Few people remember this, but the GT-37 is based on the T-37 series with a GT option on top of the package. It's an evolution of the LeMans, so people claiming that it looks and feels like a GTO aren't that far from the truth.
However, the GM brand had a different goal in mind. The GT-37 was supposed to be lighter and quicker than the GTO, so it could be ordered with three V8 engines. The plan was to find a way to deal with the rising insurance costs, which instead put an end to the GTO madness—and we all know what happened in 1973—though the GT-37 never became the hit that Pontiac hoped.
Pontiac produced approximately 6,600 GT-37s in 1971, so despite a massive decline, the GTO continued to sell better. Approximately 10,500 goats left the factory in 1971, so in many ways, Pontiac failed to build the replacement it hoped would deal with the migration from big muscle.
The GT-37 in these photos is one of the survivors (not that kind of survivor, though) born in 1971, and the numbers suggest it's a rare specimen.
As I said earlier, Pontiac produced 6,589 units in 1971, and 5,802 specimens shipped to customers with a 350ci V8 engine under the hood. It's safe to assume that finding such a configuration today isn't impossible, though the GT-37 itself is a rare beast that rarely makes the headlines, either in project car or tip-top condition.
This GT-37 has a 400ci V8 engine under the hood, and the official numbers show it's one of only 718 cars born with this block. The rarest GT-37 was equipped with a 455ci V8 engine, as only 69 cars were shipped to dealers with this engine.
However, what could make this GT-37 even rarer is the engine/transmission combo. Pontiac installed a 4-speed transmission in this GT-37, and while I don't have any figures to prove it, the seller claims it was a rare choice. I don't think they are far from the truth, as few GT-37s I've seen were fitted with the same transmission.
I won't insist much on its condition because anyone can inspect the car digitally using the photos shared by the owner on Facebook.
However, you must know that the paint on the body is not the original coating sprayed by Pontiac before this GT-37 left the factory. We're not getting more specifics, the seller briefly mentions one previous respray, so you should ask them for additional information if you believe this GT-37 is worth a spot in your garage.
The owner promises that you won't find any rust or signs of repairs on this car, though there are a few "small things" that will require your attention and which are no longer original.
The engine under the hood is the 400ci V8, and it's safe to assume it starts and runs properly. The owner doesn't offer more specifics, so it's impossible to tell if the engine has been rebuilt or has already received other previous repairs, so find a good mechanic to inspect what happens under the hood.
The mileage on the clock could also be a major selling point. The odometer indicates only 38K miles, and the owner promises they are original to the car.
How expensive should a GT-37 with these rare production numbers be? It's hard to put a price on this configuration, considering few specimens are still around these days, but the seller claims it should be worth at least as much as a GTO. I wouldn't go that far, but a GT-37 is still a rare beast, and its condition recommends this example for a heated garage where it can be properly preserved.
The owner believes $44,000 is a fair price, but they claim they are willing to listen to other offers if you're interested in the car. The GT-37 sells with the original sales order and build sheet.
You can find it in person in Tiffin, Ohio, and you should be able to drive it home on its wheels. However, all these specifications recommend the car for a trailer, as nobody would want to add any unnecessary miles and risk damaging its condition.
Keep in mind that this GT-37 is no longer an all-original example of the car that was supposed to make the GTO forgotten, but aside from a few changes, it's a worthy candidate for a museum piece. It just needs the right owner to care for it properly.
How much would you pay for this GT-37? Let me know what you think in the box after the jump.
