All Generations of Pontiac GTO

Initially launched in 1964 as a performance option package for the mid-sized Tempest/LeMans, the GTO, which stands for Gran Turismo Omologato, was the brainchild of engineers like John DeLorean, who defied GM's internal engine-size restrictions by stuffing a powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 into the chassis. This affordable, high-performance formula was immensely popular and quickly ignited the muscle car craze, peaking with models like the aggressively styled "Judge" package in the late 1960s. After a decline and eventual discontinuation in the mid-1970s due to changing regulations and market demands, the GTO nameplate was controversially resurrected for 2004 as a rebadged, Australian-built Holden Monaro, bringing modern rear-wheel-drive performance with a potent LS-series V8 until its final run in 2006.