This spectacular 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible Custom is “The Ultimate GTO”. This car was born a real GTO as documented with the PHS (Pontiac Historical Society) paperwork. It underwent a no expense spared rotisserie frame off restoration by Run Rite Classics. Over $150,000 was invested in the restoration as documented with receipts. The car is in higher show quality condition throughout. It sports a beautiful color combination of a white exterior with black convertible top and a red interior. It’s loaded with options including modern air conditioning. The car is powered by a 389 V8 with Tri-power and a 4-speed manual transmission. “There’s a live one under the hood” – GR-RRRR!
As the copy of an Indiana title indicates this car was owned by a gentleman who lived in Warren, IN. The copy of this title is included with the sale. At some point it was purchased by a gentleman who lived in Frisco, TX. He sent the car to Run Rite Classics located in Houghton Lake, MI in October of 2007 for a restoration. It underwent a no expense spared rotisserie frame off restoration. A few photos during the restoration are included with the sale. Over $150,000 was invested in the restoration as documented with the receipts that are included with the sale. Everything was organized in date order with plastic sleeves and placed in a new binder. The car was completed in August of 2009. Run Rite Classics took the car to the Detroit Autorama where it won a prestigious award that isn’t included. The owner showed the car at the GTOAA Nationals and ISCA. At the GTOAA Nationals was judged and scored 483 out of a possible 500 points. At the ISCA show it got first place. The judging sheets for both shows and a small plaque from the GTOAA show are included. During the next seven years or so the car was only driven a few hundred miles and was cherished. In November of 2017 it was sold to a gentleman who lived in Chagrin Falls, OH. In January of 2018 he sent the car back to Run Rite Classics for a re-fresh which included a custom made tonneau cover that is included with the sale. When the car was completed he showed it at the GTOAA Nationals in 2018 in Valley Forge, PA. It was judged and scored 389 out of a possible 400 points. It won a “Concours Gold” award. It was also featured in “The Legend” magazine. The judging sheets, award and magazine are included with the sale. The car was sold to a gentleman in March of 2019 who lives in Boxford, MA. This gentleman added the car to his collection where it was displayed until he sold the car to MS CLASSIC CARS in July of 2020. This car only has 970 miles since the restoration was completed.
The exterior of this car is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. This car has a gorgeous look to it. During the restoration most of the sheet metal was replaced. It was put back together better then it left the factory. Countless hours were spent making it as perfect as it could be. The body is laser straight and it has excellent gap lines throughout. The GTO hood with integrated hood scoop is mean looking. The hood, doors and trunk lid close so nicely. During the restoration the decision was made to change the original color of Cameo Ivory to PPG GM Polar White. This color is stunning and really pops. Custom artwork was done on the front end, front fenders, rear quarters and trunk lid. Once it was completed eight coats of glamour clear coat were applied. This custom artwork was time consuming but looks spectacular. The paint is at a very high level of quality and nice enough to achieve best paint awards. The paint was recently detailed to a brilliant show quality shine. The car sports a new power black convertible top which fits very nicely. The top is hidden by a custom made 2-piece tonneau cover which is included with the sale. This cover took over 80 hours to make and is truly a one-of-a-kind. A soft convertible top boot is also included with the sale. All of the glass was replaced with new tinted glass that looks crystal clear. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced such as the stainless trim, wipers, antenna, driver’s side mirror, door handles, grille, headlight buckets, T-3 headlights, fender trim, lower moldings, rear panel and rear taillights. The car has a great stance on new Hurst 5-spoke chrome wheels and Diamond Back Classic 14” redline radial tires. This is one beautiful GTO!
The interior of this car is in beautiful condition throughout. During the restoration the decision was made to change the original color of black to Metallic Red which was a factory correct GTO color. This color complements the exterior perfectly. Everything was restored or replaced in the interior such as the sun visors, rear view mirror, dash pad, dash, dash hardware, gauges including tachometer, bucket seats with black seat belts, door sills, door panels, door handles, window cranks, pedals, console, Hurst shiter and carpeting. Some of the custom features include a 14” Billet Specialties Speedway steering wheel, Classic Auto Heat and Air Conditioning, Pioneer stereo/cd player, Custom Autosound dual speakers and black carpeted floor mats. Everything in the interior is in working order such as the lights, turn signals, horn, gauges, radio, heat, AC, courtesy lights, etc. The trunk compartment was boxed and upholstered in black leather which looks very rich.
The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many custom features. The back side of the hood was painted the body color and has been detailed to a brilliant shine. The firewall was smoothed and finished in black. The inner fenders and radiator support was also finished in black. Everything in the engine compartment such as the hood springs, wiper motor, clamps, nuts and bolts have been restored or replaced. The car is powered by a date coded 389 V8 engine with Tri-power. The “YF” engine block stamp indicates this engine originally was 1965 389 V8 with 325HP. This engine was completely rebuilt by Run Rite Classics. They performed a stock build with a mild cam and added the higher performance heads. They also added a new Barry Grant Demon Six Shooter Tri-Power setup which is awesome. As the receipts document this setup alone was $2,775.00! The engine horsepower with this setup is estimated around 350HP but it has never been dyno tested. The engine has been dressed with chrome valve covers and wire separators. It also has a new chrome alternator and high volume water pump. The engine is runs and sounds excellent out the 2 ½ polished stainless Pypes Street Pro exhaust system. The engine is cooled by a new aluminum radiator with a chrome overfill tank. The engine is coupled to a date coded correct Muncie 4-speed manual transmission that was completely rebuilt and shifts beautifully. The power is transferred to a 12-bolt POSI rear end with 3.23 gears that was completely rebuilt.
The undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with many custom features. This undercarriage is definitely mirror quality to display at a car show. The body of the car was painted high gloss black and it looks amazing. The stock frame was powder coated black which also looks amazing. Everything underneath has been restored or replaced including the power steering system, power braking system with front wheel disc brakes and the suspension system with custom upper/lower control arms and KYB shocks.
