Summer is almost here and a plethora of pro-touring car projects are finishing up and making their first runs for all of us to see. Another member on Pro-Touring.com announced last week that he had finally finished his 1965 GTO clone project and taken the car down to the beach for its first cruise. According to the forum member, he received countless thumbs ups and people gawking at his car. Based on the pictures he posted up, we understand why everyone was so enthused when they saw it.

The forum member’s GTO sports an LS1 engine and Global West suspension. Although it’s a clone, this car has a custom flair with custom carbon fiber pieces appearing on the vehicle. These pieces were custom made by the owner of the car.

The original Pontiac GTO made its debut in 1964 as a smaller car with big block engine options. While other companies were concentrating on full size cars, the GTO came to be viewed as the original muscle car due to its size and power options.

The original GTO’s were based on the Pontiac Tempest platform until 1966 when the GTO became its own model. The GTO was produced until 1974, at which time the car was reduced to one engine, which was significantly underpowered compared to previous engines, and only offered as an option on the Ventura.