That must have been a blast in the spring and fall.

Our GTO was similar to this http://www.americanb.../1970-GTO--29.JPG But in our case, the color was called "Palomino Copper Metallic" and it had a tan vinyl roof. THM400 transmission, column shifter. It wasn't a monster by any means, but was a blast.

Late '60s and up until about 1971 GM iron was a great for kids in the late '70s. Cheap, fairly abuse-tolerant, great to learn wrenchin' on, and could be made scary quick for not a whole lot of money. Of course, those cars killed a lot of kids, too.

The highest speed I ever saw in the GTO was 120 (indicated) with 6 people in it (with the 400). It was pretty tired when we got it, and for the longest time it wouldn't do above about 60. It would accelerate like the dickens, but never be able to get above about 60 mph. After throwing a lot of money at it replacing parts (carburator, fuel pump, ignition stuff, valve job, etc., etc.) because I didn't know how to properly diagnose it, I finally discovered (with the help of my friend's dad who was a farmer and always tinkering with his machinery) that a piece of rubber fuel line at the gas tank was kinked. Cutting off about 1" of it and reinstalling it fixed that problem.

Another good thing about having a car like that when you're young is, at least in my case, you appreciate the memories but don't want to relive them (at least not as a daily driver). Cars are so much better now. :-)

Cheers,
Scott.