1968 vs 1969 Pontiac GTO: What's the Difference?

[@ANACAD]

My first car was a 1969 GTO in Verdoro Green with a =black vinyl roof. It had a WT code 400, a Muncie four speed and a 410 Posi rear. Still my favorite car of all the ones I've owned.

[@freedomforever6718]

Two beautiful iconic classics.

[@JohnnyAloha69]

Apart from what was mentioned in the video here are some other differences and or corrections to errors in the video: 1… 68 headrest option had nothing to do with shoulder belts (which were standard on both years) 2…outside mirror was round in 68, rectangular in 69. Also 69 inside rear view mirror was widened from 10” to 12”. 3…steering wheel diameter did not change diameter. However the 69 steering wheel is shallower to reflect the new 69 steering column was longer. 4… side mount seat back release button was still used in 69 if car had reclining seat option. 5…in 68 you could order manual or power drum brakes or manual and power with front disc brakes. In 69 you only had two choices, manual drum or power disc. 6…68 disc brake option used four piston design, 69 used single floating piston design. 7…68 with power steering used normal 17.5 to one ratio but the 69 option used a unique 15.0 to one ratio. 8…68 400HO option was returned but was now equip with a Ram air system. 68 Ram Air engine options were replaced with Ram Air 4 option which included aluminum intake. 9…68 GTO used same valence as a Tempest but 69 valence was unique to GTO. 10…68 gauges and radio face used a steel blue color face while 69 switched to black. 11…68 dome light was rectangular , 69 was round 12…68 8 track had 4 knobs and mounted to underside of dash. In 69 it was redesigned with 2 knobs and a button and mounted on floor or console. 13…68 cars used a tuning pipe at the tailpipe to minimize drone. In 69 cars with automatic transmissions instead used resonators and manual cars had neither. 14…69 automatic transmission consoles had a wood grain and chrome insert ahead of the shifter, 68 did not. 15…the ignition switch light option offered in 68 was not offered in 69 16…similarly the switch controlled dash mounted reading lamp was not offered in 68. 17…the 69 AC option had a compressor cut off switch, 68 did not. 18…the 68 ram air system was always open. In 69 a dash lever was added that allowed the scoops to be blocked in bad weather. It also had an automatic system that blocked hood air and instead used hot air off the exhaust manifolds during engine cold starts. 19… new option for 69 included power door locks 20…with the elimination of vent windows in 69 non AC cars now had upper vents on each end of the dash. They were not fan powered or connected to the heater, instead they were opened by pull knobs and airflow was dependent on car speed. 21… another new option was power flow ventilation ((on non AC cars) which added blower motors in each dash vent, controlled by a 2 speed fan switch on the dash. 22…accessory switches in 69 moved from the upper edge of the dash to the wood grain trim beside the radio. They were now toggle style. 23…trunk paint switched from light grey-white speckle in 68 to a darker black-aqua color for 69. 24…in 68 radial tires were optional but not in 69. 25…the base 69 engine had a dual snorkel air cleaner, unlike 68 which had a single snorkel. 26…the 68 used an 8 bolt water pump while the 69 had a new 11 bolt design 27…68 window cranks have color keyed knobs while 69 are translucent gold regardless of interior trim. 28…69 optional clock added second numerals in addition to the hour numerals. 29…68 auxiliary gauge option in 68 used H and C numerals for temperature gauge while 69 used 100 and 250 30…68 wiper switch is a knob style, 69 is a toggle style

[@mr.goodpliers6988]

You know these cars well. Thank you John for taking the time to stop and share your encyclopedic knowledge!

[@jamesaiello9787]

8. 68 H.O. cars where not Ram Air. no hood open scoops. 68 had a Ram Air I and Ram Air II, in 69 it was changed to RA III & IV.

[@michaelmacpherson-wm6mh]

"side button seats" I found and purchased a reclining passenger seat at the junkyard around 1980 in a 1969 GTO, it had 1969 Upholstery but was a 68 seat with the side buttons. probably would be worth a fortune now.

