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Tag: GTO
Rare Pontiac GTO Takes Jay Leno Back In Time
The
Pontiac GTO
is often regarded as the car that sparked theAmerican muscle car
revolution. However, because of its powerful V8 engine and aggressive styling, some have even refered to the GTO as the world’s first Supercars
. Though that may be a little doubtful, the GTO is still considered to be “The Goat” of Muscle Cars
, and it became an icon during the golden age of muscle cars. Jay Leno is a big fan of all historic cars, and in his recent video, he took a very rare Pontiac GTO for a spin, and went back in time to an era of forgotten legends.
Pontiac GTO
- Notable Model Years
-
2006 Pontiac GTO
, 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge
1965 Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat Took Performance To A New Level
Jay Leno’s
latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage puts the spotlight on the 1965 Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat. The car, owned by Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jordan “Joker” Smith, features a rare Royal Bobcat package developed by Royal Pontiac in Royal Oak, Michigan. Known for turning factory GTOs into street-racing legends, the Royal Bobcat upgrades added horsepower and performance through a range of tweaks, including Tri-Power carburation, enhanced ignition systems, and advanced tuning techniques. While the GTO was already a pretty amazing car with its 389 V8 pumping out around 360 hp, this tweaked-up version could churn out around 400 hp, putting it in supercar territory for that era. This is also one of the reasons why Jay Leno says that this car is often hailed as one of the world’s first supercars.1965 Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat Specifications
Engine
389 cubic-inch V8 with Tri-Power carburation
Horsepower
~360 HP (factory) / ~400 HP (with Royal Bobcat upgrades)
Torque
428 lb-ft (estimated with upgrades)
Transmission
4-speed manual (Hurst shifter added)
0-60 mph
~6.5 seconds (with Royal Bobcat upgrades)
Top Speed
~120 mph+
Compression Ratio
Increased to ~10.75:1 (Royal Bobcat kit)
Cooling Modifications
Opened hood scoop with ram air pan for ~55°F cooler intake air
Ignition
Manual timing advance, upgraded springs
Exhaust
3-inch exhaust with Doug’s headers
Brakes
4-wheel drum brakes
Suspension
Stock shocks with optional stiffer spring setup
Weight
~3,500 lbs
Wheels
Styled steel wheels resembling mag wheels
Unique Features
Royal Bobcat badging, upgraded carburation linkage
Original Price
~$3,500 (base model in 1965)
Related
Value Of 1965 Pontiac GTO Is Rising: Will It Continue In Next Few Years?
The Pontiac GTO highly regarded as it is credited with kicking off the muscle car boom in the 1960s. The Pontiac GTO was born in 1964, and in the following year, the muscle car was in great demand, with around 75,000 units sold. That’s a lot of 1965 GTOs sold, but despite the numbers, they are still quite valuable today. According to research by HotCars, the current average price for a ’65 GTO is $61,494. This around $10,000 higher than the car’s average price in 2019. This means that the price of the 1965 Pontiac is steadily rising. Will this trend continue in the next few years?
A Rare Pontiac With A History
Jay Leno’s Garage / YouTube Smith, who is an avid car enthusiast, recounted his journey to acquire this rare GTO, which was previously part of Pontiac legend Jim Wangers’ personal collection. Jim is often considered to be considered the ‘Godfather’ of the GTO, as he helped to market the vehicle. The original price of this GTO in 1965 was around $3,500, but because of its legacy and significance, as of January 2025, a well-preserved or meticulously restored example can command significant prices at auction. Right now, a 1965 Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat is listed for auction at Mecum’s Kissimmee 2025 event, with an estimated value between $100,000 and $125,000.
“Modern cars feel like 60 at 100, but this makes 60 feel like 100—and that’s where the fun is!”
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Jay Leno also claims that “this was the car that made fast cars fun and attainable.” The Pontiac GTO legacy carried over through the years until the car went out of production. In fact, the Pontiac GTO was one of the fastest muscle cars in the 2000’s.
Fast Facts About The Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat
- It Was a dealer-tuned beast
- It could secretly exceed GM’s horsepower Limit (General Motors imposed a corporate limit of 400 horsepower on its cars)
- It came with a How-To Kit
- Pontiac engineers sometimes collaborated with Royal Pontiac, using the Bobcat as a testbed for experimental performance features
Jay Leno recently had the opportunity to take a rare Pontiac GTO for a spin, and it was a trip down memory lane for the car enthusiast. The Pontiac GTO is a classic muscle car that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its powerful engine and sleek design.The GTO that Leno got to drive was a rare model, one of only a few left in existence. As he revved the engine and hit the open road, Leno couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for the golden age of American muscle cars.
With its throaty growl and impressive acceleration, the Pontiac GTO reminded Leno of a time when cars were built for speed and style. It was a reminder of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into creating these iconic vehicles.
As Leno cruised along in the Pontiac GTO, he couldn’t help but smile and feel grateful for the chance to experience such a rare and special car. It was a trip back in time, a reminder of the glory days of American automotive history.
