This 1967 Pontiac GTO, which became a standout at SEMA 2023 winning the TMI Trim Award Championship, showcased an impressive combination of classic styling and modern performance in Autotopia LA’s latest video. Owner Steve Aguilar began with simpler ambitions, he envisioned a classic car for local shows.

However, this 1967 Pontiac evolved into something far more ambitious. As Sean from Autotopia LA observed, “debuted at SEMA last year and truly one of the most exceptional Resto mods of the show.” This solid resto-mods from the show involved a partnership with renowned automotive designer Sean Smith.

Beneath the classic exterior lies a 427 cubic-inch LS with a Whipple supercharger that generates 880 ft-lb of torque at just 4,000 rpm when tested on the dyno. “It kept blowing off the dyno at 4,000 rpm. It was already making 880 foot lbs,” Sean recalled.

Performance estimates place the engine’s output between 1,000 and 1,100 horsepower at the crank. This translates to between 900 and 1,000 horsepower delivered to the wheels. This Goat also utlizies a flex-fuel system, so it can run on 93-octane or E85 Ethanol for max power.

A 4L80-E transmission manages this considerable force and a 3,000-stall billet torque converter ensures efficient power transfer. The GTO’s exterior displays meticulous attention to detail. The car sports a striking Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic finish sourced from BMW’s catalog.

This distinctive paint, originally featured on the electric BMW X5, gives the car a modern touch. In place of traditional chrome, all brightwork features sophisticated nickel plating. “There’s no chrome on this car. Everything is nickel,” Sean pointed out.

The Pontiac Indian head was used on Pontiac cars from 1954 to 1966.

When it comes to the car’s wheels, they measure 10-inches wide in the front with 275/30R19 tires and 12.5-inches wide in the rear with 345/30R20 rubber. Additionally, there’s also a custom center cap that adds a personal Pontiac touch. While the body retains its iconic style, the subtle modifications made enhance its appearance. These include tucked and shortened bumpers and a refined grille.

When it comes to suspension, an independent rear suspension with 3.89 gears manages the car’s substantial output. The entire build, including the initial work at Roadster Shop and the subsequent delays, spanned approximately two years. Sean summarized the car’s impact, stating it “makes it up into the very top tier for me personally.”