Pontiac GTO IV (X-body) gallery (1974–1974)

The fourth-generation 1974 Pontiac GTO was a compact muscle car package based on the GM X-body Ventura platform.

All photos 41 I (A-body) 0 1964–1967 II (A-body) 20 1968–1972 III (A-body) 0 1973–1973 IV (X-body) 0 1974–1974 V (V-body) 0 2004–2006

Reacting to the 1973 oil crisis and soaring insurance premiums for high-displacement muscle cars, Pontiac downsized the GTO for 1974 by transferring the nameplate to the compact GM X-body platform as a package on the Ventura. Produced for only one model year, it was available in two body styles: a traditional two-door notchback coupe and a versatile three-door hatchback coupe. Power was supplied exclusively by a 350 cubic-inch (5.7L) Pontiac V8 engine equipped with a four-barrel Rochester Quadrajet carburetor producing 200 net horsepower. Visual signatures included a functional rear-facing Shaker hood scoop, a distinctive split grille with integrated parking lights, sport mirrors, and Rally II wheels. Transmission options included a base column-shift or floor-shift three-speed manual, an optional close-ratio Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual with a Hurst shifter, and a three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. The downsized compact GTO was sold throughout the United States and Canadian markets.