Frame Off Restored Concours Gold Award GTO Convertible 389 Tri-Power V8 4 Speed

1965 Pontiac GTO Description

SUMMARY

Ground-up restoration
Awarded Concours Gold honors by the GTO Association of America
Correct 389 cubic inch V8 / Tri-power carburetion
Correct Muncie 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Parchment interior / Modern air conditioning
Correct Fontaine Blue paint / Correct Blue top
Sale includes restoration photos and Pontiac Historic Services documentation
Correct power steering
Correct 10-bolt rear axle
Correct 14-inch Rally I wheels

Look up "muscle car" in the dictionary and you're almost guaranteed to find a picture of a GM A-body. And if that dictionary is worth its binding, the car better be a GTO. While the individual tenants of American performance could be found in earlier cars, Pontiac put them all together in one sinister package equally capable of quarter-mile blasts and comfortable grocery runs. And this fully documented, Concours Gold drop-top, featuring correct aesthetics, an extensive restoration and awesome tri-power/4-speed performance, is an impressive example of the brand's highly appealing mindset.

BODYWORK/TRIM

You'd never guess based on its current condition, but back in 1994 a previous owner found this GTO as a rolling chassis missing both its engine and transmission, and in desperate need of a complete restoration. So, that owner devoted countless hours of good ole elbow grease to restore the car to show worthy appeal, and it wasn't long before it picked up Concours Gold honors from the GTO Association of America. Presently this Pontiac rolls thanks to era-correct Tri-power motivation that's wrapped in correct Fontaine Blue paint, a correct blue roof and correct Parchment trim.

Tough, understated and attractive, this GTO perfectly defines Pontiac's lasting legacy of tempering sophistication with aggression. The front of the car is dominated by trademark, stainless-trimmed grilles that are anchored between stacked T3 headlights, a pristine, satin-finish arrowhead and a broad chrome bumper. Inside those grilles, a prominent "G T O" emblem hints at the performance bolted beneath a new-for-1965, GTO-exclusive scoop. At the sides of that scoop, expressive 'coke bottle' fenders hang dent-free wheel trim and arrow-straight rocker guards around familiar GM door handles. On the outside of those fenders, bright GTO crests combine with black "G T O" scripts to create visual sizzle that matches the car's visceral thrill. Above those crests, Soft Ray glass combines with fresh stainless and correct mirrors to highlight a super clean profile. And behind that glass, a second chrome bumper hangs small reverse lamps below a finned valence, an ominous "G T O" badge, a second arrowhead and appropriately centered "PONTIAC" lettering that lets everyone know EXACTLY who outran them.

ENGINE

Pop the car's long hood and the first thing you'll notice is a 389 cubic inch Pontiac V8 that's been completely rebuilt and wrapped in attractive Turquoise skin. Less obvious, of course, is that stalwart mill's correct 9778789 casting number, May (E) 28th (28), 1966 (6) casting date and Tri-power, 4-speed-exclusive "WS" assembly stamp. At the top of the block, correct Rochester carburetors bridge the gap between polished air cleaners, bright stainless fluid lines and a correct, cast iron intake. That intake rides between correct heads, which hang a polished AC breather over attractive, polished valve covers. A familiar points distributor jolts spark through fresh Packard Radio TVRS cables. Cooling is provided by a shrouded and decaled radiator, which sends water around a traditional fan via pliable hoses and traditional tower clamps. Charge comes courtesy of a freshly rebuilt alternator and modern, Delco-topped battery. Charred dinosaurs float through old school exhaust manifolds. And aesthetically, the car's impressive engine bay is fully detailed, from its smooth black fenders and matted hood all the way to its yellow carb spring and fresh Sanden AC compressor.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Logging very few miles since their thorough restoration, this goat's fresh floors and super clean frame are completely free of significant issues and major defects. The stout 389 sends power to a tough Muncie 4-speed, which spins a correct 10-bolt axle. At the sides of that rock-solid drivetrain, true-dual pipes connect the aforementioned manifolds with brash turbo mufflers. At the sides of that booming soundtrack, a rebuilt suspension features reliable Monroe shocks. Lucid power steering plays well with factory drum brakes. Muscle meets the pavement through 14-inch Rally Is, which spin G70-14 Firestone Wide Oval Super Sport redlines around stainless trim rings and classy center caps. And absolutely everything, from this Poncho's fresh stainless fuel tank to its clean Turquoise oil pan, is aligned, sorted and ready to cruise!

INTERIOR

Open the doors and you're greeted by bright Parchment vinyl that's a fantastic blend of style and simplicity. On the seats you'll find weather-free covers that are GTO-specific. Featuring the same kind of styling as the car's rear valence, the center console is beautifully finished, offering easy access to a Hurst 4-speed shifter. Crisp telemetry centers a factory tach and checkered flag speedo beside modern climate control and a correct Delco radio. At the floor, fresh carpet anchors a full array of seatbelts around black, Pontiac-branded floor mats. At the sides of the car, fresh door panels found chrome handles around bright GTO crests. In front of the driver, a wood-trimmed steering wheel spins a requisite wood rim around a Turquoise, Pontiac-branded horn button. And behind the passengers, a restored and decaled trunk balances a full-size spare tire on a correct jack.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Here's a quick breakdown of this GTO's VIN and Cowl Tag:

VIN: 237675PXXXXXX

2: Pontiac Motor Division
37: LeMans
67: Convertible
5: 1965 model year
P: Assembled in Pontiac, Michigan
XXXXXX: Sequential Production Number

COWL TAG:

06A: Assembled during the first (A) week of June (06), 1965
65: 1965 model year
2: Pontiac Motor Division
37: LeMans
67: Convertible
PON: Assembled in Pontiac, Michigan
11548: Fisher Body number
218B: Parchment vinyl interior
D: Fontaine Blue paint
4: Blue vinyl top
L: Floor shifted 4-speed transmission
G: Console
P: Radio
5N: GTO (Specific to the Pontiac and Kansas City plants)

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

Restoration photos
Pontiac Historic Services paperwork
An un-fitted convertible boot

This awesome GTO is a fantastically restored showpiece that packs unbeatable performance in a highly desirable wrapper. Backing a potent Tri-power 389 with a reliable drivetrain and universal appeal, it's the kind of car that'll be a pleasure to own for years to come. If you've been patiently waiting for the opportunity to pick up a stellar example of the ORIGINAL muscle car, here's your chance!