[@kurtcocktoasten4592]

Tim Allen commenting on differences (long time GTO owner/enthusiast, collector). David Easley is the owner of the immaculate 1968 GTO on the right. Nice job boys! Additional Notes: * Hurst Dual Gate only available 1967 & 1968, not 1966. The 1969 GTO AT shifter was, in fact, a ratcheting shifter. When pulled into L, the driver could manually shift into S (2nd) and have the shifter4 mechanism stop IF the driver pushed the shifter at a 45 degree angle upward (off to the side when shifting). This engaged the detent and prevented the shifter from moving up to the next gear. The feature is still there (many don't know this) but the dual pattern gate was eliminated). I have never seen a 1969 or later shifter bezel with any numbers cast/etched into it. Just the indicator window. * Hood for 1968 IS different in the support brace just behind the nose (David Easley made that comment later in the video). In 1968, the brace was straight (without an indent). In 1969, with the change to the 1-piece plastic fan shroud, the center brace was indented for the clearance. When a 1968 hood is used on a 1969 or 1970, the center brace (without indent) impacts the fan shroud and will eventually lead to a crack of the shroud * Ram Air Heads were no different in external height than standard d-port heads of the era. A Ram Air IV head IS different in port design. A Ram Air III head is a D-Port head like the standard pontiac head, differentiated by casting number on the center two exhaust ports. * 1968 air cleaner was a single snorkle, while 1969 was a dual snorkle design. * 1968 GTO front inner fender wells were slightly different than 1969 - 1972 inner fenders in that a 1968 had a protruding bump that can be felt by reaching hand under fender lip at the apex (center) of the wheel arch. If a 1968 GTO does not have that bump, the inner fenders have been switched with later year.

[@mr.goodpliers6988]

I've never figured out how to pin comments, but the day I do I need to pin this one

[@SoulofAlice]

Was 1969 the first year that the option for the open round headlights?

[@kurtcocktoasten4592]

@@SoulofAlicethe question is a bit challenging as all GTOs had open round headlamps. However, as this is about the 68 vs 69 (same body style), the 1968 had them first. Interestingly, even though hidden headlamps were optional, more 1868 GTOs were equipped with them than std exposed headlamps

[@lakemi4665]

Tim i grew up near woodward Ave in 60s & 70s we got to the prototype vehicles running around, AWESOME times, thanks goodpliers 👍

[@michaelmacpherson-wm6mh]

the little differences between 68 and 69 make the 69 much better looking. parking lights and tail lights especially.

[@jamesaiello9787]

That is totally subjective. :) I find the 68 is a cleaner styled car. I tend to like first generation cars better than the 2nd gen.

[@michaelmacpherson-wm6mh]

@@jamesaiello9787 I really like the interior, the parking lights, and the rear side marker light on the 69's

[@jeffreypgorman]

I love the 68 especially the dashboard grille and parking lights. It seems odd to me that they made such a fantastic dash for 68, used it one year then replaced it with a boring dash and used that for 4 years.

[@michaelmacpherson-wm6mh]

@@jeffreypgorman there is no such thing as boring when your tires are smoking your speedometer says 50 and you are going 10 miles per hour. ALL GTO's rock, especially the 4 speeds.

[@jimmyreed2992]

So glad to see this video. I have owned my '68 for over 55 years but did not know many of these differences. Really enjoyed video (also loved the color which is mine also). JR

[@mr.goodpliers6988]

Verdoro Green is a hallmark of the GTO model. That's the color mine was born with too

[@ernielaw]

Sounds like you're the original owner

[@57Banjoman]

Veldoro green-my favorite color-thanks!

[@ernielaw]

Best selling colour for GTO.

[@beniciomoldenado2315]

This was a very good comparison of the 2 model years. I don't claim to be the sharpest tool in the box, but the video would have been so much better if you had mentioned the similarities and differences between the engines.

[@Sports.Doctor]

I love the "68" Year.

[@cityfarmer7084]

Door mirrors different also. No pass side on 68. Gorgeous cars!!!

[@bobsilver3983]

I have a 1968 Lemans 350 H/O as of right now. I have owned 4 GTO's in my life...A 1968 Solar red 4 speed, 1970 Sierra Yellow auto Judge, a red 1970 4 speed, and a green with green interior auto 70. The 1968 solar red car seemed to be the quickest of the bunch...followed by my Lemans H/O...never had a 69 before, always wanted one, it just never happened. I will say I like the wing windows, the front valance panel, and the cool Pontiac arrow quarter lights on the 1968's over the 69's.

[@stevevogelman3360]

That cowl mesh is called hardware cloth….strange name but true.

[@jamesthompson8008]

Another reason for 68 only dash is that in 69, the interior ventilation system changed(also why the vent windows went away). While the 68 is somewhat unique, I personally prefer the 69 dash as it comes across as more 'complete' in terms of design. I think it lost something when they went back to a gauge bezel in 70-72.

