1965 Pontiac GTO

Description

Great GTOs still exist, and this 1965 GTO hardtop is an A-list survivor with just a single repaint, its original Tri-Power 389, and an honest presentation that will win you over the moment you see it. The perfect yet subtle gentleman's hot rod, this is the GTO that you wanted when you were a kid.

Aside from a single repaint about 20 years ago, this GTO is pretty much original. Yes, I know that's hard to believe, but it's true. It's one of those cars that's had a caring owner from day one, obviously a guy who bought it because it was his dream car, not mere transportation. Better yet, it's an original California car, and yes, the legends are true; the cars really are nicer out there. The two-decade-old paint is holding up remarkably well, with a soft gloss and a tiny bit of patina that some less scrupulous sellers might be able to pass off as original. It's the factory-spec code Y Mayfair Maize, and now that you've seen it, you have to admit it looks pretty danged good on the Goat hardtop. Panel fit is just the way the factory did it and it's quite good, and all the chrome and stainless trim is beautifully preserved thanks to both the California climate and conscientious ownership. It's really impressive.

Shockingly, the black interior is almost entirely original, including the seat covers and door panels, which have that distinctive Pontiac luxury/performance vibe. Buckets without a console are an unusual combination, but that's how this car was spec'd so that's how it sits today. Factory gauges cover the basics and we have no reason to believe that the 70,070 miles shown on the odometer are not authentic because this car has a very all-of-a-piece feel that only survivors can claim. Auxiliary gauges and a tachometer were added under the dash and are a worthwhile upgrade in a car with a valuable engine like this one. The carpets are a little faded, but certainly not to the point where replacement is warranted (although it can easily be swapped out with the brand new carpet kit this car comes with) and the headliner is still taut, which is a real rarity in GM cars of this vintage. A factory AM radio is still doing its thing in the dash and the dash pad wasn't cooked by the California sun, so it's looking good, too. The trunk features a new mat and spare tire cover to complete the authentic look.

We have every reason to believe that the 389 cubic inch V8 under the hood is the original, numbers-matching piece. It codes out correctly to a 360 horsepower/4-speed WS block and it runs a correct Tri-Power setup that's complete right down to the individual air cleaners. Chrome valve covers look a bit too nice to be original, but it's certainly possible, and all the little details such as the master cylinder and the exhaust manifolds are original-spec. The Flowmaster exhaust system sounds maybe a little more aggressive than stock, but that's easy to forgive and you can see the wonders of the California lifestyle just by looking underneath. The 10-bolt rear holds 3.55 gears on a Posi, so it's quick around town and correct Rally wheels carry cool redline radials for a period look.

Sadly, this car's documentation was lost in the fire, so the usual PHS paperwork isn't available, but there's no reason to believe this car isn't everything it appears to be. Fast, pretty, and fully sorted, this is the kind of collector car you want to own: one that's always been loved. Call today!