Vehicle Description
Who among us hasn't longed for a GTO convertible, but just couldn't
ever stomach the hefty investment required to park one in the
garage? Among all the muscle cars, the Goat somehow transcends
brand loyalty, and you'll probably find that both Ford and Mopar
guys are in love with GM's first muscle car. This 1965 Pontiac
Lemans GTO Tribute is a convincing GTO re-creation, offering all
the flavor and fun of the real McCoy without the oversized price
tag.
This Lemans droptop was resprayed in its original code D Fontaine
Blue, and we're glad that the former owners resisted an imitation
color change, and as a result it looks every bit of Pontiac's
combination of luxury and muscle. Few other brands ever matched
that combination and none of them added the performance punch of
Pontiac's 455 cubic inch V8, which wasn't yet available in '65 but
is a welcomed upgrade today. We don't know exactly when the work
was done, but it was some time ago, so the car has a mellow,
comfortable look that shows well at casual events and looks great
going down the street. Those big quarter panels are very straight,
door gaps are precise, especially for a convertible, and the hood
fits flush. It's a convincing tribute, too, with correct GTO
badges, those unique mesh grilles up front, and a hood scoop for
just the right performance vibe. The only way anyone is going to
know this one isn't a real-deal Goat is by checking the cowl
tag.
The code 217 blue bucket seat interior is stock and in good shape
as well, offering correct seat covers with supportive foam
underneath, plush carpets, GTO door panels, and a nice list of
factory options. A center console houses a thin chrome shifter for
the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, there's an aftermarket
under-dash A/C unit that looks almost period-correct and uses
modern hardware and R134a refrigerant, although it could use a
charge to blow nice and cold. The woodgrained applique dash might
very well be original, same as the gauges, which speaks to how
nicely preserved this car really is, and there's a correct GTO
emblem next to the grab bar above the glove box. The original AM
radio has been dumped in favor of an aftermarket AM/FM/cassette
head unit with requisite a Pontiac decal on it that makes it look
stock, and a sporty Grant GT steering wheel rest atop a rather rare
tilt steering column, unusual in a GTO and totally unheard-of in a
Lemans. Overhead, there's a nice-fitting black power top that stows
itself easily and it's in good shape, too. A dark blue convertible
boot tucks the power top away neatly when fastened properly, and
the trunk is spacious enough to accommodate for almost any travel
plans.
The original 326 V8 that was originally in this Pontiac was simply
not enough displacement for a previous owner, so it was adeptly
swapped out in favor of a more powerful big block 455 V8, fitted
neatly and dressed to convince everyone it's been in there all
along. Correct Pontiac Turquoise paint, chrome valve covers, and a
matching open-element chrome air cleaner are all details Pontiac
fans expect, and the motor breathes efficiently thanks to an
Edelbrock 600CFM 4-barrel carb and factory-style 6H manifolds.
Power steering and power front disc brakes are included, and the
A/C system is neatly installed so it's not in the way. The chassis
is very solid and original, and is in good order although it's not
going to be a show car until it gets a couple coats of paint
sprayed on the floor pans and axles. The upgraded dual exhaust with
chambered mufflers is appropriate for a high performance Pontiac
and the TH350 automatic transmission handles the power from the 455
more than adequately and spins highway-friendly gears inside the
10-bolt rear-end. Shiny Cragar SS wheels are fitted for a little
extra flash and carry 215/70/14 white-letter BFGoodrich radials at
all four corners to finish the look.
Forget numbers and pedigrees... Sure, a real GTO might make all the
tag-checkers nod with approval, but 95% of the population just
doesn't care, which is entirely the point of this awesome tribute.
Documented with PHS paperwork and maintenance records, this '65
LeMans GTO Tribute is ready for a new owner. Call today!