For car enthusiasts like Jay Leno, driving a rare Pontiac GTO is more than just a joyride – it’s a chance to connect with the past and appreciate the legacy of these legendary vehicles. And for those lucky enough to witness it, it’s a reminder of the timeless appeal of classic American muscle cars.
Tags:
- Rare Pontiac GTO
- Jay Leno
- Classic car
- Vintage Pontiac
- Muscle car
- Pontiac GTO history
- Jay Leno’s car collection
- American muscle cars
- Pontiac GTO restoration
- Jay Leno’s garage.
#Rare #Pontiac #GTO #Takes #Jay #Leno #Time
The Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat Was a Stealthy Hunter
While the origin point of muscle cars is hotly debated, there is one fact from the mid-1960s that is settled: The Pontiac GTO will forever be an icon. The first-generation Goat put all the power of Pontiac’s larger V-8 engines into a mid-sized chassis and changed buyers’ expectations of power and performance from that day forward. Hopping up the Le Mans helped cement Pontiac’s transformation from a stodgy old man brand into one that younger buyers took seriously. But while a standard-fare GTO was widely available, a hotter version could be had if you knew where to shop.
By the mid-1960s Pontiac was involved in multiple forms of motorsport under the guidance of general manager Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen and very quickly had a stout performance parts catalog that enabled anyone with a few extra dollars and hankering for more power to buy their speed parts direct. The dealer leading the charge to promote the direct-to-consumer parts was Royal Pontiac in Royal Oak, Michigan. There, a small number of Pontiacs were prepared by with some careful tuning and installation of the factory-sourced hi-po bits, and those cars were called “Royal Bobcats.”
Jay Leno’s Garage 
Jay Leno’s Garage One of these special cars is the guest on Jay Leno’s Garage this week, with its very genuine and knowledgeable owner Jordan “Joker” Smith in tow. While the age gap is visible between the two, the enthusiasm is infectious as Smith and Leno talk through the history of Royal Bobcats and also the specific red 1965 GTO that belongs to Smith.
Smith found the car after a diligent search. His restoration efforts were temporarily sidelined by a move to Texas from an Air Force base in South Dakota, but the work was eventually completed with the help of two friends, and the final product is a beautiful restoration of a car that has a surprising amount of history and interesting ownership.
The Royal Bobcat package itself is comprised of rocker arm locking nuts, new rocker cover gaskets, 0.022-0.025″ thinner head gaskets to increase compression, a gasket to block the heat riser in the intake manifold, carburetor re-jetting package, a distributor recurve kit with Mallory points and condenser, a new advance stop with lighter weights and springs, and a set of Royal Bobcat emblems. It’s both a lot and not a lot all at once. The results are hard to argue though, as these relatively simple changes give the GTO more than enough pep to be a very fun car to drive.
Jay Leno’s Garage 
Jay Leno’s Garage Are the Royal Bobcats the first, last, or greatest muscle cars? Probably not, but that doesn’t matter when the owner and story are as great as Smith and his car. It takes people like Smith and Jay to keep the stories and experience of cars like this Royal Bobcat out there to be heard and experienced. Personally, we’d love to experience this car from the driver’s seat, but beggars can’t be choosers.
The Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat Was a Stealthy HunterIf you’re a fan of classic muscle cars, you’ve probably heard of the Pontiac GTO. But have you heard of the Royal Bobcat edition? This rare and special version of the GTO was a true standout in the world of high-performance vehicles.
The Royal Bobcat package was offered by Royal Pontiac, a dealership in Michigan known for its customization and performance upgrades. The Royal Bobcat GTOs were equipped with a 389 cubic inch V8 engine that was modified to produce up to 360 horsepower, a significant increase from the standard GTO’s 335 horsepower.
What set the Royal Bobcat GTO apart from other muscle cars of its time was its stealthy appearance. While other muscle cars of the era had flashy paint jobs and bold decals, the Royal Bobcat GTO was understated and unassuming. This made it the perfect sleeper car – a vehicle that looked innocent on the outside but packed a powerful punch under the hood.
The Royal Bobcat GTO was a true stealthy hunter on the streets, able to surprise and outpace other muscle cars with ease. Its combination of power, handling, and discreet appearance made it a favorite among drag racers and street racers alike.
Although the Royal Bobcat GTO is a rare find today, its legacy lives on as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the engineers and designers at Royal Pontiac. If you ever have the chance to see one in person, be sure to take a closer look and appreciate the true beauty of this stealthy hunter of the streets.
