Pontiac GTO owner proves that you can go back

For 20 years Bruce Valley thoroughly enjoyed the Pontiac GTO convertible he bought before graduating from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis.

After twice restoring the well-worn car and with a third restoration rapidly approaching, he sold it to a collector in 1986.

Two decades passed before Mr. Valley and his wife, Nancy, decided to, as he says, “Go back in time.”

The search for a replacement for his original GTO began in ernest and soon the trail led to St. Louis.

A broker of antique automobiles there had for sale a freshly restored 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible. “It was virtually a new car in every way,” Mr. Valley says.

The car had been driven only about 26,000 miles when the owner sent it to Ohio for a six-year restoration. Mr. Valley contacted the restorers and learned exactly what had been done before the completed car was shipped back to the owner in Fargo, N.D.

From there, the Pontiac was sent to St. Louis for adjustments to the doors and for installation of a three two-barrel carburetor setup.

It was February of 2007 when Mr. Valley purchased the twin of the convertible car of his youth. He returned to his home near Mt. Vernon to await delivery of the object of his affection.

Records that came with the car indicate it was built in October 1966 and left the factory equipped with:

• Antenna.

• 5 seatbelts.

• Positraction.

• AM/FM radio.

• Power steering.

• Rallye I wheels.

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