All photos by Mark Kawakami
The surf sound of the early 60s (not be confused with the instrumentals of Dick Dale, The Venture’s, and others) became more on the topic of hot rods and drag races by the mid-60s. The sweet harmony of vocals and upbeat rhythms pioneered by the Beach Boys and Jan and Dean began to sing about “Little Deuce Coupes,” and “Drag City” while Ronnie and The Daytona’s praised Pontiac’s newest factory hot rod in “Little GTO.” On the 50th anniversary of the GTO, Dennis Levine’s rag top with a four-on-the-floor, 389, and tri-power is the perfect example that inspired that generation and generations to come.
“I bought it 15 years ago from a famous actor,” said Levine. “James Spader who’s in ‘The Blacklist’ as well as was in ‘Boston Legal.”
His GTO is completely original with matching numbers and paint. (besides a set of spokes)
“I have the factory build sheet, the only thing is that it came with a four barrel,” he said. “It was common for the dealer to add options at the dealership. Most likely the tri-power was a dealer add-on.”
Levine likes to cruise his “Goat” to local shows. Last April, he took it down to Del Mar for the Goodguy Meguiar’s 14th annual car show.
“It’s very reliable. I just repair what needs to be repaired,” Levine said. “It’s got tall gears and it cruises great on the freeway.”
Levine is an avid collector car enthusiast. Besides his “GTO,” he has a ‘57 Chevy, ‘34 five window, ‘58 ford truck, and ‘66 Shelby GT 350 Hertz.
“Next up for the GTO, is the Palos Verdes Concours which is a show more for exotics and foreign cars,” Levine said. “In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the GTO, I’ve been asked to be in a special class.” DZ
