Once upon a time, true high performance cars ruled the street. In the beginning, they were large automobiles manufactured by Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, Pontiac and others. These vehicles were armed with large displacement, high compression engines and were not to be trifled with. They gained fame and recognition racing in NASCAR and NHRA competition and each had legions of loyal fans who purchased these high performance vehicles for use on and off the street.
As the years went by, these vehicles grew so large that a new, smaller size vehicle, known as the "intermediate" emerged. But, in the beginning, these intermediate cars did not offer the "big block" engines that were available in their larger brothers, hence they did not have the power nor command the kind of respect that was reserved for the cars with the big inch guns.

But in late 1963, an event occurred that changed everything. Pontiac debuted their newly restyled intermediate Tempest LeMans, along with a special model named the GTO, and the rest, as they say, is history. The brainchild of Pontiac Chief Engineer John DeLorean and marketed by creative people such as Jim Wangers, the GTO revolutionized the intermediate segment by using the powertrain from a full size Pontiac, including a large displacement 389 cubic inch engine, multiple carburetion and 4 speed manual transmission, along with unique badging that identified this vehicle as the first of a new breed of high performance car. To say that performance enthusiasts embraced the GTO is an understatement. The impact of the GTO upon the auto industry and aftermarket is still being felt, and is the classic textbook example by which many vehicles and products have been marketed, many very successfully.

The RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Pontiac GTO and the birth of the muscle car era. This Image Vehicle Marketing & Publicity Program pays homage to the legendary vehicle that created an entire market segment where none had previously existed and the enthusiasts who identified with this vehicle, personalized it, and made it their own. In short, the GTO unleashed a phenomenon of unprecedented magnitude that continues to this very day, one that is a celebration of the marriage of OEM high performance and aftermarket accessories.

PERFORMANCE THE GREAT ONE STYLE

"There's no replacement for displacement," was the battle cry of the '60's and the motorvation for the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE features nothing less than the biggest gun in the Pontiac arsenal of the time, the "High Output" 421 cubic inch 376 horsepower Tri Power engine that was optional equipment in the GTO's big brother, the Catalina 2+2. Not only was this the ultimate in Poncho power, this is also in keeping with the grand tradition of the legendary Car & Driver Pontiac GTO vs. Ferrari GTO Road Test, a historic cover story from late 1963 that helped launch both the car and what was then a relatively new magazine. Finally admitted by Pontiac PR guru Jim Wangers after all these years, the Pontiac GTO used for the testing in the C&D story was prepared by Royal Pontiac and armed with the larger displacement 421 rather than a stock 389. The RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE shares this lineage and honors this timeless story.
The heart of any vehicle is the engine and the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE does not disappoint. Built by Jim Van Gordon Racing in Upland, California, the period correct 421 High Output WJ Code Tri Power V8 has been treated to a wide range of components that will enable it to perform flawlessly on today's lower octane premium fuel, while producing significant horsepower. Complementing the engine is a set of free breathing Doug's Headers mated to an ultra low restriction dual exhaust system.

In addition, The RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE has been tested and tuned on the Van Gordon and Brown Dynamometer. Employing the same highly sophisticated calibration equipment that the OEM's use to ensure precise air fuel ratio, the factory Tri Power carburetion has been calibrated to provide maximum performance, while complying with today's stringent emissions codes, proving the high performance and low emissions are not mutually exclusive terms. The final result; The RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE not only produces tire smoking horsepower, but is also a friend of the environment. Like everything on RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE , the entire powertrain has been "breathed on" by a consortium of legends on the high performance industry. With performance today consisting of all elements of a vehicle, the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE features a driveline, brakes and suspension that are a complement to the engine, rather than overpowered by it, quite unlike the original of forty years ago.

The basis for any high performance vehicle begins with the chassis, and the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE features a full complement of Hotchkis Performance Suspension components. Designed by John Hotchkis, the leading authority on GM A-Body suspension and renowned handling expert, the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE features a comprehensive array of the latest cutting edge components that will enable it to impart confidence the equal of any modern sporty car, while retaining its classic appearance.

