Pontiac GTO

The GTO was a car introduced by Pontiac in 1964 as the concept of a "smaller car with a big engine", introducing the concept of a muscle car. Despite this description the GTO was actually a standard size car, having been based on the Pontiac Tempest and Pontiac Le Mans. In the late sixties a special Judge edition was created. It was discontinued after the Oil Crisis of 1973 killed the muscle car. It was revived after the turn of the millennium based on the Australian Holden Monaro coupe, but only lasted until the brand was discontinued. The GTO was used in the Grand National, the original name for NASCAR. After its revival the GTO was used in the Rolex Sports Car Series and the Koni Challenge (now the Michelin Challenge). The name GTO comes from "Gran Turismo Omoligato", Italian for "Grand Touring Homologated" (qualified). The name is also used on the Ferrari GTO.