A 1967 Pontiac GTO, that was restored from rust and dents to like-new condition by Dauphin County (Pennsylvania) Technical School students, recently went up for sale on eBay. The project was made possible by a grant from the Carlisle (Pennsylvania) Automotive Classroom Foundation in 2001. The foundation, a nonprofit organization launched in 2001 by Carlisle Events, oversaw the project that sought to provide high school students the opportunity to get hands-on experience restoring classic and collectible vehicles.

The project lasted three school terms — and help was provided by a number of businesses that donated various parts and services to the GTO — before the restoration project saw completion. Countless students over the three-year period had a hand in bringing this old “Goat” back to life. Many have graduated from school and moved on with their lives; others were able to see the finished product.

The fully restored GTO found its way to the auction block on eBay on November 11, 2005. The proceeds of the sale will be used to purchase equipment and supplies needed to further the auto-tech learning experience at Dauphin County Technical School.

The 10-day auction ended on Monday, November 21, 2005, at 8:55 a.m. The lucky bidder, Jack Foyle, Jr., of Erdenheim, Pennsylvania, had the winning bid at $28,100; there were a total of 28 bids. The site was viewed more than 6,100 times during the auction period.

Foyle, an avid car enthusiast and a regular visitor to Carlisle, first saw the Goat at Fall Carlisle 2005. He really liked the option package, especially the 400-cid HO engine. Not a newcomer to GTOs, Foyle owned a ’66 GTO when he was in college. His wife, Emily, tells the story that she first dated Jack because she liked his car!

The three-year-project cost more than $10,000 in reproduction parts, trim, and interior pieces supplied by Ames Performance, and was completed under the auspices of Carlisle Automotive Classroom Foundation. The project car has already been featured in many publications, including Old Cars. The restoration, in many of its phases, also received television coverage from three central Pennsylvania TV stations.

Special thanks from all involved go out to the contributors and supporters of the Carlisle Automotive Classroom Foundation GTO Project: Steve Ames and Kevin Beal of Ames Performance; UCF Machine Shop (engine and transmission rebuilds, all mechanical repairs); American Classic Restorations, Inc. (restoration of the instrument panel); Coker Tire (donated tires); Graves Plating Company (rear bumper); Russ Gross of Russ’s Trim Shop (classroom instruction of interior replacement); and Carlisle Events.