Complementing the Hotchkis Suspension is a comprehensive Stainless Steel Brakes Tri Power package that completely upgrades the brakes from the mundane stock drums that were barely adequate when the GTO was new, to a state of the art four wheel disc system that is the envy of any late model sports car. With its three piston " Tri Power" calipers and massive 13" slotted and ventilated rotors, the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE is capable of stopping as suddenly as it accelerates.
Showcasing the Stainless Steel Brakes is the new "Retro" wheel from the Oasis Alloy Wheels Masterpiece Collection. Inspired by the original Hurst wheels that have always been associated with the GTO, this wheel features deeply drawn spokes and a bold offset rim style. Unlike the original 14" wheels, these 18" works of art by Oasis evoke all of the nostalgia of the original, with the added benefit of 21st century design and engineering, making them a true modern classic. Complementing the Oasis Alloy Wheels is a matching set of Toyo Proxes high performance directional tires. Thanks to a precise offset, this massive wheel and tire package fits the GTO perfectly with no modification of any kind.

In the driveline, backing up the power of the 421 is a Hays clutch, pressure plate and flywheel package. Capable of handling all of the power that the Big Chief is capable of producing, combined with low pedal effort, the Hays clutch really demonstrates how far technology in this area has come since the thrilling days of yesteryear when the mark of a high performance was how strong your left leg had to be to depress the clutch pedal! And backing up the clutch is a Hurst 4 speed equipped Muncie M20 transmission augmented with a Gear Vendors Overdrive. With a 20% overdrive, THE GREAT ONE will never breath hard, even at sustained "high"way speeds, while delivering over 20 mpg!

VEHICLE DESIGN THE GREAT ONE STYLE

Classic design is one of the hallmarks of the GTO, and the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE has been carefully restored to maintain its timeless original appearance. In doing so, we have made only the most subtle visual changes, creating a vehicle that is loaded with "treats." While the uninitiated may overlook some of these nuances, true aficionados will find this GTO teeming numerous detail improvements that mark the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE as a vehicle that is not only true to the era from which it came, but one that incorporates many of the latest improvements, making it as contemporary and relevant today as when it debuted.
A prime example of this philosophy is the paint. While reminiscent of the rarely seen original "Tiger Gold" lacquer that was first offered as an option late in the 1965 model year, the brilliant "Tiger Gold Pearl" by House of Kolor is a modern interpretation of the original that takes advantage of the latest in paint technology.
The subtle enhancements continue with the choice of period correct Grand Prix fog lamps mounted in the grille, a distinctive detail that showcases a Pontiac character trait that merges tradition with individuality. Other items to look for are the classic "exhaust splitters" that are attached to a larger than stock diameter exhaust system by Magnaflow, further enhancing the performance of the vehicle, while Hotchkis Performance has
engineered the suspension of the Great One so that it is lower than its stock counterpart. The result is superlative handling, coupled with a more aggressive appearance and is the perfect complement to the Hurst style wheels that lend a traditional, yet thoroughly modern theme to the vehicle in conjunction with the ultra performance Toyo Proxes Tires.
The RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE offers the unbridled thrill of a thoroughly modern high performance vehicle; albeit one that wears the body armor of a highly revered and decorated warrior. Whether one interprets the name to relate to its spirited high performance, its bold appearance, or the integrated interior, the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE definitely has "the right stuff."
The interior mirrors the theme of that runs throughout The Return of The Great One. It features seats with magnificent Katzkin hand sewn Parchment Pearl Leather, with stitching that remains true to the original pattern. Contrasting with the leather interior, Tiger Gold Pearl interior surfaces result in a harmony of classic inspired textures and colors.

NAMING THE GREAT ONE

The name of a vehicle is, in many ways, the key to its identity. We celebrate the GTO with its name. While it has been known throughout the years by such endearing names as the "Tiger," the "Goat" and the "GeeTO," by far, the most revered name has been "The Great One." We pay homage to this legendary icon by remaining true to its pedigree and have chosen its most triumphant name. This vehicle truly marks the RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE .

CONCLUSION

The RETURN OF THE GREAT ONE is an extremely sophisticated vehicle, specifically designed to showcase the harmony of modern, well balanced components and performance the equal of any contemporary peer. With the 40th anniversary of the GTO upon us, we are proud to be a part of the celebration for this incredible vehicle.