Vehicle Description
The original is still a staple of the muscle car hobby, and this
1965 Pontiac GTO hardtop offers everything that made these cars so
popular, then and now. The right color, the 389 Tri-Power V8, and a
beautiful interior all make this the car that you always wished
you'd bought back in the day but never quite managed to get.
This is the way GTOs are supposed to look. Not over-restored, not
modified with flashy wheels, and the result is a car that gets
appreciative looks from everyone who sees it, car enthusiast or
not. The '65 GTOs introduced the stacked headlights, which were
arguably the most successful styling element of the '60s, and while
it's flashy, this is a car that commands respect on the street.
It's an older repaint that's holding up pretty well and with even
gaps all around and a soft shine to the code R Montego Red paint,
it still has the right look. Clean and almost devoid of trim, this
GTO definitely delivers on the gentleman's hot rod thing that
Pontiac was aiming for, and the older restoration does it justice
by keeping it as the designers intended. Nice chrome, including the
bumpers and rocker panel trim, accentuates the red paint rather
nicely, while proper GTO badges on all sides plus the fender
emblems, remind onlookers that this is no garden-variety
Tempest.
A code 218-3E Parchment and Black vinyl interior is beautifully
restored and accurately presented, proving once again that Pontiac
interiors were the best of the best in the mid-60s.
Diagonally-oriented pleats, Pontiac chevrons, and subtly peaked
cushions are instantly identifiable, and the fit of the seat covers
and carpets is undoubtedly better than new. Sliding behind the
wheel, you're relived to find that this GTO carries only the
critical parts: a woodgrained steering wheel befitting its image,
bright, clear gauges, and precious little else to get in the way of
performance. The gauges have fresh lenses and include a factory
tach and the original AM radio still lives in the dash, although
it's currently inoperable. The console is probably original, but
it's so nice that you aren't sure whether to restore it or keep it
as-is, and the black carpets are a fantastic contrast to the
parchment seats and door panels. Open the trunk and you'll find
that it's correctly trimmed and comes with a full-sized spare tire
assembly.
Pontiac's famous 389 cubic inch V8 really doesn't need a lot of
description, and during the restoration this one was upgraded from
a base 4-barrel carb to the mighty Tri-Power configuration, making
it entertaining on the street. It's correctly detailed with
corporate turquoise engine paint, tidy little air cleaners on the
carburetors, and chrome valve covers simply because Pontiac brass
new that car guys were going to spend a lot of time admiring this
engine. It runs extremely well and the wicked cackle from the
Flowmaster dual exhaust system suggests that there might be an
upgraded camshaft living inside. The TH400 3-speed automatic
transmission is linked to a set of 3.23 gears so it's a great
cruiser, and the front brakes have been upgraded to power discs.
Those handsome Rally II wheels are a great choice on a vintage Goat
and they're fitted with 205/70/14 blackwall radials for a low-key
look.
Nicely documented with PHS paperwork, this wonderful GTO nails the
factory look and delivers performance that's still impressive
today. Call now!