For 1965, there was nothing more desirable than a Tri-Power GTO.
This Pristine example is finished in gorgeous Blue Mist Slate and
is authenticated by PHS documents to have been born with it's
Numbers Matching WS-Code 389 V8 with Factory Tri-Power.
With a factory installed Hurst Shifted 4-Speed Manual, this GTO has
been beautifully restored inside and out & is absolutely
stunning.
Highlights:
- Factory Tri-Power Convertible - Matching Numbers WS-Code 389 V8 -
Factory 4-Speed Trans. - Safe-T-Track 3:55 rear end - Factory Code
W Blue Mist Slate exterior with Parchment Interior, Black Top -
Woodgrain Steering Wheel - Rally Gauge cluster with Tach - Door
Edge Guards - Soft Ray Tinted Glass - Quick Ratio Steering - Dual
Splitter Exhaust - Hurst Wheels - Redline Tires - PHS Documents THE
ONE THAT STARTED IT ALL!
Great lease rates and Financing also available on any of our
inventory!
Buy Sell Trade Consignments Welcome!
Please email
[email protected] or call
1-818-773-8181
About the GTO:
The Pontiac GTO is considered by some to have started the trend
with all four domestic automakers offering a variety of competing
models.
In early 1963, General Motors' management banned divisions from
involvement in auto racing. By the early 1960s, Pontiac's
advertising and marketing approach was heavily based on
performance. With GM's ban on factory-sponsored racing, Pontiac's
managers began to emphasize street performance.
The first Pontiac GTO was available as an option package for the
Pontiac LeMans, available in coupe, hardtop, and convertible body
styles. The US$295 package included a 389 CI V8 rated at 325HP at
4,800 rpm with a single Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor and dual
exhaust pipes, chromed valve covers and air cleaner, seven-blade
clutch fan, a floor-shifted three-speed manual transmission with a
Hurst shifter, stiffer springs, larger diameter front sway bar,
wider wheels with 7.50 � 14 redline tires, hood scoops, and GTO
badges. A more powerful engine with "Tri-Power" carburetion (three
two-barrel Rochester 2G carburetors) rated at 348HP was
available.
Car and Driver incited controversy when it mentioned that a GTO,
which had supposedly been tuned with the "Bobcat" kit offered by
Ace Wilson's Royal Pontiac of Royal Oak, Michigan, was clocked at a
quarter mile time of 12.8 seconds and a trap speed of 112 mph on
racing slicks.
Later reports strongly suggest that the Car and Driver GTOs were
equipped with a larger 421 cu in engine that was optional in
full-sized Pontiacs. Since the two engines were difficult to
distinguish externally, the subterfuge was not immediately
obvious.
In Jim Wangers' Glory Days he admitted after three decades of
denial that the red drag strip GTO had its engine swapped with a
421 Bobcat unit.
The GTO disregarded GM's policy limiting the A-body intermediate
line to a maximum engine displacement of 330 cu in (5.4 L).
By promoting the big-engine option as a special high-performance
model, they could appeal to the speed-minded youth market.
The name, which was DeLorean's idea, was inspired by the Ferrari
250 GTO, the successful race car. It is an Italian abbreviation for
Gran Turismo Omologato ("grand tourer homologated"), which means
officially certified for racing in the grand tourer class.
The GTO was restyled for the 1965 model year, adding 3.1 inches to
the overall length while retaining the same wheelbase and interior
dimensions. It had Pontiac's characteristic vertically stacked quad
headlights. Overall weight was increased by about 100 lbs. The
brake lining area increased by nearly 15%. Heavy-duty shocks were
standard, as was a stronger front antisway bar. The dashboard
design was changed, and an optional rally gauge cluster added a
more legible tachometer and oil pressure gauge.
The 389 cubic inches engines received revised cylinder heads with
re-cored intake passages and high rise intake manifolds, improving
airflow to the engine. Rated power increased to 335HP at 5,000 rpm
for the base four-barrel engine; the Tri-Power engine was now rated
360HP at 5,200 rpm. Transmission and axle ratio choices remained
the same. The three-speed manual was standard, while two four-speed
manual transmissions and a two-speed automatic transmission were
optional.
The restyled car had a new simulated hood scoop and black
"egg-crate" grille.
Car Life tested a 1965 GTO with Tri-Power, considered the most
desirable options, with a total sticker price of US$3,643.79. With
two testers and equipment aboard, they recorded a 0-60 miles per
hour acceleration time of 5.8 seconds, the standing quarter-mile in
14.5 seconds with a trap speed of 100 miles per hour and an
observed top speed of 114 miles per hour at the engine's 6,000 rpm
redline.
Sales of the GTO, abetted by a marketing and promotional campaign
that included songs and various merchandise, more than doubled to
75,342. It spawned many imitators, both within other GM divisions
and its competitors.
Whilst Fusion Motor Company make a sincere effort to supply
information that is accurate and complete, we are aware that errors
and omissions may occur. Therefore, we are not able to guarantee
the accuracy of the information and we cannot accept liability for
loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any
reliance on which you may place on the information contained on
this website or our advertisements. We highly recommend that you
examine the vehicle to check the accuracy of the information
supplied. If you have any questions, please contact us at
[email protected] or by calling 818-773-8181
