When the team at PowerNation set their sights on building a modern muscle machine that still honored its classic heritage, Project Henchman was born. Based on a 1967 Pontiac GTO, this build takes the timeless aggression of Pontiac’s street legend and infuses it with new-school power and handling, creating a true restomod with attitude.
Visually, Henchman retains all the presence that made the GTO a muscle car icon. The body lines are sharp, the stance is mean, and the vibe is unmistakably Pontiac. But dig deeper and you’ll find this goat is far more lethal than it was when it rolled off the assembly line. At its heart is an ATK 5.3L LS crate engine—offering the reliability of a modern small block with the capability to make serious power. The LS swap breathes new life into the classic platform without compromising drivability, and thanks to the aftermarket support for LS engines, tuning and upgrading are endless.
Backing the engine is an American Powertrain TKX 5-speed manual transmission, perfectly matched for spirited driving. The TKX brings modern gearing and overdrive capability, making this GTO just as comfortable on the highway as it is blasting down backroads. Rowing gears in this thing gives you that raw muscle car experience, but with the responsiveness and smoothness that older gearboxes never had.
Handling and ride quality were a major focus for the team, and that’s where Ridetech comes in. The entire suspension was upgraded with Ridetech performance components, transforming the GTO from a straight-line bruiser into a corner-carving machine. Body roll is tamed, response is tight, and confidence behind the wheel is instant. It still rides like a muscle car, but now it handles like one that’s been to boot camp.
PowerNation’s crew kept the interior focused and functional. Classic cues remain, but with subtle modern touches to improve comfort and ergonomics. This isn’t a luxury cruiser—it’s a purpose-built machine that looks good and drives even better.
Project Henchman blends brute force and refined control, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice the soul of a muscle car to enjoy modern performance. With a reliable LS engine, a slick-shifting TKX 5-speed, and the planted feel of Ridetech suspension, this GTO is more than just a pretty face—it’s a henchman built to do serious work.
