1965 Pontiac GTO Hardtop 389 V8 Automatic Classic Vintage Collector

1965 Pontiac GTO -- Description

The original is still a staple of the muscle car hobby, and this 1965 Pontiac GTO hardtop offers everything that made these cars so popular, then and now. The right color, the 389 Tri-Power V8, and a beautiful interior all make this the car that you always wished you'd bought back in the day but never quite managed to get. This is the way GTOs are supposed to look. Not over-restored, not modified with flashy wheels, and... the result is a car that gets appreciative looks from everyone who sees it, car enthusiast or not. The '65 GTOs introduced the stacked headlights, which were arguably the most successful styling element of the '60s, and while it's flashy, this is a car that commands respect on the street. It's an older repaint that's holding up pretty well and with even gaps all around and a soft shine to the code R Montego Red paint, it still has the right look. Clean and almost devoid of trim, this GTO definitely delivers on the gentleman's hot rod thing that Pontiac was aiming for, and the older restoration does it justice by keeping it as the designers intended. Nice chrome, including the bumpers and rocker panel trim, accentuates the red paint rather nicely, while proper GTO badges on all sides plus the fender emblems, remind onlookers that this is no garden-variety Tempest. A code 218-3E Parchment and Black vinyl interior is beautifully restored and accurately presented, proving once again that Pontiac interiors were the best of the best in the mid-60s. Diagonally-oriented pleats, Pontiac chevrons, and subtly peaked cushions are instantly identifiable, and the fit of the seat covers and carpets is undoubtedly better than new. Sliding behind the wheel, you're relived to find that this GTO carries only the critical parts: a woodgrained steering wheel befitting its image, bright, clear gauges, and precious little else to get in the way of performance. The gauges have fresh lenses and include a factory tach and the original AM radio still lives in the dash, although it's currently inoperable. The console is probably original, but it's so nice that you aren't sure whether to restore it or keep it as-is, and the black carpets are a fantastic contrast to the parchment seats and door panels. Open the trunk and you'll find that it's correctly trimmed and comes with a full-sized spare tire assembly. Pontiac's famous 389 cubic inch V8 really doesn't need a lot of description, and during the restoration this one was upgraded from a base 4-barrel carb to the mighty Tri-Power configuration, making it entertaining on the street. It's correctly detailed with corporate turquoise engine paint, tidy little air cleaners on the carburetors, and chrome valve covers simply because Pontiac brass new that car guys were going to spend a lot of time admiring this engine. It runs extremely well and the wicked cackle from the Flowmaster dual exhaust system suggests that there might be an upgraded camshaft living inside. The TH400 3-speed automatic transmission is linked to a set of 3.23 gears so it's a great cruiser, and the front brakes have been upgraded to power discs. Those handsome Rally II wheels are a great choice on a vintage Goat and they're fitted with 205/70/14 blackwall radials for a low-key look. Nicely documented with PHS paperwork, this wonderful GTO nails the factory look and delivers performance that's still impressive today. Call now!