GTO originally was an option on the Tempest/LeMans car line, over the years 64-73 it attained model status and sometimes it was an option package again. 1972 is one of those years when GTO was an option as is 73. So to your question all cars based on the T37 line start out the same, its the options that create the car. Without knowing the suspension options and exact engine code its hard to say how close to a GTO option this car is, but it sure looks like one and the dual snorkle 400 tells me it got a 4bbl and if we assume duals it would be 250 Net HP, the same as the GTO so it's pretty darn close to a GTO.
-- Edited by 73SC on Wednesday 25th of November 2020 12:07:15 PM
GTO originally was an option on the Tempest/LeMans car line, over the years 64-73 it attained model status and sometimes it was an option package again. 1972 is one of those years when GTO was an option as is 73. So to your question all cars based on the T37 line start out the same, its the options that create the car. Without knowing the suspension options and exact engine code its hard to say how close to a GTO option this car is, but it sure looks like one and the dual snorkle 400 tells me it got a 4bbl and if we assume duals it would be 250 Net HP, the same as the GTO so it's pretty darn close to a GTO.
To amend your post;
When intoruduced for 1964, the GTO was a option package on the two door Lemans, which was itself an upscale version of the Tempest; Because of the level of sales success that the GTO had become, for the 1966 model year it became it's own model. Then later, because of dwindling sales, the last year that the GTO was a distinct model (designated by the vin) was 1971; For 1972-1974 the GTO reverted back to an option package. A little known fact is that 1974 was not slated to be the final year of the GTO package, a 1975 pre-production car was done, but GM-Corporate, decreed that the car was to have a Buick(?, or maybe Olds) 350, and that was where, and why Pontiac stopped making the GTO; The decision was that a GTO needed to have a Pontiac drivetrain, period.
I never saw the listing, but 1972 Lemans two door cars with a factory installed 400/455 could be a GTO (it has happened that a cars pedigree was forgotten), you just need to know what to look for; Matters are further muddied by the fact that in 1972 the GTO front end and hood could be ordered on pretty much any configuration of that years Lemans.
-- Edited by unruhjonny on Wednesday 2nd of December 2020 12:09:46 PM
__________________
1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
there were apparently a handful of "GTO front end" sedans built with the 455HO drivetrain... or at least that's what I seem to recall reading at one point.
I particularly like the wagons done up as GTO's ;)
__________________
1970 Formula 400 Carousel Red on black (std) interior "no drivetrain option" car (same base drivetrain as GTO) 1:411 1970 Firebird Formulas originally sold in Canada
probably in the late '70's early 80's the GM dealer in Goderich, ON advertised a' 72 Lemans convertible, tons of options and with the GTO front end & / trim. Maybe 427 Carl knows something about this car ; thats his stamping grounds?
