General Motors was famously stodgy in the early 1960's, turning its nose up at factory sponsored racing and banning engines over 400 cubic inches in anything smaller than a full-sized vehicle. Even as youth culture and corporate competition forced the creation of the GTO, a mid-sized car with a larger than sanctioned motor, the top brass still clutched their pearls, fearing the liability of producing commercials which celebrated or even hinted at promoting performance in the hands of the everyman. Seems like they wanted to take credit for creating the Muscle Car with GTO while also avoiding the responsibility for doing so. In a now time-honored tradition of regulatory gamesmanship, Pontiac Division hatched a plan with one of the most popular shoe brands of the era, Thom McAn. Think of it this way- What if Dodge was barred from doing Challenger commercials? Nike would be offering the Demon 170 edition Air Jordan, complete with a sweepstakes give away of 50 the specially spec'd Muscle Cars. That's precisely what Pontic Motor Division did in 1966-67 with Thom McAn.
The plan in 1966 was to offer 50 exclusively optioned GTO's in a nationwide sweepstakes promoted through 1,500 Thom McAn stores with one winner drawn from every state. These were to offer the top engine, exclusive Tiger Gold paint, red fender liners, and the winner's choice of 4-speed manual or automatic transmission. The promotion went viral. Entries kept rolling in and foot-traffic at Thom McAn never seemed heavier. The was one problem, the original contest concluded after the '66 model ended. It's unclear whether any actual giveaway cars were built in '66. Winners were offered a voucher for a new '67 Pontiac for the original MSRP of the Sweepstakes Spec'd '66 GTO. But, excitement that Pontiac built didn't end there. Building on the success, a second contest was announced in the Fall of 1966 where 22 custom contest spec'd '67 GTO's were up for grabs, awarded in time for Holiday Season.
Won by the Barth Family of St. Louis, MO, this car is one of only three Thom McAn Giveaway cars left known to exist. Finished is special order Tiger Gold, red fender liners, range topping High Output motor and 4-speed manual transmission, it is the only one which remains an unrestored, original paint example. When Mrs. Barth learned that they had the winning ticket, she imagined it as her daily driver. That idea was challenged by the specter of the Missouri Summer heat. In true ""Show Me"" fashion, Mrs. Barth dickered with the dealership, willing to accept the prize if they were willing to install Air Conditioning prior to delivery. They obliged. Afterall, even gift horses should be equipped with A/C, shouldn't they?
The vehicle was delivered through St. Louis' Oldest & Largest Pontiac Dealer, Chas E. Vincel Pontiac Co. An original business card for the dealership remains with the vehicle. According to the original Window Sticker and corroborated by the PHS Data Card, this '67 Thom McAn GTO came factory equipped as follows:
Amongst the mountains of original documentation, you will also find the original Warranty Plate and book, the original title, and a recall letter dated May 8, 1967 addressed to All GTO Winners informing them that they need their steering shaft inspected and potentially replaced. According to the original Owner Protection Plan and New Vehicle Warranty book, the car was placed into service on November 25th, 1966- the day after Thanksgiving. The warranty card notes ""to Tom Mc Cann Shoes Stores"", adding ""but Mr. Barth returned 1/7/67 had car back to Vincel's for checkup and power steering installed in May '67.""
Mrs. Barth did indeed drive this GTO regularly until her passing in 1978. A sealed church offering envelope still containing cash remains in the car. Golf score cards, some showing an on-par performance, to a long closed Country Club also remain in the glove box. The car was parked by a grieving husband showing only 50,000 miles on the odometer, preserving not only the car but a piece of Muscle Car history.
In 2002, second owner became the son-in-law of the Barths, the odometer still proudly showing 50,000 miles, a testament to the care and respect bestowed upon this remarkable touchstone of automotive history. The car was shown to the public for the first time in 45 years at the 2023 GTO Association of America Nationals where it won Concours Gold, scoring 663 points out of a possible 700.
The car has recently been serviced and tuned-up and is turn-key road ready. Today, Rev Muscle Cars is proud to present this Thom McAn GTO, a survivor with a story to tell. If you are passionate about preserving history, this '67 could be the keystone to your collection. This isn't a car; it is The Great One, indeed.
