Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle

This November, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will ignite the spirit of American performance with Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle, an extraordinary tribute to Pontiac’s most iconic performance machines. The exhibition brings together sixteen landmark Pontiacs, from the original GTO that defined the muscle car genre to the Firebird and Trans Am that carried its spirit for decades. Opening Wednesday, November 5, the exhibition celebrates the evolution of Pontiac’s power, style, and enduring influence on American car culture.

At the heart of the exhibition is a breathtaking lineup of Pontiac GTOs, including multiple examples of the legendary GTO Judge, presented in its most iconic factory colors: Liberty Blue, Carousel Red, Orbit Orange, Granada Gold, and Lucerne Blue. Visitors will encounter the 1964 Tempest GTO that started it all, the sleek 1967 model that refined the formula, and the uncompromising 1969 to 1971 Judges that turned performance into spectacle.

Adding to the excitement, the Museum proudly presents a true piece of pop culture history: the 1966 Pontiac GTO Monkeemobile, one of the most recognizable and beloved custom cars ever created for television. Designed by legendary car customizer Dean Jeffries for The Monkees TV show, this outrageous, over-the-top GTO became a rolling symbol of 1960s fun, fame, and freedom. The Monkeemobile’s presence in Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle offers visitors a rare opportunity to see this larger-than-life icon up close, a car that perfectly captures the playful spirit of the muscle car era and the cultural explosion it inspired.

While the cars take center stage, Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle also reflects on how image and aspiration fueled Pontiac’s rise. In the Museum’s Orientation Theater, guests will find a special presentation of digital reproductions of more than 30 Pontiac advertisements originally created by artists Art Fitzpatrick and Van Kaufmann. Courtesy of the GM Heritage Collection, these vivid works reveal how Pontiac sold more than speed; it sold confidence, style, and freedom. The sweeping scenes and dramatic perspectives used in these ads became as iconic as the cars themselves, portraying Pontiacs not just as vehicles, but as symbols of arrival.

Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle opens to the public on November 5 at the Saratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga Springs, NY.

A special Exhibit Reception will be held on Thursday, November 13, from 5 to 7 PM, offering guests an exclusive evening to experience the exhibit, enjoy light refreshments, and celebrate the legacy of Pontiac performance.