When the 1968 Pontiac GTO was released, I was a young high schooler waiting impatiently for my sixteenth birthday to arrive in early 1969, so that I could drive (legally). The first time I saw the GTO in Verdoro Green with its Endura bumper, the hidden headlights, the hood scoops and the hood mounted tach, I was smitten with the aesthetics. When my 16th birthday arrived, I got a 1969 Cougar Eliminator in banana yellow, but it never cured me of the GTO itch. About 10 years ago, I bought a very nice driver quality GTO in Verdoro Green, drove it a little bit and then noticed some rust bubbles beginning to form under the paint. I had a tenant who rebuilt salvaged cars, and when he left, one of his employees stayed around and rebuilt my best friend's son's K5 Blazer. He did a nice job, so I decided to have him take apart the GTO. After taking it apart, he left without notice, and my car was left in pieces all over the lot where it sat for several years until about two and a half years ago. A new tenant who owned an auto body shop next door was having trouble paying rent, so I told him he could restore the car in lieu of rent for whatever time it took (within reason). I got it back several months ago, and I still think it is the best looking American car design ever (with maybe the Riviera with clamshell lights as an exception). I love what it looks like but hate that it drives like a Cadillac hearse. Someday I'll tackle that. The other car I always admired when I used to take my Cougar in for service at O'Connor Lincoln/Mercury near downtown Los Angeles was the De Tomaso Pantera. I bought one over 20 years ago but had essentially given up driving it about 10 years ago due to lots of issues. About 8 years ago I decided that I was either going to make it a car I could enjoy driving and not resent doing so, or I was going to get rid of it. It spent four years getting a remake for both comfort and reliability, and now I drive it every weekend with other enthusiasts without problems. I do think it still looks contemporary and is the best example of '70's Italian Wedge design. It's loud, quick (over 500hp), and gorgeous!
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