You’ve probably seen enough Pontiac GTO restomods to call it a day. But this modern 1964 GTO does things just differently enough to warrant a second look. And a third, or fourth if you’re a muscle car fan.

In this exclusive render for HotCars by the talented 3D artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel, the 1964 Pontiac GTO undergoes a stunning transformation that leads with modernity. Enough to make you look up ‘Pontiac GTO for sale’ so you can borrow ideas from this concept to make your own restomod stand out.

Most usually, restomods of classic cars in real life tend towards keeping the look stock. Underneath it all, there’s modern running gear and interiors. Which is what puts the mod into ‘restomod’. But sometimes, someone decides to put a little more character into the restoration and modification process. Which brings us to something most people call stock plus. In this case, you’re looking at more modern wheels, at the very least. Perhaps more modern lighting elements as well. In more extreme cases, the bodywork is subtly massaged to make it different enough to make someone stop and stare. And wonder just what’s been changed, and why it looks so darn good.

This restomod concept isn’t one of those. This one is more along the lines of a custom that the legendary Chip Foose would come up with. In this case, the planned modifications enhance the lines of the iconic ’64 Pontiac GTO in just the right way. Which is why this restomod could very well be the restomod to rule over all other Pontiac GTOs.

Related: Here Comes The Judge: This Modernized 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Lays Down The Law

How To Restomod A GTO The Right Way

Aerial view of Modern 1964 Pontiac GTO restomod render front 3/4
HotCars | Timothy Adry Emmanuel

With the long, low and blocky lines of the original 1964 GTO, the first step to restomodding it is to keep things simple. The key element is in keeping the character line of the hood as level with the other end of the car. The next is to accentuate the huge expanse of glass between the A-pillar and the C-pillar.

This concept basically does what many other restomods don’t. And that’s in going the whole hog with the bodywork. Look real close, and you’ll notice the subtle flares in the fenders. You’ll also notice that the rear of the trunk lid doesn’t drop away as much as on the original. This has the result of making the concept look even longer than it is. It keeps from looking boat-sided thanks to the fender flares we mentioned, and the contrast panels on the lower half of the car. Not to mention the body kit that puts it lower to the ground.

Low angle view modern 1964 Pontiac GTO restomod render rear 3/4
HotCars | Timothy Adry Emmanuel

This modern GTO concept also goes the whole hog, and switches to completely frameless windows. This isn’t new in the world of cars, with several relatively regular BMWs using it to great effect. But in an old classic car? Whole other can of worms to get it right, and still keep the windows functionally intact.

The rest of the elements — the modern twin headlights on either side, dark chrome bumpers, modern, larger wheels and Michelin rubber — do their job in supporting the excellent body lines. The icing on the cake are the yellow brake calipers that really pop on an otherwise stealthy muscle car build.

Related: Here's Why This 1966 Pontiac 2+2 Build Is Ultimate Sleeper Restomod

Keeping Original Pontiac GTO Fans Happy

Even hardcore fans of the GTO will likely agree that this is one digital concept that gets it right. The GTO badge was pretty much designed as an options pack for the Pontiac LeMans in coupe, convertible and hardtop body styles. The Pontiac GTO is also pretty much universally regarded as the first ever muscle car. But when GM saw just how popular it was getting, it spun off into a sub-brand all by itself in 1966.

1966_pontiac_gto
via BaT

This brought the twin-stacked headlight look to the GTO lineup. Which gave rise to the next debate: which generation of the Pontiac GTO is the best looking? While we won’t dwell too much on which one is better, we think fans of both the first- and second-gen GTO will find something to like in this modern GTO concept.

Related: 5 Best And 5 Worst Pontiac GTOs Ever Made

Can A Pontiac GTO Restomod Take On Modern Muscle?

Gray 1969 Pontiac GTO Restomod Render
Source: HotCars

Well, it all depends on who you ask, obviously. Just for character, nothing beats a nice classic car with a modern twist. The opinion you seem to hear a lot lately is that all modern muscle cars have started looking the same. That’s certainly an issue you wouldn’t come across with a muscle car restomod.

So when it comes time to dropping serious money into a grounds-up restomod like this one, that’s worth remembering. The sky’s the limit when it comes to choosing an engine. But we think a GM big-block would be perfectly at home in this GTO restomod. Something with a lot of torque, to keep this GTO’s cruiser image intact. It doesn’t need a lot of crazy power. Because the way it looks already has it sitting at the top of the heap of restomods out there.