Puma GTB: The Feline with a New Heart

When talking about national sports, it is impossible not to remember Puma GTB, a car that marked an era. Officially launched in 1974, he brought the spirit of American muscle cars, but with a Brazilian soul. Its development began years before, and its debut at the 2019 Auto Show 1972, in São Paulo, left enthusiasts speechless. With a distinctive design and performance that promised to rival the best cars of the time, the GTB earned its place in the country's automotive history.

The name GTB stands for “Gran Turismo Brazil”, reinforcing national pride in creating a robust and elegant sports car. Initially, it was called Puma GTO, but due to the existence of the famous Pontiac GTO in the United States, there was a need to change the name to avoid confusion.

The Engine that Made History

Under the hood of the Puma GTB was the legendary Chevrolet six-cylinder engine. Initially, the engine was used 3.8 liters, but the model that hit the streets in 1974 already had the renowned engine 4.1 liters of the Chevrolet Opala. This engine, with 140 horsepower at 4,800 rpm, provided solid performance for its time. With a four-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, the GTB delivered a pleasurable and exciting drive.

Despite its respectable performance, the GTB faced tough competitors, such as the Dodge Dart, O Charger R/T and later the Ford Maverick GT. In numbers, the Puma GTB reached a top speed of 171 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds. For a 1970s sports car, these numbers were impressive.

Sophisticated and Exclusive Design

The body of the GTB was made of fiberglass reinforced plastic, a light and resistant material, widely used at the time for sports cars. Its design was inspired by European and American models, with a long front and a short rear. The first versions of the GTB had a simple front grille, with two horizontal strips and headlights borrowed from the Chevrolet Opala.

The exclusive wheels of Puma and the tires Pirelli E70 with 14-inch rims gave the GTB a robust and sporty appearance. The front tires were 205/70 R14, while the rear ones, wider, were 215/70 R14, contributing to excellent stability when cornering.

Inside, the GTB was geared towards driver and passenger comfort. Sports seats and a steering wheel were standard features, while rear space was quite limited, ideal only for small luggage or short journeys.

Performance in Focus

Although it was a handmade car, the GTB impressed with its balance between performance and comfort. Its rear suspension used the Hotchkiss with semi-elliptical springs, ensuring a stable and safe ride, although not as sophisticated as the trailing arms with coil springs used in the P8 prototype.

With 1,125 kilos, the Puma GTB had harmonious proportions:

• Length: 4.3 meters
• Width: 1.84 meters
• Height: 1.28 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.42 meters

These dimensions gave the car an imposing presence, reinforcing its image as a respectable sports car.

Fierce Competition and Adaptations

Despite its exclusivity and striking design, the GTB faced a competitive market. At the time, its main rivals were imported cars, such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, in addition to national models such as Ford Maverick GT.

The price of the Puma GTB was also a highlight. It cost more than models like the Dodge Charger R/T and Opal SS, second only to the luxurious Ford Landau. Considering inflation and conversion, the price of a GTB in current values would be around R$ 350 thousand.

Evolution and News

In 1979, Puma launched the GTB Series II, a restyled version that brought several improvements. With a more modern and elegant design, the Series II was visually superior to the previous model. The new black grille with horizontal strips, the four circular headlights and the lower front gave the car a more aggressive and sophisticated appearance.

Another interesting detail was the windshield wiper system, which was hidden under a cover, a touch inspired by models like the Chevrolet Camaro.

Legacy and Rarity

Production of the Puma GTB was relatively limited. It is estimated that around 710 units of the first generation were manufactured until 1979, when the Series II model was introduced. This small number makes GTB examples coveted items by collectors and enthusiasts to this day.

The GTB was not officially exported, but gained international notoriety thanks to its unique appearance and the fact that it was one of the few Brazilian sports cars of the time.

Conclusion: The Cat That Roared Loudly

O Puma GTB is much more than a sports car; it represents an era of boldness and creativity in the Brazilian automotive industry. In a market dominated by large automakers, Puma managed to stand out with a vehicle that combined bold design, solid performance and exclusivity.

Today, the GTB is an icon of a time when cars were not just a means of transportation, but true works of art on wheels. If you have the opportunity to see one of these rare examples up close, take the opportunity to admire one of the greatest symbols of national automotive engineering. And who knows, with a bit of luck, you might even get to take a ride in this true car. track feline!