Classic Cars of 1964
 

Gran Turismo Omologato. Have you ever been curious what GTO stood for? In '64, GTO meant you were scoring an option to the Pontiac LeMans, which would cost around 300 bones and add some full sized power to a mid-sized ride. There were three versions to choose from, all boasting an impressive V8 pushing over 300 horses. The convertible version was and is a car lover's favorite, yet the hardtop and sport coupe will bring a pretty penny, and lift more than a few eyebrows when mint.

They were the transitional models for the Porsche line: The 1964 and '65 356. The marriage of the Speedster and Carrera, and strangely enough, similar in look to the newest contemporary Porsche, the 4-door Panamera. The 1964 Porsche 356 represented the twilight of an era, as production on the 356 halted after 1965. It was the first mass-produced model by the Porsche motor company, and the '64 represented the final generation and completion of the design. The twin cam racing-style engine offered plenty of zip to the street driver, and in 1964 this classic car cost a whopping $4,100.

It only made sense that the Cadillac Eldorado came in convertible form. Anything sporting such size, and fins reminiscent of a wake, could only be classified as a boat on wheels. Seating five, the Eldorado was a true comfort ride, and offered plenty of power (Approx. 210 hp) from the 428 ci, inline 8-cylinder. These rides were synonymous with the great, American road-trip, capable of riding the whole family, and carrying an impressive amount of luggage!

One of the most popular, light pickup trucks for restoration projects, the 1964 Chevy C10, was an example of Chevrolet hitting their stride with the popular “C” models. This half-ton model rolled on the power of a modest Inline-6 cylinder, but today are most often restored with much more power. The truck-junky will opt for a Chevrolet 350, combined with a capable transmission, dropped nose and pushed up rear. What the trucks offered in 1964 was an affordable vehicle that could be used to haul and transport goods and service tools in the growing urban and suburban environments. It became a favorite of the blue-collar, working community.

Last, but certainly not least. 1964 presented the world with what would become a classic, American love affair. The Ford Mustang stole the hearts of many car lovers in '64, and the first generation Mustangs are still coveted among the true auto-lover. Three versions were offered, topping out with the classic Mustang 289 ci V8 in Fastback style, which when pushed through the perfect exhaust, still sounds something like horses running in heaven. One of the most popular sports car models available today, the Mustang is a true American classic, born in 1964.