GMP 1972 Pontiac

During the '72 model year, the Pontiac Division of General Motors relegated their once infamous GTO to a mere option package of their LeMans automobile. Functional side extractor vents were added to the front fenders, just behind the wheels. The rear wing was still an option as was a ducktail spoiler, of which only a few made it out of the dealer showrooms. There were also some H.O. badging differences from the '71 model year and the speedometer was now a 120 mph version instead of the 140 mph unit that was standard in the '71 GTO. Options available for the '72 GTO were limited to a coupe or a hardtop. The convertible was now gone. There were just 15 standard exterior colors, 6 extra cost exterior colors with 8 interior color options.

The engine choice was limited to just two optional selections those being the 455 - D-port - 250 hp or the 455 - H.O. - Ram Air - 300 hp power plant. Otherwise the standard, 400 cid - 250 hp was placed under the hood as standard equipment. As for the transmission your choices were limited to a 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual or Turbo-Hydramatic. The 3-speed manual transmission was the standard issue but for a few dollars you could move up to a 4-speed manual or the then popular Turbo Hydramatic.

In typical GMP fashion they once again hit the nail on the head with their rendition of this once famous automobile. The color choice is perfect, Adriatic Blue with a white interior, is a very appealing representation of the original automobile, captured perfectly by the designers at GMP.

The finish on the model we reviewed is absolutely flawless, glass like in appearance. The fit of of the panels is outstanding being tight and accurate. It is the attention to the little things that keeps peaking my attention with GMP. It is evident that this company has authenticity as priority one when recreating their replicas. For example the molded door and trunk locks recessed into the panels just like those on the 1:1 is a nice attention getter. An actual grille that allows you to view the radiator behind it is another nice touch lending to the models realism.

As for engine detail, GMP sits at the top of my list as having one of the finest engine compartments in the industry, always very detailed and authentic. The 455 H.O. is no exception, upon opening the hood you cannot help but be impressed with the amount of detail lurking in there.

The first ares that caught my eye was the rather impressive firewall. I am talking major attention to detail here, like vacuum hoses to the windshield wiper motor. Also found in this compartment was a fuel pump with lines, starter, brake lines off the master cylinder; hoses, plug wires and a fan belt. Lets not forget the little details, such as warning labels on the cowl, which I might add are readable. Then you have the 455 H.O. emblem on the air cleaner, which is the like icing on the cake. The attention to detail such as this is what sets GMP apart from the competition.

Moving onto the interior, I consider it as important as the engine compartment with GMP doing an admirable job here too. I love the white bucket seats along with the wood grain on the console and dash. The overall interior appearance is very good conjuring many memories from my youth.

Opening the trunk reveals the spatter paint that graced the automobiles of this period. Also you will find a spare tire and a jack along with the front floor mats. Flipping the model over you find a very detailed undercarriage, with front to rear brake lines, a driveshaft, stabilizer bar and shocks. I have to tell you this is a fantastic model if you lived your youth as I did in the early '70's, even if you didn't it is a great recreation of a fantastic car.

In conclusion, as memories of this automobile and its many cousins flutter inside my head, I can't help but reminisce the sounds, smells, and music that are emblazoned in my mind forever. They are from a time not so distant that they have faded in the review mirror of my mind, but remain vivid and sharp to live another day, simply by catching a glimpse of the GMP '72 Pontiac 455 H.O. on the shelf, thus, allowing me to relive a piece of my past, at least in my minds eye, if only for a minute.

It is memories like this, that keeps me anticipating, which automobile will be recreated next? These memories allow me to dream of the many wonderful automobiles that adorned my youth and relive a time not so long ago, keeping it forever fresh in my mind? Thank you, GMP!