Vehicle Description
The original muscle car is still a huge staple of the classic car
hobby, and this 1965 Pontiac GTO hardtop offers everything that
made these cars so popular, then and now. The awesome
period-correct color, the numbers-matching 389 Tri-Power V8 under
the hood, and a binder full of documentation 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 sedate at first glance, this is a car that commands respect on
the street. Finish quality is extremely impressive with even gaps
all around and just the right amount of bright shine in the code K
Reef Turquoise paint, which was one of the rarer colors offered in
1965 but look simply amazing today. Super clean and almost
completely devoid of trim, this GTO definitely delivers on the
gentleman's hot rod thing that Pontiac was aiming for, and the
restoration does it justice by keeping it just as the designers
intended. Great chrome, including the bumpers and rocker panel
trim, accentuates the terrific light blue paint, while proper GTO
badges on all sides plus the fender emblems, remind onlookers that
this is no garden-variety Tempest.
A complementary Parchment 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
arguably better than new. Sliding behind the wheel, you're relived
to find that this GTO carries only the critical parts: a chrome
shifter inside the middle console, a woodgrained steering wheel
befitting its image, and precious little else to get in the way of
performance. The gauges are nicely preserved and include a factory
tach, but they've also been augmented with a triple set of
aftermarket units that help monitor the action under the hood. The
original radio is long gone, but it was replaced in faith with a
retro-style AM/FM/Cassette/AUX unit that fits in perfectly inside
the original dash. Other options include power windows, a tilt
column, and an R134a air conditioning system that blows ice cold
and makes this cabin that much more comfortable. Open the trunk and
you'll see the super solid pans that prove just how special this
Goat really is, and they're protected by what could very well be
the original mats and spare tire.
Pontiac's famous 389 cubic inch V8 really doesn't need a lot of
description, and this particular numbers-matching unit came topped
with the legendary Tri-Power configuration, making it fearsomely
fast on the street. 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. Restored by
a previous owner and superbly maintained ever since, it fires right
up and runs incredibly well, and the wicked cackle from the dual
exhaust system with chambered mufflers is worth the price of
admission all by itself. The 3-speed automatic transmission is a
welcome upgrade form the original Powerglide linked to a set of
3.06 gears on a Saf-T-Track limited slip, so it's a great cruiser,
and the undercarriage is tidy and orderly with newer shocks, a new
gas tank, upgraded power steering and 4-wheel power disc brake
systems, and new hardware throughout. Those rare Hurst wheels were
a hot period accessory and even more so today, and they're wrapped
in correct-looking redline radials.
Completely documented with PHS paperwork, an original
Protecto-O-Plate, and restoration receipts, this wonderful GTO
nails the factory look and delivers performance that's still
impressive today. Call now!