PONTIAC GTO INDUCTED INTO THE "CRUISIN' HALL OF FAME"

The Pontiac GTO, GM's first mid-sized sedan powered by a large displacement V-8 engine, will be inducted into the "Cruisin' Hall of Fame" at the Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous in San Bernadino, Calif. The first vehicle of its time, the GTO was recognized as America's original "muscle car."

"We're very pleased to have the legendary GTO inducted into the "Cruisin Hall of Fame,"' said Jim Maddison of Pontiac Historical Services. "The GTO was unique because of its incredible performance and distinctive style, but it will always be remembered for creating an entirely new classification of vehicles and automobile enthusiasts."

The name "GTO," which stands for Gran Turismo Omologoto was a reference to an Italian racing class based on production vehicles. Despite numerous challenges from other automobile manufacturers, GTO's combination of style, performance and mystique was never matched.

The 10th Annual Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous is a nostalgic celebration of the historic "Mother Road," converting 30 downtown streets of San Bernardino into a four-day custom and classic car cruise event.