Frame Off Restored GTO Muscle 421 Tri-Power V8 468 HP M20 4 Speed 12 Bolt Posi

1965 Pontiac GTO Description

SUMMARY

The beneficiary of a 12-year restoration that was completed in 2011
421 cubic inch Pontiac V8 / 468 horsepower
Muncie M20 4-speed manual transmission
DuPont Torch Red paint
Black vinyl interior / Modern audio
Sale includes: Build photos / Build receipts / Pontiac Historic Services paperwork
12-bolt rear axle / Posi-traction differential / 3.08 gears
3-inch exhaust / Xlerator mufflers
Heavy-duty suspension
14-inch Rally I Wheels

According to analysts, American car sales will remain at or near record levels for the foreseeable future. Those stellar numbers have prompted many journalists to capitalize on talk of reviving long-retired automotive brands. Within that conversation, some of the most popular and heated discussion centers on Pontiac. While a revival of Pontiac is, at this point, highly unlikely, it's hard to deny the passion and respect automotive enthusiasts continue to associate with the marque. That means cars like this fully documented GTO, one of the brand's most desirable creations, are well positioned to continue their reign at the top of the collector car market. A carefully restored head turner, this top-notch Poncho mixes a massaged 421/4-speed drivetrain with sizzling red on black aesthetics. And if you're a passionate enthusiast who's searching for some exclusive metal that you can literally purchase and drive straight to the show, it's your chance to become king of the muscle car hill!

BODYWORK/TRIM

While this hopped-up GTO's classic good looks originated in the mind of engineer John Z. DeLorean, it was a detailed, 12-year restoration that ensured those looks present better than ever before. During that thorough reboot, which was completed in late 2011, the car's solid body was meticulously straightened around a new hood and a fresh pair of quarters. When that clean metalwork transitioned from the garage bay to the paint booth, modernist panels stretched a spectacular coat of DuPont Torch Red base under mirror-like clear. And today, this razor-sharp coupe is a first-class head turner that proves things of quality have no fear of time.

Tough, understated and attractive, this classic 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 headlights, a satin 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 hood scoop. At the sides of that scoop, expressive 'coke bottle' fenders form a thoroughly dressed profile that anchors stainless wheel frames and polished rocker guards beneath bright emblems and traditional door handles. Above those fenders, new glass rides behind polished drip rails, polished window frames and a correct driver's mirror. And at the back of the car, a finned valance founds clean taillights and bold "P O N T I A C" lettering between an ominous "G T O" badge, a second satin arrowhead and a second chrome bumper.

ENGINE

Peek under the fully functional hood and you'll find 421 cubic inches of Pontiac V8 that, according to this GTO's owner, twist 468 horsepower into 552 lb./ft. of torque! At the top of that light blue mill, a familiar Tri-power set-up bridges the gap between stainless fuel lines, polished air cleaners and a cast iron Pontiac intake. That air/fuel mixture floods Edelbrock Performer RPM heads, which hide slick roller rockers under fabricated, Pontiac-branded valve covers. Those rockers get bumped by an Edelbrock Performer RPM cam, which spins above a balanced rotating assembly. That assembly gets sparked by hot MSD Digital-6 Plus ignition, which sequences fire through an MSD Pro-Billet distributor, an MSD Blaster HVC coil and loomed MSD plug wires. Below those wires, custom long-tubes, fab-ed and coated by Mad Dog Headers of Adairsville, Georgia, make quick work of spent gases. At the front of those tubes, billet pulleys spin a polished alternator and ceramic-coated fan next to an Optima gel cell battery. A factory-spec radiator, a dual-reservoir master cylinder and an 8-quart Milodon oil pan keep the fluids flowing. And items like ARP studs, braided fluid lines and an old school glass washer bottle round out a roster of impressive details.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Logging only weekend miles since their noble rebirth, this coupe's Satin Black floors and color-keyed frame are completely free of significant issues and major defects. The stout 421 commands a Lakewood-shielded Muncie, which has been professionally rebuilt by The Gear Box of Garden City, Michigan. That tough torque slinger grinds power to a rebuilt GM 12-bolt, which spins a posi-trac differential around friendly, 3.08 gears. That drivetrain rides a heavy-duty suspension, which sandwiches polygraphite bushings, air bag helper springs and boxed rear control arms between front and rear sway bars. Traditional drum brakes are supplemented with nostalgic line-lock that, according to the car's owner, has never been used. A familiar Saginaw steering box provides the turns. Oval, 3-inch exhaust pipes connect the aforementioned headers with an X-shaped crossover, welded Xlerator mufflers and polished side-splitter tips. And a quartet of Pontiac Rally Is spin 215/70R14 Gillette CONCEPT redlines in front of 225/70R14 Gillette CONCEPT redlines.

INTERIOR

Open the solid doors and you'll find a Dynamat-lined interior that's been tweaked where it counts. Front and center, Pontiac themed vinyl shrouds a correct combination of bench and bucket seats. The 421's vitals are displayed by familiar Rally Gauges which, along with a remote for the car's modern Pioneer CD player, float in a stainless and wood-trimmed dash that's complete with a passenger's grab handle. Clean carpet anchors a chrome Hurst shifter, complete with the aforementioned line-lock, between tough Pontiac floor mats. At the sides of the car, fresh door panels center bright stainless under black window frames. In front of the driver, a Deluxe Steering Wheel spins a wood rim around a vintage column. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hides a full-size spare tire and the aforementioned CD player beneath a custom package tray that's filled with crisp Panasonic speakers.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

A vintage Owner's Manual
Build photos
Several folders of build receipts
Component literature
Pontiac Historic Services paperwork
A reproduction Window Sticker

This awesome GTO is a fully documented, virtually timeless muscle car that features an ideal blend of performance and style. And, thanks to its massaged drivetrain and fresh restoration, it'll be an absolute pleasure to show and drive. If you've been patiently waiting for the opportunity to pick up an awesome example of the ORIGINAL muscle car, here's your chance!