[@mikemanning3025]

Excellent video, Tim!! I'm refurbishing a 1972 LUXURY LEMANS with just 90,000 documented miles, very nice PONTIAC! The numbers matching 350c.u Pontiac engine is rebuilt to 1969 350 HO specs; had to make a little more FUN to cruise, very much more potent. The original TURBO 350 trans redone with HD internals, as torque converter, differential is limited slip and has been freshened to factory specs. Paint is Springfield Green, which it was born with, black vinyl top and black Morrokide interior. She is qui❤te pretty, if I must say so, and wearing Le GRRRR vanity plates!! I've gotten many compliments; I forgot to mention 15" HONEYCOMB wheels w/ Silverstone whitewall skins! Looking forward to more content from you, especially. PONTIAC content! PEACE,LOVE and MUSCLE CARS. Mike from Delaware 4:30

[@iJanne1]

Hey, i'm from Finland and we own pontiac lemans 1968 with 428 cid engine, has anyone any glue, what means front windov sticker, "daylight use only"? The vehicle is from South Carolina and now it's in Finland. Any glue?

[@johnstickel5252]

My first new car was a ‘67 GTO…it’s now in a museum in Pontiac, MI.

[@mikebrown8065]

Great video!!! I can tell you that there are a lot of similar changes in the 68 to 69 Chevelle as well. Like the wing windows, ignition switch placement, and with the 1968 Chevelle, it was the last year for a metal grill. 1969 was plastic. 1968 Chevelle had a lot more metal in it than 1969; whereas it had a lot more plastic. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@user-vn6vx6rf7d]

Cool, I've owned several 69's. 1.) Locking, energy absorbing steering column starting 1969. 2.) Both cars have the optional Ralley steering wheels.) 3.) RA III & IV car hoods were different underneath to accommodate the open scoop bezels. 4.) Single (1968) vs dual snorkle (1969) air cleaners.

[@jamesaiello9787]

68 Was the first year for the energy absorbing steering columns. Making it a one year only column.

[@debbiebermudez5890]

Mr. B. Here ! Mr. Goodpliers GM in does days ( if it ain’t broken don’t fix it ; sale were going to roof . Also all infor is correct . 👍👀😎

[@tracym111973]

Rumor is that John Delorean (Chief engineer at Pontiac) and his wife were at a party and she found the friends green ash tray an interesting color and said that Pontiac should paint a car that color. The party host let them take the ash tray so automotive paint could be mixed becoming what's called verdoro green.

[@ernielaw]

Seemed to be the best selling color for GTO.

[@edmundanderson657]

A dark green color was popular across all makes and everything late 60's early 70's. We had green carpets, green appliances and so did alot of friends and neighbors. That was the color of the times.

[@tomsettles6873]

The dual gate shifter on my 1968 was the baddest thing. It didn't really do much but looked awesome. I had talked with another mechanic about finding a way to advance the timing 4 degrees when pushing the shifter into the gate. Most 1969s had disc brake package, very few 1968s came with that option.

[@No_Malarky]

Noticed underhood the `68 has a single-snorkle air cleaner vs dual on the `69. Gorgeous cars. I`m in Canada and used to own a `72 (American model) LeMans GT, bright orange w/reflective black side stripes. Stout engine fer sure.

[@puncht37]

Yeah. I don`t believe any `68`s had a dual.

[@suewatson1912]

Knowledge is power and I just got stronger Thank you for this informative video.

[@ScarlettFire341]

door lock buttons moves as well

[@t1259sw]

Thanks for the classroom teaching. Wished you would have asked about the side mirrors, looked like driver door only on both cars, was this a dealer installed option.

[@546cowboy6]

If I was going to buy a 1968 I would want the Judge with the Ram Air and four speed. I had a 1968 Firebird 350 HO four speed in the Vedoro Green with a black Vinyl Top. Had to move and too many cars so I sold it in 1977 cheap I miss that car.

[@ScarlettFire341]

Judge Started in 69

[@kennyrichard2971]

beautiful looking cars I prefer the 69 rear tail lights over the 68 Pontiac Pontiac was big on advertising, their wide track ! steering handling After seeing these two beauties I sure hope 🤞I can start to restore my 69 GTO enough to drive and slowly completely restore it some day soon

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Love those Pontiacs!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Oh wow, very cool..... Great vid!!!! 👍👍

[@floydthompson8668]

EXCELLENT informational video, I love this. If you can, please do a similar video on the 69, 70, 71 GRAN PRIX.

[@unknownsoldier5141]

Great video...i learned a lot ...love the GTO !

[@TairnKA]

Funny, I had a green 69 GTO (4sp, posi) in the mid 70s (engine grenaded). ;-)

[@guadalahonky4002]

The 1968 GTO was Motor Trend's Car of The Year and 1969 GTO was not. That is my guess.

[@ernielaw]

More chance of becoming Motor Trend's car of the year in the first year of a new style.

[@ernielaw]

I think 1969 was the first year which the GTO was sold on the Canadian market, although 1970 for the LeMans. There were several Pontiacs sold in USA but not sold in Canada. Both countries had different names for their full sized cars. The bigger Pontiacs were also slightly wider in the states than in Canada. In Canada the mid sized and compact Pontiacs were the Beaumont and Acadian respectively.

