My father’s love for cars was a lifelong passion, sparked by a 1966 GTO my mom bought him upon his return from Vietnam. He often reminisced about that car throughout my childhood, always tinkering with engines, tires, and rims on the various vehicles he owned over the years – a ’72 Chevelle, a ’74 Duster, a ’70 LeMans, an ’85 Corvette, and a ’71 Corvette Stingray, to name a few. Each car held a special place, but the GTO always seemed to hold a unique significance.
In the years leading up to his passing, my dad began searching for another 66 or 67 Gto. He spent time browsing online and checking local listings, but nothing quite caught his eye. Then, about a month before he passed away, he and my Uncle Larry discovered a 1967 GTO that truly resonated with him. He bought it immediately. The moment I saw that ’67 GTO, I was captivated. Its dark teal paint gleamed, and the interior was remarkably well-preserved. While it had some minor mechanical issues and a few blemishes in the paint, it was undeniably a stunning car and a fantastic foundation for a restoration project.
Sadly, my dad’s health deteriorated rapidly, and he only had the chance to drive his prized ’67 GTO twice. Once when he first brought it home, and again shortly before he passed, knowing his time was limited. While it’s bittersweet that he couldn’t enjoy his “Goat” for longer, I cherish the memory of being with him on that last ride, witnessing his genuine smile. Even after he became too ill to drive, I made sure to start both the GTO and his ’71 Stingray in the garage, just so he could hear them roar. Family members visiting him remarked how his face would light up with joy every time he heard those engines.
My dad was a true hot rod enthusiast. He lived and breathed cars, relishing in the process of working on them and enhancing their performance and appearance. When he passed away in July, the ’67 GTO became mine. This car held a profound personal connection, representing a time when I was his only child, filled with memories of sitting on its trunk and helping him wash it as a boy.
After the initial grief subsided, I knew the ’67 GTO needed attention. The brakes were barely functional, it was overheating, and it required electrical and suspension work. Most concerning was a worrisome noise emanating from the engine, suggesting at least a bent push rod or two. I was determined to find a specialized shop, experts in vintage hot rods and muscle cars. I wanted a team that understood these vehicles inside and out, capable of handling the repairs correctly the first time, avoiding repeated visits and ensuring quality work.
By chance, I met another ’67 GTO owner who recommended Fantom Works. I researched them online and quickly realized they were the ideal choice for the job. Upon inspecting the engine, Dan and his team discovered more extensive damage than initially anticipated. Dan provided an initial estimate for essential repairs, but also discussed the option of a complete engine rebuild, addressing all the car’s needs comprehensively. He presented the options without any pressure to inflate the bill, simply offering his expert opinion. Initially, I had planned to tackle the restoration in stages, perhaps achieving my vision for the car over a year or so. That night, contemplating the decisions, I felt somewhat overwhelmed. Discussing it with my wife, Kristine, she offered a perspective shift: “Why don’t you just get everything fixed at once, so you can start truly enjoying the car?” My jaw practically dropped, and I wholeheartedly agreed that was the perfect approach.
A few days later, I met with Dan again, and we created a detailed “to-do” list, and he provided a comprehensive estimate. I even added some upgrades – new tires and rims, a complete exhaust system, paint cut and buff, and refinishing the engine bay, among other enhancements. I truly appreciated Dan’s transparent approach, providing both a low and high estimate, giving me a clear understanding of the potential total cost depending on engine performance choices and any unforeseen issues. From that moment, I was incredibly excited about bringing the ’67 GTO back to its prime. The car occupied my thoughts constantly, from morning until night.
Dan kept me informed about the restoration progress, consistently offering various parts options along the way. When I finally picked up the ’67 GTO, I was absolutely astonished. It was a handsome car before, but now it was breathtaking. The paint looked remarkably refreshed, and the new tires and rims transformed its stance. And the sound! Starting the engine for the first time after the restoration was an incredible experience. Upgrading to a 455 engine with high-performance components, combined with the new exhaust system, produced a deep, resonant rumble that was simply exhilarating. Driving the car is an absolute thrill. Everywhere I go, it draws attention – compliments from people of all ages, thumbs up, waves, and requests for photos. A ’67 GTO is a classic beauty, a rare sight on today’s roads.
This car is more than just a vehicle to me; it’s a tangible link to my father’s memory and passion. Thanks to Dan, Rob, Steve, Spencer, and the entire FantomWorks team, this ’67 GTO will be cherished for many years to come. These guys are true car enthusiasts, just like my dad. He would have deeply appreciated Dan and his team’s dedication to cars, and I know he would have been absolutely amazed by the incredible transformation of his beloved GTO.
