Lot #1348 - This 1971 GTO 455 HO convertible is one of only 21 produced with the 455 HO engine and 4-speed close-ratio transmission. Built on December 30, 1970, at the Pontiac Assembly Plant in Pontiac, MI, this car was then shipped to Douthit-Carroll Pontiac Co., in Memphis, TN, for delivery to the first registered owner. The current owner commissioned this GTO convertible to have a recent, no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration in 2012. The restoration was performed by Pontiac restorer specialist Jerry Burge from the Atlanta Rod Shop. The car was completely disassembled and stripped to bare metal. The frame was removed and the entire drivetrain was rebuilt. The body of this vehicle was gone over from front to back, and the body fit is laser-straight. Once the body was prepared, it was given a fresh coat of the correct Aztec Gold (Code 59), using the best modern DuPont base coat/clear coat paint. The interior and convertible top were carefully done by Stephens Upholstery. The frame was stripped and all chassis components were replaced and/or refinished in the correct original factory finishes. The engine was sent out and completely rebuilt. The 455 HO Ram Air engine block was honed, and new pistons, rings and bearings installed. The crank was checked and lightly refinished. The Ram Air "197" cylinder heads were checked and given a valve job, along with new valves and valve springs. Everything was reassembled and the entire engine assembly was given a coat of the correct Pontiac engine paint. No stone was left unturned, and the interior was completely redone with nothing but the best of correct materials. All instruments and gauges were checked for operation and repaired or replaced if necessary. All wire harnesses were replaced with new. The restoration on this GTO is 100% "factory correct," right down to the correct T-3 headlamps and original-style Firestone lettered tires. Since completion the GTO has received the 2012 Pontiac-Oakland Club Gold points judging of 381 out of 400 points. It comes with a complete set of Pontiac Historic Services (PHS) paperwork, copies of awards and Pontiac Division Window Sticker. From the Thomas Stutzman Collection.