Tags:
- Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat
- Muscle car history
- Classic Pontiac GTO
- High performance vehicles
- Classic car restoration
- Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat specs
- Vintage muscle cars
- Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat history
- Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat features
- American muscle car culture
#Pontiac #GTO #Royal #Bobcat #Stealthy #Hunter
1966 Pontiac GTO Montero Red 1/87 (HO) Scale Diecast Model Car 87PG66002
Price:$18.95– $13.44
(as of Dec 30,2024 21:47:01 UTC – Details)
Brand new 1/87 (HO) scale diecast car model of 1966 Pontiac GTO Montero Red die cast model car by Oxford Diecast 87PG66002
1/87 Scale diecast collectible model car True-to-scale detail Brand new – Real Rubber tires – Diecast metal Not suitable for children under 15 years old Each model is meticulously finished for unsurpassed quality. This scaled model was produced is accurately painted and professionally detailed.
Introducing the 1966 Pontiac GTO Montero Red 1/87 (HO) Scale Diecast Model Car 87PG66002!This stunning diecast model car captures all the retro charm and classic style of the iconic 1966 Pontiac GTO in a compact 1/87 scale. The vibrant Montero Red color pops with vintage flair, while the intricate detailing and realistic features make this model a must-have for any diecast car collector.
Whether you’re a fan of classic muscle cars or simply appreciate finely crafted model cars, the 1966 Pontiac GTO Montero Red 1/87 Scale Diecast Model Car is sure to impress. Add it to your collection today and bring a piece of automotive history to your display shelf! #PontiacGTO #DiecastModelCar #ClassicCars
#Pontiac #GTO #Montero #Red #Scale #Diecast #Model #Car #87PG66002,1:87 scale
1966 Pontiac GTO Fontaine Blue Metallic 1/87 (HO) Scale Diecast Model Car 87PG66001
Price: $13.68
(as of Dec 30,2024 20:07:19 UTC – Details)
Oxford Diecast Pontiac GTO 1966 Fontaine Blue 1:87 scale – 87PG66001 – The Oxford Diecast Pontiac GTO 1966 Fontaine Blue -1:87 Scale, comes on a plinth with a clear lid and Oxford Automobile wrap. – 1:87 scale means that this is 87 times smaller than the full sized vehicle(s) – Not A Toy.
Are you a fan of classic cars? Check out this stunning 1966 Pontiac GTO in Fontaine Blue Metallic! This 1/87 (HO) scale diecast model car is a must-have for any collector. With its intricate detailing and vibrant color, this miniature replica captures the essence of the iconic GTO. Don’t miss out on adding this beauty to your collection – get yours today! #PontiacGTO #DiecastModelCar #ClassicCars.
#Pontiac #GTO #Fontaine #Blue #Metallic #Scale #Diecast #Model #Car #87PG66001,1:87 scale
Speedway Motors 1964-74 GM Car OEM-Style Disc Brake Spindles: Forged Steel, Converts Drum to Original GM Disc Brakes, Stock Height, Fits A/F/X-Body (Chevelle, GTO, Camaro, Nova & More)
Price: $144.99
(as of Dec 17,2024 14:54:10 UTC – Details)
These spindles allow you to easily and affordably convert your stock drum front brakes to the original style GM front disc brakes. These new replacement forged steel disc brake spindles fit GM A-body, F-body and X-body passenger cars. These spindles are stock height, not dropped. Replacement spindles. Stock height, not dropped. The primary difference between disc brake spindles and drum brake spindles is the thickness of the upper mount boss. The upper boss is 5/8″ thicker on drum brake spindles than on the disc brake spindles. Spindles work well with Speedway disc brake kit 910-31958. Fits the following applications: 1964-72 A-Body – Chevelle, Malibu, GTO, LeMans, 442, Cutlass, GS, Skylark. 1967-69 F-Body – Camaro, Firebird. 1968-74 X-Body – Nova, Apollo, Omega, Ventura.
Disc Brake Conversion: Easily and affordably convert your stock drum front brakes to the original style GM front disc brakes for enhanced braking performance.
Durable Forging: Crafted from forged steel, ensuring maximum strength and long-lasting reliability for your vehicle.
Factory Design: Stock height spindles designed to maintain your car’s original factory ride height, ensuring a seamless integration with your car’s aesthetics.
Compatible Kits: Optimally pairs with Speedway disc brake kit 91031958, allowing for a straightforward bolt-on installation process.
Extensive Fitment: Suitable for various GM car models including 1964-72 GM A-Body (like Chevelle, Malibu, GTO), 1967-69 F-Body (like Camaro, Firebird), and 1968-74 X-Body (like Nova, Apollo), ensuring a wide range of compatibility.
Looking to upgrade your classic GM car to disc brakes? Look no further than Speedway Motors’ 1964-74 GM Car OEM-Style Disc Brake Spindles! These forged steel spindles are designed to convert your drum brakes to original GM disc brakes, providing better stopping power and performance.These spindles are stock height and are designed to fit A/F/X-Body GM cars, including Chevelle, GTO, Camaro, Nova, and more. With these spindles, you can retain the original look of your classic car while enjoying the benefits of modern disc brakes.
Upgrade your classic GM car with Speedway Motors’ OEM-Style Disc Brake Spindles and experience improved braking performance on the road or the track. Order yours today and take your classic car to the next level!
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