Why are GTO'S called tigers?

Question

why are GTO'S called tigers? i know why they called them goats i feel embarrassed i own a 1966 GTO convertible but have no idea why they call them tigers

Answer 1

It was because they used a real Bengal Tiger in the commercials. They used a Tiger because it caught people's eye AND they wanted a fierce animal to relate to the GTO. Pontiac related the car to the Tiger because they wanted to portray the GTO as a fierce and aggressive automobile. Hope this helped, good luck.  

Answer 2

You probably have no idea why they are called "Tigers", because your 1966 Pontiac GTO probably does not have the original engine in it. The engine is probably a 1980 Buick Regal 5 liter/301 cid (Pontiac engine), which looks the same. Sorry, but it sounds like you got ripped off, nobody with an original Pontiac GTO engine would ask why they called them "Tigers"! I would be embarrassed too if my GTO had a 1980 Pontiac 301 cid in it! Also, you may want to check the serial # of the vehicle to make sure it isn't a clone. By the way there is a song called "Gee TO Tiger" by the Tigers, "Mighty GTO" by Jan & Dean, "Little GTO" by Ronny & the Daytonas, and numerous others. Check out; "you tube 1966 Pontiac GTO commercial" on the internet! From the 1966 Pontiac GTO commercial, " the TIGER Scores again", proving that Pontiac GTOs were called "Tigers"! Goat, Tiger, Great One, Humbler, and then the Judge. "You've Just Been Doc-Tured" was on the back of a famous "Knafel Pontiac" 1966 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power, Tin Indian, which won 27 (different) Championships all in 1966!

Answer 3

Pontiac advertising genius.

Answer 4

I believe it was in the ads in the 60's (a tiger that is) Seems to me they used to show them with a plate that said something like "grr-rrrrr"

Answer 5

Although the car is Gran Turismo and Ferrari also used the GTO badge in addition to its stallion, GM used the Tiger as an advertising tool or accessory (I was there) to imply power, stealth, predation, grip and handling, speed and raw untamed imagery.  That image stuck and became a nickname.

I see how they got goat from mispronunciation of g-t-o.

Next generation:  "Here come 'da Judge!"

Cheers, enjoy that car.

Answer 6

I don't think people really call GTO's tigers.  I've never heard anybody say "I bought a tiger"  People associate GTO's with that tiger.

In addition to (and related to) the ads mentioned, there was also  famous drag car called the GeeTO Tiger.  Google it.  It is one of, if not the, most famous individual GTO. If I call something a GTO Tiger, I would be referring to that particular car.  That's just me.