Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe brand is Pontiac, and the car is the 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans with the GTO option package. The timeline in the headline is off, though. General Motors announced in 2009 that Pontiac would be phased out by 2010, so as of October 2026 the brand has been gone about 16 years, not 20.
The car GM credits with starting the muscle-car era
General Motors’ Heritage Collection says the 1964 GTO started the muscle-car era. That is GM’s attribution, not a universal definition. Historians draw the boundary in different places, depending on whether they count engine size, price, or intended use. GM’s own heritage history also says Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Buick followed with performance cars built on the same intermediate platform, so the 1964 GTO was a leading example of a broader GM trend rather than the work of Pontiac alone.
In 1964 the GTO was an option package on the mid-sized Tempest LeMans, not a separate model. GM’s Heritage Collection vehicle entry lists the following figures for that model year:
| Item | 1964 GTO figure (as listed by GM) |
|---|---|
| Base platform | Mid-sized Tempest LeMans |
| Engine | 389 CID V8, rated at 325 horsepower |
| 0–60 mph | 7.7 seconds (GM’s listed figure; test conditions not stated) |
| Units sold with GTO package | 32,450 Tempests, 1964 model year |
How the GTO changed after 1964
The GTO’s model history is separate from Pontiac’s brand history, and the two are often blurred together. The car moved through three distinct phases:
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- V8 POWER: The model features a 400 cubic inch V8 engine, reflecting the muscle and power that defined the GTO's reputation.
- DETAILED SUSPENSION & EXHAUST: The kit incorporates separate rear suspension and exhaust detailing, adding to the realism of the model.
- BUCKET SEATS & CONSOLE: The model's interior features bucket seats and a floor shifter with a console, capturing the iconic look and feel of the GTO.
- OPTIONAL SUPERCHARGER: For those seeking more power, the kit offers an optional supercharger, allowing you to customize your model.
- CLEAR & COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS: The included instructions are clear and user-friendly, making the kit accessible to modelers of different skill levels, from beginners to experienced hobbyists.
| Period | Status of the GTO | Underlying vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Option package on the Tempest LeMans | Tempest LeMans |
| 1966 | Became a separate Pontiac model | Not stated in the source reviewed for this article |
| 2004–2006 | Revived as a U.S.-market GTO, then discontinued after 2006 | Holden Monaro |
The 2004–2006 revival was built on an Australian-market vehicle, which is why it is often treated as a separate chapter from the original American muscle car.
When Pontiac actually went away
GM announced in 2009 that it would phase out Pontiac by 2010. That is the date the brand’s end is tied to, and it is why the “20 years” framing does not hold. Counting from 2010 to October 2026 gives about 16 years.
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- Authentic 1:36 Scale: Meticulously crafted 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang model car with impressive 5-inch length.
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- Interactive Play: Engaging pull-back action for thrilling motion across smooth surfaces.
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Two limits apply. The sources reviewed for this article establish the phase-out announcement and its 2010 target, but they do not establish the exact date of the last Pontiac vehicle built, so the article does not give one. GM’s current support material continues to list Pontiac among its discontinued brands, which confirms the brand is no longer active.
What the GTO’s sales brochure said
GM’s 2025 retrospective on the GTO quotes the 1964 sales brochure. Two lines from it are often repeated:
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- Pullback Action: Experience realistic racing with the pullback action feature.
- Opening Doors: Explore the intricate interior details with the opening door feature.
- 1:38 Scale: Enjoy a detailed 1:38 scale die-cast model (approx. 5 inches long).
- Authentic Design: Modeled after the iconic 1967 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.
- Display Piece: A must-have collectible for car enthusiasts and model collectors.
- “a device for shrinking time and distance.”
- “Designed as a piece of performance machinery, its purpose in life is to permit you to make the most of your driving skill,”
These are attributed to the brochure as quoted by General Motors. No individual speaker or role is established for either line.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Owning a Pontiac today
Pontiac owners are not left without support. GM’s discontinued-brands page says owners can rely on GM Genuine and ACDelco parts. GM’s support material also lists Pontiac owner manuals and guides for model years 1983–2010.
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- QUICK SPECS: 1/25 Scale, 123 Parts, 7 inches long once assembled. Parts molded in white, clear and transparent red, with black vinyl tires. Some parts are chrome plated. Plastic model kit paint and cement required (Testors or Tamiya brands recommended). Paint guide included in kit. Skill Level 2. For ages 10+
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Because Pontiac built many models across those years, check the model year, body style, and engine before buying any part. Shared components across a model run are common, but fitment is specific to the vehicle, and GM’s support pages are the place to confirm which manuals apply to a given car.
- Confirm the exact model year and engine code from the vehicle’s VIN or build sheet.
- Match parts to that model year, not just the nameplate.
- Use the GM owner manual listing for the correct model year when checking specifications.
The same caution applies to restoration parts. Any listing should show the model year and fitment before purchase.
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- Revell Model Kit #85-7457, Skill Level 4, Contains 113-Parts, Recommended for ages 12 and up
- Special rally sport option.
- Hood opens to reveal detailed 302 cu. in. V-8 engine with dual carbs.
- Optional center console. Chambered dual exhausts.
- Molded in white, transparent red and clear with chrome plated parts and soft black tires. Requires paint and glue. (not included)
The 1964 GTO remains the reference point for the muscle-car label, while Pontiac’s own story ended in 2010. Keeping those two timelines separate is the simplest way to read the headline correctly.
Quick Recap
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