[@mr.goodpliers6988]

All of the Canadian Pontiac models of the era were based on Chevrolets - Nova, Chevelle, and Impala. Then in the early 90s it flipped - the Chevrolet Corsica was badged in Canada as a Pontiac Tempest

[@ernielaw]

Good information whether I knew about it or not. I didn't know †he Corsica styled Tempest was sold exclusively in Canada. They were introduced in 1988.@@mr.goodpliers6988

[@kevinmanning4880]

Fantastic video!

[@shawnmarvin6348]

Another informative video, thank you

[@tomharden9015]

Really enjoyed this video.

[@ernielaw]

Also see his more recent Pontiac video

[@stevenbonnesen5988]

I bought a 68 Chevelle in 72 327 4 speed I wish I could remember the name of the shop that built the engine as it had a brass plate riveted to the block.. I can tell you this it put out the horse power ...

[@TomWinfield-dw1ts]

69 has the dual snorkel air cleaner. 68 doesn’t.

[@montrealbarnes1288]

I might just buy me a dam GTO

[@musiccitymadman2023]

Did they both have rpm gage in the hood

[@graemeburr6463]

Thanks very interesting.

[@EliudCastro-kw8kl]

Love the 68 GTO

[@impalaman4546]

Great video thanks 👍

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

68 ignition key goes into the dash 69 it goes into the locking steering column

[@kaveman1021]

The 1969 is the pinnacle of GTO production.

[@ScarlettFire341]

1966 was the most GTO's ever made - 96,000 +-

[@kurtcocktoasten4592]

@@ScarlettFire341 with 1968 following with nearly 88,000. ‘69 had 72,000 produced

[@ericthompson3551]

Vent windows in 68. Completely different dash in 68.

[@thejudge8780]

69 had twin snorkel air cleaner and the 68 a single

[@Chris-bz6wl]

67 has one driver side mirror, 68 has passenger side as well, stock or no? Looks like 67 is round and 68 rectangular too.

[@warrengee-f9l]

front side by side shot the 69 is alot lower to the ground

[@walcoman]

Personally, the 68 was way sexier.

[@andrew-hd3ih]

the 1969 was the best looking of the two year body style, much more refined and cleaner lines, front grill was way better flush and clean, tail lights look way better raised up out of the bumper. interior much cooler, not the ugly old wood grain dash, like 1966 and 1967. and 1969 was the first year of the judge package! 400 ram air 4 witch was rated at 370hp, although was much more like 450hp, ram air 3 was rated at 366hp, for insurance purposes! more like 400hp plus. then they went back to the ugly wood grain dash ror 1970, 71 and 72. 1969 was a stand out year and the most valuable!!

[@tomquinn607]

Engines?

[@mannycarinha770]

That’s more like a lemans. Front drum brakes and none boxed rear control bars. GTO,s came with those standard.

[@jasonmacneil2256]

Whats the difference?? SERIOUSLY??

[@marksullivan8200]

Didn't they go from ram air 2 to ram air 3 heads on the ho engine options from 68 to 69 I thought they did but I could be wrong

[@puncht37]

They did. They also added the ram air 4 in `69.

[@wiiambarnarx8485]

When somebody I'm talking to about information of any kind and responds to me "ok" drives me insane. This guy says "ok" about fifty times during this video. I would have had to leave, I'm sorry but I cant stand that!

[@antera77]

1968-69 Pontiac GTO -- some of the most beautiful front ends of all time. Tragic what happened in 1970 -- like plastic surgery gone bad. Then the 1971 GTO was like an attempt at corrective surgery, that made it even worse. A wheezing, fat, droopy eyed abomination. Four gaping nostrils foreshadowing the 2001 Aztek.

[@bobsilver3983]

68 and 69's were just perfect cars in my book...I do like the 70 model, just not as much as the 68 and 69's, 71 model I didn't care for the front end either.

[@richardmead9225]

1969 Corvair doesn't have column ignition. 1966 and 1967 GTO are a size of an Impala...not an intermediate like Chevelle.

[@peterhogan9537]

thats bull.

[@ernielaw]

The GTO shared its sheet metal with Tempest and Lemans which were considered an intermediate.

[@jamesaiello9787]

GTO & LeMans shared the chassis with a Chevelle every year of production. They are a A-Body designation from GM while the Impala is a B body like the Bonneville

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Neither does Chevy and GMC pickups until about 1973

[@valiantredneck]

They are all beautiful machines.

[@willyhwang1059]

i doubt GM even keeps track what is what year. assembly line workers just grab what's around that fits