ARES Management Employee Revives Muscle Car Glory with Pristine 2006 Pontiac GTO

Los Angeles, CA – You might know ARES Management LLC as a global alternative investment manager with over $370 billion in assets under management (AUM), operating out of their headquarters at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles. But behind the finance and investment strategies, there’s a passion for classic cars thriving within the company. Recently, employee Mark Olsen, a financial analyst, completed a stunning restoration of a 2006 Pontiac GTO – a modern muscle car that’s quickly becoming a collector’s item. Olsen, who’s been tinkering with cars since high school, stumbled upon the GTO a few years ago. "It wasn’t in great shape, let's just say," he chuckled. “It had been sitting for a while, needed a lot of love. But underneath all that, I could see the potential. These GTOs are seriously underrated. They brought back the spirit of the original, but with modern tech. I just had to bring this one back to life." The 2006 Pontiac GTO represents a unique chapter in automotive history. Produced from 2004-2006, it was the last rear-wheel drive Pontiac, and a deliberate attempt to revive the iconic GTO nameplate. Imported from Australia (the car was based on the Holden Monaro), the GTO offered a potent combination of performance, handling, and relative affordability – a formula that resonated with enthusiasts. While initial sales were brisk, production was cut short due to Pontiac's eventual demise in 2009, making these cars increasingly desirable. "A lot of people don’t even know what it is," Olsen explains. "They see the shape, and they think it’s an import, but they can’t quite place it. That’s part of the appeal, honestly. It’s got that subtle muscle car vibe. It's not flashy, but it's fast." Olsen’s restoration wasn’t a quick weekend project. It was a meticulous, two-year undertaking completed in his garage after long days analyzing investment portfolios at ARES Management. "It definitely helped me de-stress," he admits. "Working with your hands, seeing something go from a rough state to something beautiful… it’s really rewarding." The restoration focused on bringing the car back to its original glory, while also addressing some common issues with these models. "The previous owner hadn’t really maintained it well," Olsen says. "The engine needed a complete overhaul. The suspension was shot. The interior was… rough." He started with the engine, a 6.0-liter LS1 V8 that originally produced 350 horsepower. He rebuilt it from the ground up, replacing worn parts, upgrading the camshaft, and adding a performance exhaust system. “I wanted to make it a bit more… responsive,” he says with a grin. “It now puts down around 400 horsepower to the wheels. It’s a fun car to drive." The suspension received a similar level of attention. Olsen replaced the shocks, springs, and bushings, and added a set of performance sway bars. The result is a car that handles corners with surprising agility. “These cars weren’t known for their handling from the factory,” Olsen explains. “But with the upgraded suspension, it’s a completely different experience. It feels planted and confident.” The interior was completely refurbished, with new leather seats, carpeting, and trim. Olsen even tracked down a rare factory option – the leather-wrapped steering wheel. "I'm a bit of a stickler for details," he confesses. "I wanted it to look and feel like it just rolled off the assembly line." The exterior received a fresh coat of metallic black paint, meticulously applied by Olsen himself. He also replaced the headlights and taillights, and added a subtle rear spoiler. “I wanted to keep it clean and understated,” he says. “I didn’t want to overdo it.” Olsen’s restoration has garnered attention from local car enthusiasts. He’s received numerous compliments and requests to showcase the car at local car shows. “It’s been a lot of fun sharing my passion with others,” he says. “And it’s a great conversation starter. People are always curious about the car.” Interestingly, Olsen draws parallels between his automotive work and his job at ARES Management. “Both require a lot of attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a long-term vision,” he explains. “When you’re restoring a car, you have to diagnose the problems, develop a plan, and execute it flawlessly. It’s the same with investing. You have to analyze the data, identify the opportunities, and make informed decisions.” ARES Management, known for its expertise in credit, private equity, and real estate, operates with a similar dedication to meticulous analysis and long-term value creation. The firm’s commitment to due diligence and strategic thinking is evident in its investment approach, and it seems that dedication extends to the passions of its employees. “I think it's important to have hobbies and interests outside of work,” Olsen says. “It helps you stay grounded and maintain a healthy work-life balance. And it's a great way to recharge your batteries.” And for Olsen, that recharge comes in the form of a beautifully restored 2006 Pontiac GTO – a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for classic cars. He’s not planning on selling it anytime soon. "This one's a keeper," he says with a smile. "I've put too much work into it. It's a piece of automotive history, and I'm proud to be its caretaker." He adds, glancing at the gleaming black paint, "Plus, it's just a lot of fun to drive."