GTO Data and ID Guide: 1964-1974: Includes: The Judge, Ram Air III, Ram Air IV

Introduction

This book is designed to help the Pontiac enthusiast determine authenticity and originality of any GTO built between 1964 and 1974. Each chapter covers a model year, including production figures; VIN decoding information; engine block codes; distributor, carburetor, and cylinder head numbers; colors and trim codes; pricing; options; and selected facts.

If there is one car that epitomizes the 1960s muscle car phenomenon, it is the Pontiac GTO. Like the Mustang, which was also introduced in 1964, the GTO happened to be the right car at the right time. The GTO concept was fairly simple: install a large passenger car engine in an intermediate body platform, but its success was due to good timing; the public was ready for a smaller performance car. Within a year, emulators abounded, with other GM Divisions offering their own versions of the GTO, but it was the original that outsold them all.

For the enthusiast, the most important number for any GTO is its VIN, or vehicle identification number. In 1964, it consisted of an 8-digit number that indicated number of cylinders, model series, assembly plant code, and consecutive sequence number. From 1965 to 1971, it consisted of a 13-digit number that indicated model year, body style and series, assembly plant, and consecutive sequence number. In 1972, Pontiac (as well as the rest of General Motors) adopted a new VIN numbering system, still using 13 digits, but most important, the VIN included a number code identifying the engine in the car. Until 1971, you could not tell which engine came in a particular car. Pontiac stamped the last 8 digits of the car’s VIN on a pad on the passenger-side front of the engine block, thereby matching the engine to the car. Unfortunately, it is quite easy to re-stamp a cylinder block with the VIN, thereby increasing a car’s value. (See the appendix for further information.)

The car’s VIN was stamped on a metal plate and attached to the driver-side door pillar until 1967. From 1968 on, the number was stamped on a plate and attached to the driver’s side of the dash, making it visible through the windshield.

Even if all of the numbers match on a particular car you are looking at, especially on one built before 1972, it would be to your advantage if the car is documented. All the better if the previous owner can provide you with the original invoice or window sticker, any service records, or the Protect-O-Plate.

The colors and interior trim listed in each chapter are correct as far as they go. However, Pontiac did build cars in color and trim combinations not listed. As with all the information listed here, be open to the possibility that exceptions can and do occur. It means that you’ll have to work harder to determine authenticity.

1964

The front of the GTO used the same Pontiac grille, but the grille was blacked out. The black-out treatment gave the GTO a handsome measure of class. (Photo Courtesy Karl Lacker)

1964 Production Numbers

The following production figures were taken from GM production reports.

1964 Vehicle Identification Number

The vehicle identification number (VIN) was riveted on an aluminum plate and attached to the driver-side front-door hinge post. There was also a date stamp on the VIN tag indicating the date of delivery to the original owner. For 1964, the example of 82 4P100001 decodes to:

The big Pontiac 389-ci engine was available on the GTO, pumping out 348 hp with a 3×2 Tri-Power intake setup. A chromed single-snorkel air cleaner was standard on the 325-hp engine. (Photo Courtesy Karl Lacker)

Because the 1964 GTO was an option on the Pontiac LeMans Series, there was no specific number or code to indicate a GTO. When production reached 100,000 at a particular plant, the consecutive sequence number continued with 200001. The consecutive sequence number was different for a GTO built at another plant. Also, as the VIN does not have a code for the original engine, it makes counterfeiting a GTO easier. General Motors did not include a code for the engine in the VIN until 1972, whereas Ford did from 1950 on and Chrysler did from 1966 on.

1964 Engine Codes

The block code for the 1964 GTO consisted of a three-character (and sometimes four-character) code of numbers and letters. Beneath the block code is the unit number, which in this case is the same as the consecutive sequence number and is taken from the vehicle’s VIN. The block code is located on the passenger’s side of the engine block below the cylinder head/deck.

The date code is also important. It is cast in the distributor pad and consists of three or four characters as follows: The first is a letter representing the month (A for January, B for February, C for March, D for April, E for May, F for June, G for July, H for August, I for September, J for October, K for November, L for December, M for December 1966 [1967 model only]). The second or third is a digit representing the month. The last is a digit representing the year. N or D represents the work shift when the block was cast, Night or Day. (Beginning in 1969, an additional two numbers represent the year; for example, 69 for 1969.)

Engine Block Codes

Compression ratio is 10.75:1 on all engines.

Cylinder Head Casting Numbers

The cylinder head codes were cast into the center exhaust port area. For 1964, a portion of the head part number was also cast on the left- and right-end ports.

Carburetors

The part number for the 1964 Carter AFB 4-barrel carburetor was found on a metal tag mounted on the carburetor air horn. For the Tri-Power carbs, the number was stamped on a plate and mounted on one of the carburetor mounting screws.

Distributors

The 1964 distributors had the part number stamped and mounted around the distributor shaft.

Intake Manifolds

On 4-barrel engines, the part number is stamped or cast into an intake runner. On Tri-Power manifolds, it can be found on the center and rear intake runners.

Exhaust Manifolds

The part number for the exhaust manifold is generally, but not always, found on the outer face of the manifold.

1964 Transmissions

On the Super Turbine 300 2-speed automatic, the transmission code was stamped on the low-servo cover on the passenger’s side of the transmission or on a metal tag.

The 3- and 4-speed M20 and M21 manual transmissions were used on the GTO and, generally, but not always, had the part number stenciled on the transmission case on the driver’s side of the case, at the rear of the cover. The code number indicated the type of transmission and the production date.

An identification code is marked in yellow paint on top of the case on 4-speed transmissions. W stands for wide-ratio and 9 stands for close-ratio. On the 3-speed Tempest (Muncie), the letter X indicates a heavy-duty Muncie and is marked on the passenger’s side of the case.

1964 Rear Axle Identification, Codes, and Ratios

In 1964, the axle ratio was stamped on the passenger-side axle tube and on the lower left side of the vent. Green paint was used on the top of the differential housing and on the hubs on GTOs made before January 2, 1964.

The M21 close-ratio 4-speed, according to the GTO club, was not installed by the factory.

The spacious interior provided plenty of room. The standard GTO steering wheel was the LeMans Deluxe wheel and optional was the Custom Sports steering wheel, which came with four brushed-metal spokes and an imitation wood rim. (Photo Courtesy Karl Lacker)

For an American car, the GTO had a European flair, but unlike the European cars, it was reasonably priced and could be loaded with lots of options. (Photo Courtesy Marty Cieslak)

1964 Interior Trim Codes

The interior trim was identical to the LeMans. However, the GTO has the following items as standard and were not available on other LeMans models: the engine-turned appliqué that surrounds the fourgauge dash pods and the large GTO crest on the passenger’s side above the glove box.

All of these colors were available on the convertibles.

1964 Exterior Colors

Exterior color codes can be found on the cowl data plate located on the driver’s side of the firewall and were consistent from plant to plant. The exterior color codes were found on the fifth line of the cowl data plate. The colors listed below were available on all models and were not just GTO colors.

1964 Regular Production Options and Retail Prices

Regular production options are listed below. Also included are special equipment and dealer options. Note that these are marketed and the price set by the dealer’s parts department.

Dealer-Installed Accessories

Typically, the dealer’s parts department sold these and other parts based on current market trends. They were designed to increase motoring pleasure.

•Tonneau cover

•Ski carrier for roof

•Roof luggage carrier

•Trunk ski and luggage carrier

•Locking gas cap

•Wire wheel discs

•Tissue dispenser

•Vacuum