Jim MottRestorationscertainly knows this to be true as the restorerof our latest
Muscle Car of the Year Finalist,this incredibly clean and straight 1965 Pontiac GTO.
In Del Mar, we couldn’t stop looking at this GTO mostly because of howclean
and laser straight it was. The black & white two tone only added to the
intrigue. With its stock GM frame supporting the car’s rebuilt original
389ci V8engine and untampered with factory good looks, you’ve got everything
themuscle car era was known for right in this one choice ride.
Proving that the factory knew what it was doing back when this cherry Pontiac
came off the line, this GTO maintains all its factory-optioned fare, including
itsstock manual transmission that’s still going strong backing up that 389 under
the hood, open rear differential with 3.55:1 gears, optional aluminum drumbrakes
and even its stock 14-inch wheels and tires. There’s no modificationsneeded
here for a powerful ride, quality products and that beloved muscle carrumble.
A factory hardtop car, this 65 GTO is accentuated in chrome against asleek
PPG Black paint scheme in all the right places, while the roof of the car
is set off from the rest in a crisp PPG White. The base coat/ clear coat
makesthe classic paint scheme pop even more, setting the standard for
elegance inthe muscle car world.
Sticking with the car’s factory options and appeal, the interior of the caris
done up in Legendary upholstery over a factory seat, with a stock wood wheel,
rally gauges and a boldly positioned Hurst shifter all maintained for nostalgicpurposes.
This truly remarkable GTO maintains its original sheet metal,Protect-O-Plate,
and even its full original drivetrain all the way down to theoriginal carb tags.
It’s no wonder this car has scored at the top of its class and won national
recognitions such as the GTO Association of America Best of Show Nationals winner
witha score of 691 points out of 700 the first time the car was ever judged, as well
as the 2015POCI Concourse Gold with a score of 396 points out of 400, as well astop
honors at the2015 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals, with a score of 991 points out of 1000.
A stunning example of factory aesthetics and mechanics, this GTO has certainly earned
its Muscle Car of the Year Finalist position!