Special Introduction: This is the creme de la creme of my collection. It's not the rarest, or most valuable/expensive, or most sought-after in the diecast market. But for me it represents the best combination of value, build quality, detail, and accuracy of all the cars that I own. I also happen to like the subject matter, which plays a big part in the equation (someone who doesn't like GTOs probably wouldn't rate the car as highly). It's also important to note that I only paid $50 for this car off ebay, which is where the "value" part of the equation comes in. Had I paid anywhere near full retail ($125), my feelings would be different. That $50 price was not a "lucky-find", either...they can be bought for $50 by the dozen every day (as of July 2003, anyway!).

Highs: Very heavy, very solid, very well-built. Off all the GMP GTOs, I think the Gold has the smoothest, glossiest, most attractive paint. As I point out on my Diecast Rankings page, mine came out of the box with absolutely no paint blemishes anywhere. It's perfect. Tires are fully detailed, interior is carpeted and fully detailed, engine is a thing of beauty. Car has working suspension front and rear, and actually works more smoothly than Lane's suspension (sometimes on the Lane the suspension can get "sticky", with the car not bouncing back to its original accurate position). Everything opens, and everything stays open which makes viewing the trunk and engine compartment easy. Copper brake lines underneath and a hood-mounted tach are some of the great details that make this such an amazing diecast.

Lows: Nothing, nada, zip. Mine is flawless, and I woudn't change a thing.

Summary: My dad used to own a 1970 GTO, and I remember riding in it with him so there's a little sentimental value attached to this car. But the 1970 and 1972 models looked somewhat different, especially in the front end. I actually prefer the front end of the 1970 better (see my review of GMP's 1970 Atoll Blue "Judge" GTO), but overall this is my favorite diecast.