ARES Management Employee Revives Automotive Legend: 2006 Pontiac GTO Returns to Glory

Okay, so you know ARES Management LLC, right? Big investment firm based here in LA – 2000 Avenue of the Stars, if you’re looking for us. We're all about finding good value and making things better, whether it’s in companies or, as one of our guys just proved, classic cars. This isn’t really a company announcement, more like a cool story from inside ARES. Meet Mark, a senior analyst on our credit team. He’s a total car nut. But not just any car nut – a Pontiac GTO fanatic. And he recently finished a massive restoration project on a 2006 Pontiac GTO – one of the last of the breed. Now, for those of you who don’t know, the GTO has a history. Way back in the 60s, it basically invented the muscle car. Powerful engine, sleek design, it was a legend. Pontiac messed around with it a few times over the years, but the 2004-2006 GTO was a bit…different. See, this version wasn't American-made. It was actually built in Australia by Holden, GM’s Aussie division. It was a rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered coupe, but it never quite captured the magic of the original. Some folks criticized the styling, saying it wasn’t aggressive enough. Others thought it lacked the raw, visceral feel of its ancestors. But a lot of enthusiasts, like Mark, saw the potential. They knew this car could be something special. Mark stumbled upon this 2006 GTO a couple of years ago. It was…rough. Seriously. Paint was faded, the interior was beat up, and it had seen better days. “It was a diamond in the rough,” Mark explains, “But it needed a lot of work.” He wasn’t looking for a garage queen, a pristine show car. He wanted a driver’s car, something that felt like the GTOs of old, but with a modern edge. And that’s exactly what he created. The restoration wasn’t just about fixing what was broken. It was a complete overhaul. Mark started with the engine – a 6.0-liter LS1 V8. He didn't go for a huge power boost – this wasn’t about drag racing. Instead, he focused on reliability and responsiveness. New fuel injectors, a performance camshaft, and a custom exhaust system gave the engine a noticeable kick, but without sacrificing drivability. He rebuilt the transmission to handle the added power and ensure smooth shifting. Next came the suspension. Mark wanted the GTO to handle better than ever before. He installed adjustable coilovers, performance sway bars, and upgraded bushings. This dramatically improved the car’s cornering ability and gave it a more planted feel. The brakes also got a major upgrade. Massive rotors and multi-piston calipers provide incredible stopping power, giving Mark the confidence to push the car to its limits. The exterior was a labor of love. The original paint was stripped down to bare metal, and then meticulously repainted in a stunning shade of metallic black. New chrome trim and a custom hood scoop give the car a more aggressive look. He swapped out the factory wheels for a set of 19-inch aftermarket alloys, which give the car a more modern stance. The interior received just as much attention. The seats were reupholstered in premium leather, and the dashboard was restored to its original condition. Mark added a custom sound system, a modern navigation system, and a few other touches to make the car more comfortable and enjoyable to drive. But it wasn't just about the parts. Mark did almost all the work himself. He spent countless hours in his garage, wrenching on the car, researching parts, and learning new skills. "It was a huge time commitment," he admits, "But it was worth it. There's something really satisfying about building something with your own two hands." So what’s the result? A 2006 Pontiac GTO that’s arguably better than new. It's a car that's comfortable enough to drive every day, but exciting enough to take on a winding road. It's a tribute to the GTO’s legacy, but with a modern twist. And that, in a weird way, mirrors what we do at ARES. We look for undervalued assets, things with potential, and we invest the time and resources to make them better. We're not just about numbers and spreadsheets. We're about finding value, unlocking potential, and building something lasting. Mark’s GTO isn’t just a car. It’s a testament to passion, dedication, and the power of taking something old and making it new. And it's a pretty cool ride, too. He’s already planning his next project – a 1967 Mustang Fastback. “I’m hooked,” he says with a grin. “There’s nothing quite like the feeling of breathing new life into a classic car.” You can find ARES Management LLC at 650-290-0762 or visit us online to learn more about our investment strategies. And if you see a black 2006 Pontiac GTO tearing up the roads around Los Angeles, give Mark a wave. He’s probably got a smile on his face.