WHAT IS IT?
The Pontiac G8 was the vanguard of Bob Lutz’s plan to turn Pontiac into the American equivalent of BMW where Lutz had worked in the 1970s. It was an inspired plan, and unlike in past American attempts to compete with the Germans, in the G8, they had a credible platform. The G8 as most people know, was a re-badged Holden Commodore, built in Australia. Unlike its predecessor, the Holden Monaro/Pontiac GTO, the car looked the business. With a 415-horsepower LS V8, and an available 6-speed manual gearbox and very competent chassis engineering, the G8 GXP was essentially an E39 BMW M5, without the crippling running costs. Sadly, the Great Recession, and the bankruptcy-related shutdown of Pontiac ended Lutz’s dream.
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
Ordinarily, we go for condition over spec, and there are certainly lower-mileage automatic G8s on the market right now, but this one checks all the boxes–it’s a GXP with a manual. End of story. It shows the signs of careful adult use, although the engine compartment could certainly use a professional detail. At just 41,000 miles and a clean Carfax though, it certainly qualifies as a collector-grade example. It’s for sale in California for what seems to be a market correct $43,600.
The G8 GXP was essentially an E39 BMW M5, without the crippling running costs.
I love G8 GXPs and its twin the Chevy SS. I don’t even mind when people “Holdenize” them with Australian market badges. While this one might be the best spec, I’m doubtful that it’s the best example. Maybe a serious pro detail would change my mind, but to the selling dealer, if you’re going to post this kind of an ask, spend the $500 for some proper prep.
The final year for the Pontiac G8, with a six-speed? You have to love a manual muscle sedan! Without examining it in person, I’d say this is the nicest Pontiac G8 GXP out there.
The vast majority of these were automatic cars, so the manual here is a huge bonus. They were hard to find even when new. Add to that the 6.2 LS3 and you’ve basically got a Corvette with a back seat. I have to agree with Rob about the details, though. There’s got to be a better example out there somewhere…