GTO Clones

Pastime67

Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2023
Messages
51
Reaction score
15
Points
8
I've been to a lotta car shows this year and the ratio of GTO's to LeMans seem to be at least 30 or 40 to 1. If cloning a LeMans wasn't so easy I might accept that. I was asked if I wanted to clone my '67 convertible, and to be honest, I thought about it. But that Sprint engine changed my mind. I can't insult it.
Of course I would consider it rude to ask a GTO owner if his is an original GTO, but is there a quick way to find out without asking? Some tell tale sign that can't be easily removed?
 
From 66 to 72, 2nd and 3rd characters of VIN are 42. For 1972, 5th character, T,Y, X. 64 and 65 are trickier, Google 1964 GTO VIN.
 
We are not usually privy to the VIN plate. I was wondering if there was some outward appearance such as on the grill or bumpers.
Went to a monthly coffee and cars meet nearby, and there was a very nice original '66 LeMans with original V8. First LeMans convertible I've seen since March. It has been in the guy's family since new.

LeMans Niles 2.jpgLe Mans Niles 1.jpgLeMans Niles 4.jpgLemans Niles 3.jpg
 
We are not usually privy to the VIN plate. I was wondering if there was some outward appearance such as on the grill or bumpers.
Went to a monthly coffee and cars meet nearby, and there was a very nice original '66 LeMans with original V8. First LeMans convertible I've seen since March. It has been in the guy's family since new.

View attachment 6830View attachment 6831View attachment 6832View attachment 6833
Grill and bumpers prove nothing as to what it originally was.
______________________________
 
I know there are fewer LeMans at the shows than GTO's. My theory is that if they continue to clone them into GTO's, that margin will broaden. I can tell you that in 1965, the second two digits for a LeMans . are "37" . Here is a quick sample i display at car shows with a breakdown of the VIN , engine code, and production numbers. 1687222339145.png
 
Back
Top