Thread: authenticity

Tweet

Hi everyone, Have a 1964 Pontiac gto and was wondering if anyone knows how to check the vin numbers to see if it is an original gto from the maufacturer or if it was made into a gto with a kit. I was told that some of these cars were pre-slated by the manufacturer and the dealers did the switch-over from a lemans-tempest to a gto. We are new to this, but it is something my boyfriend has always wanted to do. I am trying to help him research this but have not had much luck myself. HELP!!!!!!!!!

Gto has a vin code for the GTO package I think, but the trim tag will deffinetly tell, because GTO is a lemans in fancy trim with a bigger motor.

You can't tell from the VIN. In 1964, the GTO was an option on the LeMans, not a separate marque. The GTO option was not identified on the VIN tag. However, take a look at the trim tag on the left hand side of the firewall, in the engine compartment. Look for an "N" under on the "ACC" (for accessories) line.

Take a look at this site:

http://www.gtoalley.com/sixfour.html

To identify a REAL '64 GTO, you can also contact Pontiac Historic Services (PHS).

http://www.phs-online.com/

It will cost you $35.00, but it's an absolute guarantee of accuracy - unless the VIN tag has been changed.

You can also get a reproduction of the window sticker for $28.00.

This is THE source for verifying all things Pontiac.

And the story about Pontiac having the dealers "option" the car for them is probably the work of scam artists looking to make a dishonest buck from folks who don't do their home work.

Some of that happened with "factory experimental" drag cars where games were played on the sanctioning organizations to qualify for various classes, but not for run of the mill cars. Also, such dealerships as Royal, with Pontiac, and Yenko with Chevs, created their own "specials" by taking production cars and adding performance and dress-up goodies. Kinda like what Saleen and Roush do with the Mustang today.

Originally posted by Henry Rifle
You can't tell from the VIN. In 1964, the GTO was an option on the LeMans, not a separate marque. The GTO option was not identified on the VIN tag. Take a look at this site:

http://www.tinindianperformance.com/...20decoding.htm

To identify a REAL '64 GTO, you need to contact Pontiac Historic Services (PHS).

http://www.phs-online.com/

It will cost you $35.00, but it's an absolute guarantee of accuracy - unless the VIN tag has been changed.

You can also get a reproduction of the window sticker for $28.00.

This is THE source for verifying all things Pontiac.

theres nothing on the body/ trim tag that says GTO? My aunts father has her 1964 GTO convert, that she bought new in '64, she gave it to him when she got married to my uncle. It's all original, white, 4spd, not shure but I think it is a 389. never been restored but always been garaged and has less than 30k on it, and is still showroom mint, he also has her brothers '67 Mustang fastback, 289, 4spd grabber blue, same condition as GTO, never restored ither. he died in Vietnam

Matt,

Good catch. You're correct. An "N" on the trim tag (left side of the firewall) under "ACC" indicates a GTO.

I modified my post above.

Here's a good site:

http://www.gtoalley.com/sixfour.html

The PHS site is a great one, though - for folks who want ALL of the documentation about a certain car. They provide the original build data.