It’s January in Nebraska and our college football season has been over for weeks, but it just wrapped up for most of the nation’s top universities. Hard fought bowl games in warm climate stadiums are quite the departure for those of us in the upper half of the county, where our driving season also gets put on hold because of winter’s frigid grip.
For many high school and collegiate football fans, the first weekend in September is the most exciting time of year. With the entire season ahead, it means pep rallies, tailgating with friends, and cheering on your alma mater or other favorite school to a win each Friday night or Saturday afternoon.
To car enthusiasts, the fall also signified (and still often does today) the introduction of new model year vehicles. It’s a chance to see what’s new and exciting from each manufacturer and if you’re lucky enough, owning the hottest new model.
I found a photograph in my collection that seemingly depicts both fall rituals. Dated September 29, 1970, it shows a group of high school cheerleaders riding atop a new ’71 GTO. From the date, a football pep rally seems most logical, but those tuned into ‘70s Pontiacs might also recognize that the very-new ‘71 GTO had to be built shortly after new model year production began.
A closer look reveals that this particular GTO is equipped with a “455 CID” decal on its front fender. It’s also equipped with side accent stripes, but the lack of a “Judge” fender decal, blacked out grille texture, and sport mirrors eliminates that option. It’s also equipped with Uniroyal tires and Rally II wheels. What more do you see?
With the 2020 football season about 9 months away, is your vintage Pontiac prepared to carry a group of cheerleaders in this manner?