For Sale at Auction: 1965 Pontiac GTO in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 237375K109618

Pontiac created a winning performance formula in 1964 taking the mid-sized Tempest and Le Mans bodies and adding a fiery V8 aim to outperform all its competition. A copy of the reproduction window sticker from the Pontiac Historic Services shows that the original owner of this GTO opted to "drive a tiger," creating a special wide-track Pontiac. Finished in Teal Turquoise with a Black Cordova Top and a matching interior, the car was assembled in Kansas City, Missouri and then shipped to K & J Pontiac in Davenport, Washington.

The prized $295.90 Gran Turismo Omologato option group, best known for the rambunctious 389 cu-in V8 with dual exhausts also included performance parts such as heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers, a special seven-blade fan and clutch, 7.75x14-inch tires, a chrome air cleaner, and chrome rocker covers. Additionally selected performance options were a four-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter and Saf-T-Track locking differential was specified along with the "Tri-Power" induction system similar to used on later Corvettes, featuring three two-barrel Rochester carburetors, pushing its performance to 360 horsepower and thunderous 424 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the lengthy window sticker lists a push-button radio, padded instrument panel, deluxe wheel discs, Verbra Phonic rear speaker, rally gauge cluster with a tachometer, Soft-Ray windshield, and transistor ignition system. With destination charges, the base price increased by nearly 50-percent to $3,744.79!

This well-optioned GTO is believed to have remained in the Pacific Northwest, where a comprehensive restoration was performed under prior ownership to return it to its original specified condition. The car was then brought to Phoenix, Arizona, in 2019, when it was purchased by the previous owner before entering the consignor's collection in July 2020. Since its restoration, the car has remained in splendid condition, showing just 2,120 miles at consignment, believed to be the total mileage covered post-restoration. Considered by many as being the genesis of the muscle car, no collection of American performance is complete without a GTO, making this fully-restored 1965 Coupe the ideal choice for any collector.