At a time when Detroit was driven by the mantra "there is no replacement for displacement," Pontiac added a twist to the narrative. The introduction of the Ram Air induction system signaled a paradigm shift from brute strength to engineered performance.
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The original Ram Air package debuted in 1965, but it was the Ram Air IV, introduced in 1969 and continued into 1970, that truly made history. Equipped with high-flow heads, a high-lift camshaft, and a robust 400-cubic-inch V8 that breathed through a free-flowing exhaust, the Ram Air IV GTO was rated at a modest 370 horsepower. However, those in the know recognize this as classic underreporting - a coy tactic to sidestep increasing insurance premiums. The real power figures were rumored to be well north of the official ratings.
The GTO Ram Air IV's production was limited, adding to its desirability and mystique. Out of 40,149 GTOs produced for 1970, only 327 4-Speed non-Judge GTO's in 1070 were equipped with the Ram Air IV engine. It’s rarity combined with its performance credentials has made 1970 GTO Ram Air IV a prized possession among collectors.
This 1970 GTO Ram Air IV has received a full frame-off professional concours-level restoration, retaining its original numbers matching 400 Ram Air IV engine, original numbers matching Muncie M21 4-Speed transmission, original numbers matching 3.90 rear axle. PHS documentation shows this GTO RAIV left the factory optioned as follows: (WW) Ram Air IV Motor, Muncie M21 Close-Ratio 4-Speed Transmission, 3.90 Safe-T-Track Axle, Hood-Mounted Tachometer, Power Steering, Power Disc Brakes, Console, Heavy-Duty Shocks/Springs & Firestone G70-14 Whitewall Tires.
Following the extensive restoration, the car was shown several times & received numerous prestigious awards including: the 2012 Pontiac-Oakland Club 'Gold Award' scoring 389 out of 400, and again in 2013, with a score of 397 out of 400, receiving the prestigious 'Senior Gold Award'.
In 2013 the car was judged at the GTOAA National Convention and was awarded the 'CONCOURS GOLD AWARD'
George Pehanick’s Take:
"I bought this car after several years of looking for the best 70 GTO RAIV I could find. It’s a beautiful older restoration that is still holding up very well. The RAIV Ram Air IV was Pontiac’s rarest motor produced and ordered. It was only available in 69 and 70 GTO’s and Trans Ams, a very pricey option at the time. It was Pontiacs equivalent to Chevy’s LS6. The amount of true, documented, original, numbers matching RAIV GTO’s and Trans Am’s is very limited. This car is a very kind of bone stock car ordered to ‘go fast’ from stop light to stop light. This is a bonafide Concours car, campaigned by the previous owner. It comes with a ton of documentation."
Vehicle Specs:
- Pepper Green Exterior Finish (Code M)
- Green Interior Trim (Code 256)
- 4BBL Ram Air IV Engine
- Muncie M21 4 Speed Transmission
- 3.90 Safe T Track Rear Axle
- Hood Mounted Tach
- T3 Headlamps
- Power Steering
- Power Brakes
- AM/FM Radio
- Floor Mounted Console
- Heavy Duty Shocks/ Springs
- Firestone G70-14 Whitewall Tires
- Multiple GTO Association of American Concours Gold Awards
- Original Owners Manual & Reproduction Window Sticker
- Complete restoration photos binder
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