Some iconic 1969 GTO options
that are often added during a restoration
are original to Martin’s convertible. Exam-
ples here include the hood tach and hidden
headlights. Those California license plates
are the same ones that were on this GTO
when previous owner Duncan Bond bought
it in February 1970.FULL BOAT
Martin’s GTO has a full Gardner reproduction exhaust system. The Ram Air III engine was new for 1969, and represented the first step-up engine option at
366 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque. Cornering lamps are rarely seen on 1969 GTOs. In fact, when Martin painted his car red in the
1980s, he had them removed because he didn’t care for their appearance. During restoration,
he reconsidered and had them reinstalled.30 SEPTEMBER 2019
AT A GLANCE
1969 GTO CONVERTIBLE
Owned by: Stephen Martin, Brier, WA
Restored by: Dale Knutson, S&S Upholstery, Bill
Nelson, Numark Automotive
Engine: 400ci/366hp Ram Air III V-8
Transmission: TH400 3-speed automatic
Rearend: 8.2-inch 10-bolt with 3.31 gears and
Safe-T-Track
Interior: Black vinyl bucket seat
Wheels: 14-inch Rally II
Tires: G70-14 Goodyear Polyglas reproduction
Special parts: More than 25 factory-installed
options (see sidebar).“He must have liked
his cars loaded up”
outside the Judge, but it was available by
special order.
For the factory color respray, Martin
turned to the talented Dale Knutson, who
accomplished the job using a PPG base/
clear. The experienced paint and body man
was impressed by the GTO’s all original
metal, calling it one of the most pristine
examples he’d had the pleasure of work-ing on. In more recent years, Martin has
had additional restoration work done on
the car; for example, he made the decision
in 2016 to have the original upholstery
replaced by S&S Upholstery in Kenmore,
Washington.
This past winter, after our photo shoot,
Martin had fellow Legends club member Bill
Nelson freshen the engine compartment