 |  |  ABOVE LEFT - Pontiac's new Grand am wins the award for the most distinctive front end in '73. ABOVE - Unique "soft" design of the Grand Am grille prevents damage from low speed impacts. (If only the horn blew when you did this!) LEFT - Louvered rear window openings immediately identify the GTO from other GM cars. |
| Pontiac Pontiac has never shied away from building controversial cars, and that includes the new '73Grand Am. The unique and distinctive energy absorbing front end treatment will readily identifythe Grand Am among more mundane automobiles. Although this car is actually part of theLeMans series, it is really just what it's name implies - a cross between the luxury of the GrandPrix and the performance and handling of the Trans Am. As with all of the LeMans series and theGrand Prix, the 455 Super Duty engine option is available. Pontiac also has their own version of the Hatchback in the Ventura line. The Ventura features it'sown grille treatment and Pontiac's OHV six cylinder engine, although the 350 cubic inch V8 isalso available. Although we didn't pick it as our "Best Buy", because of price and insurance considerations,Pontiac's Trans Am Firebird is one of the most exciting cars we'ver ever driven, second only tothe Corvette. All of the great things that have earned the Trans Am it's enviable reputation forhandling and styling have been retained for '73. The biggest news is that the 455 Super Dutyengine is also an option, making the Trans Am more exciting than ever. Watch for a 455 SD TransAm as one of the Hot Rod's project cars in the months ahead - you won't be disappointed! |  Back in 1964, Pontiac started the whole supercar craze with the GTO. In the years that havefollowed, there have been many changes, but in 1973 the Hot Rod "Best Buy" is still the GTO. Ashas been the tradition with Pontiac, the list of powertrain, handling, decor and convenience optionsmakes the LeMans and GTO one of the most versatile building blocks in any automotive division. Although performance has not been emphasized on supercars during the last few model years,Pontiac has revived the spirit of the GTO with an all new 455 cubic inch Super Duty engineoption. At 310 net horsepower, this all new engine is the most powerful production engine in theindustry. Of course brute strength isn't the only reason we selected the GTO, and less powerfulengines are also abailable. Completing the drive train is a heavy duty three speed manualtransmission with a floor mounted shifter or the optional four speed manual or Turbohudrotransmissions, along with positraction rearends. The handling of the GTO is quite good, thanks to firm shocks, G60-15 tires, 15 X 7 wheels, heavyduty front and rear sway bars and the optional variable ratio power steering. The standard frontdisc and rear drum braking system provides the stopping power. Exterior niceties come in the shape of NASA type hood scoops and GTO identification and trim.Options include unique striping, a variety of wheel covers, vinyl side molding and a manual orelectrically operated sunroof. With all of these options and trim features available, the GTO can betailored to the whims of almost any buyer. |
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