Classic Pontiac Muscle Car, 455 V8, Auto, Convertible, Blue

1965 Pontiac Le Mans GTO Tribute Description

Who among us hasn't longed for a GTO convertible, but just couldn't ever stomach the hefty investment required to park one in the garage? Among all the muscle cars, the Goat somehow transcends brand loyalty, and you'll probably find that both Ford and Mopar guys are in love with GM's first muscle car. This 1965 Pontiac Lemans GTO Tribute is a convincing GTO re-creation, offering all the flavor and fun of the real McCoy without the oversized price tag. This Lemans droptop was resprayed in its original code D Fontaine Blue, and we're glad that the former owners resisted an imitation color change, and as a result it looks every bit of Pontiac's combination of luxury and muscle. Few other brands ever matched that combination and none of them added the performance punch of Pontiac's 455 cubic inch V8, which wasn't yet available in '65 but is a welcomed upgrade today. We don't know exactly when the work was done, but it was some time ago, so the car has a mellow, comfortable look that shows well at casual events and looks great going down the street. Those big quarter panels are very straight, door gaps are precise, especially for a convertible, and the hood fits flush. It's a convincing tribute, too, with correct GTO badges, those unique mesh grilles up front, and a hood scoop for just the right performance vibe. The only way anyone is going to know this one isn't a real-deal Goat is by checking the cowl tag. The code 217 blue bucket seat interior is stock and in good shape as well, offering correct seat covers with supportive foam underneath, plush carpets, GTO door panels, and a nice list of factory options. A center console houses a thin chrome shifter for the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission, there's an aftermarket under-dash A/C unit that looks almost period-correct and uses modern hardware and R134a refrigerant, although it could use a charge to blow nice and cold. The woodgrained applique dash might very well be original, same as the gauges, which speaks to how nicely preserved this car really is, and there's a correct GTO emblem next to the grab bar above the glove box. The original AM radio has been dumped in favor of an aftermarket AM/FM/cassette head unit with requisite a Pontiac decal on it that makes it look stock, and a sporty Grant GT steering wheel rest atop a rather rare tilt steering column, unusual in a GTO and totally unheard-of in a Lemans. Overhead, there's a nice-fitting black power top that stows itself easily and it's in good shape, too. A dark blue convertible boot tucks the power top away neatly when fastened properly, and the trunk is spacious enough to accommodate for almost any travel plans. The original 326 V8 that was originally in this Pontiac was simply not enough displacement for a previous owner, so it was adeptly swapped out in favor of a more powerful big block 455 V8, fitted neatly and dressed to convince everyone it's been in there all along. Correct Pontiac Turquoise paint, chrome valve covers, and a matching open-element chrome air cleaner are all details Pontiac fans expect, and the motor breathes efficiently thanks to an Edelbrock 600CFM 4-barrel carb and factory-style 6H manifolds. Power steering and power front disc brakes are included, and the A/C system is neatly installed so it's not in the way. The chassis is very solid and original, and is in good order although it's not going to be a show car until it gets a couple coats of paint sprayed on the floor pans and axles. The upgraded dual exhaust with chambered mufflers is appropriate for a high performance Pontiac and the TH350 automatic transmission handles the power from the 455 more than adequately and spins highway-friendly gears inside the 10-bolt rear-end. Shiny Cragar SS wheels are fitted for a little extra flash and carry 215/70/14 white-letter BFGoodrich radials at all four corners to finish the look. Forget numbers and pedigrees... Sure, a real GTO might make all the tag-checkers nod with approval, but 95% of the population just doesn't care, which is entirely the point of this awesome tribute. Documented with PHS paperwork and maintenance records, this '65 LeMans GTO Tribute is ready for a new owner. Call today!