interior mold, a cracked dashboard, and worn-out tires.
The team begins by carefully pulling the car out of storage, checking the tires, and inspecting the overall condition. After getting it into the cleaning booth, the team thoroughly washes the exterior, removing oxidation and rust while using an array of specialized products to restore the shine hiding underneath. Inside, they extract dirt, mildew, and years of buildup, making the cabin look nearly new. They also uncover a 1996 Blockbuster rental card, showing just how long the car has been sitting unused.
After detailing the exterior and interior, the team dives into the engine bay, discovering that the 6.6L V8 engine is intact, but needs fresh fuel and some electrical work. With some help from experts at Power and Performance, they diagnose the problems and address a few basic items, and after several attempts, the GTO finally roars back to life, impressing the team with how smoothly it runs after years of dormancy.
In the end, the revived GTO needs a little more work, but seeing it free from years of grime is quite satisfying. Check out the full restoration video right here:
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