1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible

LMC is pleased to offer for sale this '65 GTO Convertible.

The Pontiac GTO was built by the Pontiac division of GM from 1964 to 1974 as part of the mid-sized Pontiac Tempest/LeMans lineup. The first generation GTO was a muscle car that many consider to have started the trend that had all four domestic automakers offering a variety of competing models.

The GTO was the brainchild of Pontiac engineer Russell Gee, engine specialist Bill Collins, and chief engineer John DeLorean. By the early 1960s, Pontiac's advertising and marketing approach was heavily based on performance however with GM's ban on factory-sponsored racing then Pontiac's young, visionary management turned its attention to emphasizing street performance. The GTO was basically a violation of GM policy limiting the A-body intermediate line to a maximum engine displacement of 330 cu in. Since the GTO was an option package for the Pontiac Tempest and not standard equipment, it could be considered to fall into a loophole in the policy. The famous GTO name was DeLorean's idea inspired by the Ferrari 250 GTO, the successful race car. It is an Italian abbreviation for Gran Turismo Omologato which means officially certified for racing in the grand tourer class. On the street, the muscle car fans affectionately refer to the GTO's as the 'Goat'.

The first Pontiac GTO in '64 was an option package for the Pontiac Tempest and was restyled for the 1965 model year. Changes included adding 3.1 inches to the overall length while retaining the same wheelbase and interior dimensions. It had Pontiac's characteristic vertically stacked quad headlights on either side of the black "egg-crate" grille with a new simulated hood scoop. The dashboard design was changed and an optional rally gauge cluster added a more legible tachometer and oil pressure gauge. The 389 engines received revised cylinder heads with re-cored intake passages and high rise intake manifolds, improving breathing. Rated power increased to 335 hp for the base four barrel engine.

This GTO has the classic good looks of mid-60's muscle. Raise this GTO's hood to reveal a clean Satin Black engine compartment housing the unique Pontiac Turquoise 389 cu.in. Engine with the correct 9778789 casting number and "YS" engine code. The smooth running 389 with 4 bbl provides 335HP delivered with the assistance of the factory optional 2-speed automatic transmission. The engine bay is very well done however the big surprise under the hood is to see this convertible has Factory Air Conditioning for your comfort during top up driving. There weren't many GTO convertibles built that year and very rare to find one that was ordered with the Automatic and AC combination. Other conveniences are power steering and power brakes. Everything is documented in the Pontiac Historic Services paperwork that will be provided to you.

Stunning in Starlight Black with subtle Red pinstripes running straight and true along the top belt line which highlight the car's super clean profile. The Black Convertible Top has a very good tight fit and a nice clear rear window. This attractive GTO perfectly defines Pontiac's lasting legacy of tempering sophistication with aggression. The front of the car is dominated by trademark, stainless-trimmed grilles between stacked headlights with a broad gleaming chrome bumper. Inside those grilles, a prominent "G T O" emblem hints at the performance beneath the GTO-exclusive hood scoop having two mouths to grab air. The large GTO emblems mounted on the fenders declare GTO 6.5 Litre. The optional Soft Ray glass is clear and the stainless is in excellent condition. On the sides there are dual chrome mirrors with the convenience of remote operation for the driver side mirror. A quartet of Sport Wheels with chrome trim rings spin Redline Tires around detailed Pontiac Motor Division caps. From behind, a finned valence, representative of the same striped chrome trim used on the dash/console, has the "G T O" badge and appropriately centered "PONTIAC" lettering that lets everyone know who outran them.

Open the door and you'll find the factory correct Parchment and Black interior package that is both sporty yet classy in design. The firm front bucket and rear bench seats feature bright chrome trim, nicely pleated covers and era-correct factory optional front lap belts with side retractors. In front of the driver, a Custom Sports Steering Wheel spins a simulated wood rim with three steel spokes around a Turquoise Pontiac-branded horn button. The engine's vitals are displayed by round-faced dials set in the dash that has the 'striped chrome' inserts. The full console running between the bucket seats has the same 'striped chrome'. In front of the automatic shifter is the Pontiac-branded Manifold Vacuum Gauge. Overall, a very appealing interior design.

This GTO muscle car features an ideal blend of performance, style and top down fun -- it'll be an absolute pleasure to drive and show. Start humming the iconic song by Ronny and the Daytona's - "Little GTO" - you'll want to put the top down and get on down the road.