Pontiac made muscle car history with the 1964 GTO , kicking off a long and impressive run. That beast was followed up with other lightweight, high-powered models like the Firebird — a badge that was used on a 1954 concept car before being moved to a production model in 1967. Some of Pontiac's muscle cars aren't as universally appreciated as the GTO or Firebird, but demand remains high for these models, even as many modern electric vehicles have surpassed the classics in terms of performance.
Caution is advised when shopping for any used car, but if you're in the market for a 50-year-old vehicle that's likely to have been driven hard for many of those years, you need to be extra careful. It's advisable to have any prospective used vehicle purchase checked out by a mechanic or a car-savvy friend before committing to a purchase. You can always start shopping at old standbys like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, but those sites are rife with listings for cars with unknown issues or inflated prices.
Here are a few other places you can go to find a classic Pontiac muscle car where you might uncover a hidden gem. If you have the budget for a classic Pontiac in prime condition, seek out a Pontiac-themed car show or swap meet in your area. There you'll find examples that have been meticulously restored by brand enthusiasts.
Although you'll likely pay top dollar, you should drive away confident that you've found a reliable and beautiful muscle machine. Swap meets are traditionall.
