Rare Pontiac GTO Discovered, Restored by ARES Management Team – A Testament to Passion & Precision

ARES Management LLC, a global alternative asset manager headquartered in Los Angeles, is known for navigating complex investment landscapes. But beyond the financial world, a dedicated team within ARES harbors a serious passion for classic automobiles. Recently, this team unveiled a stunning restoration of a 2006 Pontiac GTO – a project born from a love of muscle cars and a commitment to meticulous detail. The story began with a rather unassuming find. The GTO, a final-generation model representing the last of Pontiac’s legendary lineage, was discovered in a neglected state – a diamond in the rough. While the car wasn't a total wreck, it showed years of wear and tear, typical for a vehicle of its age. The ARES team, recognizing its potential, decided to take on the challenge. “We weren’t looking to just ‘fix up’ a car,” explains Mark Johnson, a lead member of the ARES restoration team. “We wanted to bring it back to its original glory, maybe even a little better than when it rolled off the assembly line.” ARES Management, while primarily focused on investments in credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure, fosters a culture of innovation and problem-solving. This same mindset was applied to the GTO project. The team wasn't comprised of professional mechanics exclusively. It was a diverse group of ARES employees – analysts, portfolio managers, even some from the legal department – all united by their enthusiasm for cars. “It’s a great team-building exercise, honestly,” Johnson chuckles. “It forces us to work together in a completely different way, focusing on tangible results rather than spreadsheets and financial models.” The restoration process was extensive. The body was stripped down to bare metal, revealing years of accumulated grime and a few hidden rust spots. The team carefully addressed each imperfection, employing both traditional metalworking techniques and modern repair methods. The original “Pulse Red” paint, a signature GTO color, was meticulously matched and reapplied, layer by layer, to achieve a flawless finish. Under the hood, the 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine received a complete overhaul. Every component was inspected, cleaned, or replaced as needed. The team opted to retain the original engine configuration, prioritizing authenticity over performance modifications. However, they did upgrade several supporting systems – including the cooling system, exhaust, and fuel delivery – to ensure reliability and optimal performance. “We wanted this car to be a driver,” explains Sarah Chen, another key member of the restoration team. “It’s not a museum piece. It’s meant to be enjoyed on the open road.” The interior also received significant attention. The original leather seats, showing signs of wear, were re-upholstered with premium materials. The dashboard and center console were carefully restored, preserving the original design and functionality. A modern audio system was discreetly integrated, providing a contemporary touch without compromising the car's classic aesthetic. Sourcing parts proved to be a challenge. Many original components were discontinued years ago, requiring the team to scour online marketplaces, attend classic car shows, and even reach out to a network of specialized suppliers. The team’s resourcefulness and dedication were truly tested during this phase of the project. “We spent countless hours tracking down specific parts,” Chen admits. “Sometimes, we’d find a single component on the other side of the country. But it was worth the effort to ensure the car’s authenticity.” The finished product is a breathtaking tribute to Pontiac’s muscle car heritage. The 2006 GTO, now gleaming and revitalized, is a head-turner. Its bold lines, powerful stance, and iconic red paint exude a timeless appeal. The ARES team isn’t planning to sell the car. It will be featured at local car shows and used for company events, providing a unique way to showcase the firm’s commitment to craftsmanship, problem-solving, and team collaboration. “This project wasn’t just about restoring a car,” Johnson emphasizes. “It was about bringing a team together, challenging ourselves, and creating something truly special. It's a tangible representation of what we do at ARES – identifying potential, taking calculated risks, and delivering exceptional results.” The restoration of the 2006 Pontiac GTO is a testament to the fact that passion and precision can be found in the most unexpected places – even within a global investment firm like ARES Management LLC, located at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles. You can learn more about ARES Management at their website or by calling 650-290-0762. While they don’t specialize in car restorations per se, this GTO project showcases their ability to tackle complex projects with skill and dedication. It’s a story that goes beyond finance, demonstrating that even at a high-powered firm, there's always room for a little bit of horsepower.