Pontiac executives knew they had something special on their hands at the end of 1964. Instead of selling an anticipated 5,000 copies of the new mid-size GTO muscle car, they had found more than 32,000 buyers. And the jubilation no doubt continued into 1965 with 75,000 deliveries. The seller has a second-year GTO that’s clearly a project that comes with two engines the buyer can choose from. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, this Poncho opportunity is available here on eBay for $20,000 OBO.
Pontiac, along with the other GM divisions, had migrated their “senior compacts” to intermediates in 1964. So, the bodies and styling were all new. The GTO, along with the Tempest and LeMans, gained stacked headlights for 1965, making that the easiest way to tell them apart from the 1964s. A 389 cubic inch V8 remained as the only engine available, offered with a 4-barrel or three 2-barrel carburetors known as Tr-Power. More than two-thirds of the ’65 GTOs were ordered with a 4-speed manual transmission.
We don’t know how long the owner of this GOAT has had this project, but he’s grown weary of the effort and wants it to find a new, more enthusiastic home to thrive in. The seller says a lot of work has already been done, including a full strip-down of the body and a professional coating of the chassis and frame. We assume body work remains, and the interior is mostly used for storage at the moment.
The car comes with two engines, but we don’t know if either is the original 389. One is in the car, while the other is on a stand (Tri-Power!). A Hurst shifter is included to attach to the “Mimic” (knock-off?) M20 tranny. You also get a Ram clutch and 9-inch brake booster. A high-rise intake manifold is along for the ride to go with whichever engine you decide stays in the Pontiac for the long-haul. Photographs provided are few and mostly very specific. So, the condition of the overall car is hard to tell as presented. If you’re looking to build a first-generation and make it all your own, does this GTO strike your fancy at the seller’s price point?
The ad is horrible, the description lacks useful information and the few pictures don’t give a good idea as to the cars condition. However, it has potential and the price is enticing enough that you bring a flashlight, magnet, notebook and a friend to check it out in person. The guy sitting at home waiting for the seller to email them answers their questions isn’t going to get this car if it turns out to be a good deal.
Steve R
I guess I’m old & cheap….$20k seems like a hell of alot of money for an old car that cost about $3600 new. From this write up, sounds like it still needs alot of work. Does not give any idea of 2 engines included ….if they run or if original numbers matching.
$3600 in 1965 = $37368 today.
I know everyone likes to compare prices from back then new to inflation prices today. I know salaries were way way low back then but 3600 back then you got alot of car and alot of choices when ordering!!… Todays trash boxes still cant compare no style…