Classic GTO

The 1968 GTO was NOT the 1967 GTO. This time, quite a few changes were made. This time the GTO received a major body style. They were going for a more futuristic look this time. The bumpers were Endura body-colored bumpers. The previous 115 inch wheel base was shortened to 112 inches. All engine choices remained the same and available. There was now stiffer competition  as Plymouth introduced the Plymouth Road Runner, which was a low cost vehicle. Ford and Dodge were coming out with there own versions of muscle cars also. Even so ,it was still a really good year for the 1968 Pontiac GTO. Motor Trend gave it the honor of being named ” Car of the Year”. The magazine told people, that never before had a car been so successful at integrating style, safety and performance. It went on to give a glowing report about the GTO and Pontiac. It was a car that was appreciated. In fact, 1968 would prove to be the second highest selling year in the history of the GTO. For that year, 87,684 units were sold and sales didn’t appear that they would  to be slowing down  anytime soon. The restyling of the 1968 GTO was thought to be the best style yet and probably the main reason for the increase of sales that year. Pontiac had introduced their new rubber bumper on the 1968 GTO. Many advertisements showed how the bumper could take a little hit and not be damaged. In one commercial John Delorean actually hit the bumper with a sledge hammer several times to prove how well it could take a hit and not be damaged. It was a fantastic selling point. People loved the bumper. The 1968 model actually sold about 10% than the 1967 model.  Very impressive considering the rise of  competition from the other automobile makers. It proved that the GTO was still the best in the muscle car field. Things were looking good and would stay that way for a while.