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- 1965 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO Hardtop - Breathtaking acceleration, a race car name, and a relatively low price -- what's not to like? Pontiac's GTO was a hit, especially among baby boomers with first jobs or generous parents. Other automakers followed with their own big, brawny "muscle cars." But young drivers plus powerful engines produced more accidents and higher insurance rates. That -- along with rising gas prices in the 1970s -- ended the muscle car era.

- 1965
- Collections - Artifact
1965 Pontiac Tempest LeMans GTO Hardtop
Breathtaking acceleration, a race car name, and a relatively low price -- what's not to like? Pontiac's GTO was a hit, especially among baby boomers with first jobs or generous parents. Other automakers followed with their own big, brawny "muscle cars." But young drivers plus powerful engines produced more accidents and higher insurance rates. That -- along with rising gas prices in the 1970s -- ended the muscle car era.