Vehicle Description
1965 Pontiac GTO Hardtop
In early 1963 a team of engineers and designers got together at
Pontiac, and decided to focus more on street racing and power. The
Tempest had been in production for a bit, and a more "muscular"
powerful car was needed. Hence the acronym GTO or Grand Tempest
Option became the code for the secret new development that would
take place. John DeLorean actually claims the GTO came from the
Italian Gran Turismo Omologato or Grand Touring Homologated which
in reality the car was never meant for grand touring, but to be the
fastest straight line Pontiac produced.
For consignment, a 1965 Pontiac GTO hardtop showing 36,436 miles,
but the true miles are unknown. She's packing a date correct 389ci
V8, Tri-power, and a rebuilt front suspension that is less than a
year old. This car is a multi "best in class" show winner.
Exterior
When is a goat like a weasel? When it's painted Ermine White of
course, just as our fine example is here, this time in two stage
coverage. Just one year into its newfound model name, the big
bodied GTO gets some changes, including the stacked headlights
which would stay in place until the body change in 1968. Our car is
accented with a blue pinstripe along the shoulder line, redline
tires on 14-inch Pontiac Rally I wheels, and some extra Ram Air red
decals under the fender emblems and under the GTO emblem on the
deck lid. While we're back here, we take in the fantastic design of
the rear tail lights, part of a ribbed panel that stretches end to
end and it would be 14 years before a similar design shows up on
the Firebird line. The paint, metal, gaps, and glass are all very
nice on this car and we could not find a glaring exterior
imperfection.
Interior
The pinstripe hints at it and inside we have a blue interior
beginning with the square patterned stitching on the vinyl door
panels, their color broken by the red GTO crest. The design of the
bucket seats is vibrant with not horizontal nor vertical pleats,
but diagonal lines and an embossed arrowhead, all in great shape
and mirrored by the rear bench. Up front, a robust wood rimmed
steering wheels fronts the simulated woodgrain of the dash and
shares the column with an AutoGage tachometer. The ribbed pattern
of the tail lights is implied on the metal mid panel which takes in
silver knobs and the AM radio over an added three gauge pod. More
of the rib pattern is seen on the center console which houses a
Hurst shifter that favors the left side, closer to the driver.
Vintage style Pontiac rubber mats cover blue loop carpet, and both
are in great shape and the blue headliner is fully intact. The
trunk feature a period plaid vinyl mat and spare wheel with redline
tire.
Drivetrain
Under the hood we find and impressive and clean 389ci V8 with
chrome valve cover and Tri-power 2-barrel carburetors over an added
Ram Air pan. It's all mated to a date correct Muncie M20 4-speed
manual transmission with new clutch sending power to the 10 bolt
rear with 3.23 gears. A gold booster is in place for the power drum
brakes supplied to each wheel.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath with dry conditions and zero rust of any
kind. Dual exhaust run through FlowMaster mufflers before exiting
via chrome splitters in back. Suspension is comprised of coil overs
in front and a 4 link with coil springs in back. The front
suspension was completely rebuilt in October of 2024 at the same
time a new steering box was added.
Drive-Ability
Old school muscle always makes for a good day at Classic Auto Mall
and this 389 powered legend did not disappoint. Plenty of power
underfoot, straight tracking, and good stopping ability. We note
the clock and gas gauge are not working, so wear a watch and count
your mileage per gallon along the way! The car also falls out of
reverse as the shift rod is short and has no retaining pin. Beyond
these things, all other functions operated as they should. While
Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at
the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions
will be working at the time of your purchase.
A goat in weasel clothing, more like a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Based on the pedestrian Tempest, the GTO rose like a phoenix to
become the world's original muscle car, each year adding specific
design cues that makes every model special. They inspired a
movement, a way of life, and a hobby that thrives more than 60
years later, evidenced by the inventory at Classic Auto Mall. Nice
GTO's don't last long here, so we'll park this one near the
shipping door.
237375Z118103
2-Pontiac
37-LeMans
37-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
5-1965
Z-Fremont, CA Assy Plant
118103-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
3C-3rd Week March
ST 65 23737-1965 LeMans 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY BF9753-Fremont Body #
TR 217 33-Blue Vinyl Buckets
PAINT CCA-Cameo Ivory & Starlite Black
ACC A49-Front Seatbelts With Retractors
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
