Pontiac GTO 389 cubic inch V8 1965
General description :
Absolutely beautiful 1965 Pontiac GTO. Documented Tri-Power/4-speed car with correct YS-coded block. Original color combination. Factory gauges with tach, console, power windows, rear defrost. A stunning GTO in great colors with all the right options.
Everyone has their own favorite GTO, and ours happens to be the 1965. The straight-edge styling, the stacked headlights, and the fluted taillights all add up to one of Pontiac’s best designs of the 1960s. And few colors work better on the Goat than code E Nightwatch Blue, which is this car’s original color. It was refinished a few years ago and man, this sucker is STRAIGHT! There’s no evidence of substandard work and those long quarter panels show crystal clear reflections with minimal distortion. Panel fit is very good and the doors close with a reassuring THUNK rather than a cheap-sounding whack. All the chrome and stainless trim was restored or replaced, including the insanely expensive-to-restore taillights and trunk panel. Bright wheel arch moldings help add some contrast and the rocker moldings were polished to a high shine before being reinstalled. The front fenders proudly wear “GTO 6.5 LITRE” badges, accentuating the GTO’s European inspiration. The restorer even went so far as to install correct T3 headlight bulbs for just the right finishing touch. Someone spent the time to make this one beautiful.
Exterior notes: Excellent paint and bodywork. Trunk lid sits a little high but probably because of new weather seal. A few minor signs of use but nothing worth noting.
The Dark Blue vinyl interior is likewise how this car was originally delivered and everything inside the car looks new. The seat covers accurately replicate the original diagonal pattern and they’re correctly installed (many restorers get the direction of the pleats wrong). New carpets are protected by color-matched rubber mats and the dash pad must have been restored because it looks like new. The woodgrained wheel matches the dash, which is full of factory gauges, including a tachometer which, oddly enough, was optional even on the GTO. You’ll note that the car has some nice options, including power windows, a rear defroster, and an AM/FM radio, which must have been cutting-edge tech in 1965. There’s also a center console and a Hurst cue ball shifter for the 4-speed manual gearbox, and you’ll note that the fluted console lid is as nice as the tail panel—someone spent some money there. The trunk is also nicely upholstered in blue carpet which isn’t quite correct but looks great and it includes a matching Rally wheel and redline radial spare.
Interior notes: Everything works. Seats, carpets, dash, door panels look new. Right rear power window a little slow. Trunk is incorrect but nicely finished.
There are no “matching numbers” GTOs in 1965, but this one has a correct YS-coded block with a 9778789 casting number, leading us to believe it is the car’s original engine. This is a real Tri-Power car as documented in the PHS paperwork and the engine bay has been nicely detailed to factory specs. There’s Pontiac Turquoise on the engine block, proper air cleaners on each of the 2-barrel carbs, and chrome valve covers to add a little flash. Little stuff like the throttle return spring, battery cables, and spark plug wires are likewise correct. The car is optioned with power steering and power brakes, with a newer dual master cylinder for the front disc brakes—a nice upgrade. The Muncie M20 wide-ratio 4-speed manual racks through the gears easily and has nice clutch take-up, and there are 3.55 gears on a Safe-T-Track limited slip out back. The exhaust system is a correct reproduction with resonators and splitters, as original, and it sounds suitably muscular without being annoying. A few factory-style markings were added to help detail the undercarriage and there’s a new gas tank out back. Flashy Rally wheels are the right choice on a GTO, with these carrying recent 225/70/14 BFGoodrich redline radials all around.
Mechanical notes: Runs great, starts easily, idles well once warmed up. A little grumpy when cold. Clutch take-up is near the top of travel but not uncomfortable. Disc brakes a nice upgrade. New heater core. Helper springs out back. Super clean undercarriage with no rust issues.
This car includes a lot of extras, including full PHS documentation, restoration and service receipts, factory manuals, wiring diagrams, and more. There are also a lot of spare parts, including an extra steering wheel, upholstery fabric, door sill trim, carburetor parts, switches, and more.
Performance, style, comfort, the GTO delivers in every way. With a gorgeous color combination and a great pedigree, this beautiful 1965 GTO hardtop is a very impressive car. It has the right options to make it easy to live with and a few sensible upgrades help on the road. If you want one of the nicest Goats we’ve seen, this is an outstanding choice. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
1965 Pontiac GTO 389 cubic inch V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Ohio by Harwood Motors for $89900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Pontiac Model : GTO Model Version : 389 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1965 Sub type : Coupé Location : Ohio Vehicle Registration : Undefined
89900 $
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About Pontiac
Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM), held a distinctive position within the company's hierarchy and played a significant role in automotive history. Here's an overview of Pontiac's history and some of its most iconic models up to the 1980s:Position in GM Hierarchy:
Distinct Identity: Pontiac occupied a unique place within GM, known for its performance-oriented vehicles and youthful branding.
Mid-Level Brand: Positioned above Chevrolet but below the more upscale divisions such as Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac, Pontiac aimed to offer affordable yet sporty cars.
History and Notable Models:
Pontiac GTO (1964-1974):
Iconic Muscle Car: Considered the first true American muscle car, blending performance and style.
Specifications: V8 engines, powerful performance, and aggressive styling made the GTO immensely popular.
Pontiac Firebird (1967-1981):
Muscle Car and Pony Car: Shared the platform with the Chevrolet Camaro, featuring distinct Pontiac styling cues.
Variants: Offered various models and engine options, including the Trans Am, which gained fame through movies like "Smokey and the Bandit."
Pontiac Grand Prix (1962-2008):
Personal Luxury Car: Initially a full-size car, later transformed into a mid-size model, known for its blend of comfort and performance.
Evolution: Over the years, it transitioned from a performance-oriented car to a more luxurious offering.
Pontiac Bonneville (1957-2005):
Flagship Model: Started as a full-size car, evolving into a luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle.
Innovation: Known for introducing features like fuel injection, making it a symbol of Pontiac's technological advancements.
Impact and Legacy:
Performance Image: Pontiac carved a niche for itself by emphasizing performance, sportiness, and innovation, attracting younger and enthusiast drivers.
Marketing Success: Innovative marketing strategies and successful racing endeavors contributed to Pontiac's popularity and brand image.
Cessation of Production: Unfortunately, due to financial constraints and changes in consumer preferences, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand in 2010, marking the end of its legacy in the automotive industry.