Classic British sports cars traditionally offer an engaging wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, although, with many blessed with modest engine power, life tends to proceed at a sedate pace. However, when you take an American muscle car, lop off the roof, and slot a 389ci Tri-Power V8 under the hood, things become very interesting indeed. That was the recipe employed by Pontiac to produce this 1965 GTO Convertible. It has spent years in hibernation, but is an essentially solid and complete vehicle that would make a fantastic project candidate. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder numskal for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in Riverside, California. The seller set their price at $25,000, and it appears that they are firm on that figure.
Pontiac had modest hopes when it released the GTO in 1964, projecting a sales volume of around 5,000 cars. However, buyers couldn’t get enough of the company’s first muscle car, with 32,405 cars rolling off the line during the first model year. However, that was just the beginning, with that total climbing to 75,352 in 1965. Our feature ’65 GTO is 1-of-11,311 Convertibles ordered, with the first owner choosing Cameo Ivory to cloak its exterior. Its history is slightly vague, although the seller confirms that, as its black plates suggest, it has spent its life in sunny California. Therefore, the solid underside is hardly surprising. That isn’t to say that this classic is rust-free, with several areas on the lower exterior extremities showing steel penetration. The problems aren’t severe, and many would be prime candidates for repair with well-crafted patches. Of course, the buyer could throw caution to the wind with a nut-and-bolt approach, and I wouldn’t blame anyone who contemplated doing so. The trim generally looks respectable, and the glass is clear.
If you crave life in the fast lane, this GTO is set to deliver. The 389ci V8 was standard fare during 1965, producing enough power to satisfy most owners. However, for those craving more, the 389 Tri-Power was a hot ticket. The company’s Sales Brochure quoted a power output of 360hp, although the consensus was that Pontiac was being somewhat frugal with the truth. The first owner ticked that box on the Order Form, teaming the Tri-Power with a two-speed Powergide transmission. Interestingly, on a car with such impressive performance potential, they elected to pass on power assistance for the steering and brakes. The seller states that this GTO doesn’t run, and it appears that it hasn’t since 2004. Therefore, a thorough inspection is a wise move before attempting to coax the V8 back to life. If it proves healthy, the car’s structurally strong state might make returning the Pontiac to active service a viable short-term goal.
Time has taken a toll on this GTO’s interior, although it would be serviceable with slipcovers fitted to hide the badly split driver’s seat vinyl. The back seatcover is beginning to fail, the door trims have been cut to accommodate aftermarket speakers, and nothing will hide the UV-ravaged dashpad. Therefore, a car of this caliber probably deserves a retrim. Prices for basic kits typically start at around $1,700, although one that would return this interior to a factory-fresh state with a new pad, seat foam, and all of the small components will lighten the buyer’s wallet by approximately $3,300. That’s a lot of money on the face of it, but if treated respectfully, it should present extremely well for many decades to come. Therefore, a retrim should be considered as a worthwhile long-term investment.
I’m sure that most readers will agree that two decades is way too long for any classic to hibernate, but that fate has befallen this 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible. Thankfully, it has emerged into the light of day, and revival and returning it to a mechanically roadworthy state might be a viable short-term goal. Otherwise, it is a prime candidate for restoration. It would command respect if returned to its former glory, but that would grow enormously once people saw what is hiding under the hood. I hope that one of our readers becomes its new owner, because it guarantees that its next custodian is a genuine enthusiast who appreciates the importance of this classic. Are you tempted to be that person?
The transmission is not a Powerglide. Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac had their own two-speed automatic. Buick called it “Super Turbine 300,” Oldsmobile called it “Jetaway,” but Pontiac had no special name for it.
It’s hard to believe they would couple a 389 tripower to a 2speed automatic, more likely the 3 speed turbohydomatic.
That 3spd AT wasn’t a possibility in 1965, this car is equipped with the only automatic available in the GTO at that time. The first 3spd automatic didn’t become available in the GTO until 1967.
Steve R
Nice car. I have an older tri power set up somewhere in my junk. Was intending to put it on my 78 firebird, but it didn’t want to fit. Every few years I find it again…
If you find it a different want to sell it let me know. I would definitely be interested Thanks Doug @
I’d take a 3sp. manual. 3 by the knee🦵
Gone in 60 seconds …. or however long it took.
$50,000 GTO for $25,000
How long does it take to sell?
This posting has been deleted by its author.
Thinking it was a Craigslist Scam…
No 4-speed? Who ordered this car?
Not only did Pontiac not have a 3 speed automatic transmission the first few years. They didn’t have a 3 speed manual transmission that would hold up to the 389. The first two or three years the 3 speed transmissions were from Ford!
The HD 3-speed was called a Dearborn transmission. Ford supplied them straight through.
You can call it by any name, but the person that ordered a tri-power GTO in ’65 with a 2 speed auto box shouldn’t have been allowed to own a performance car.
A BOP Turbo 350 trans is a direct bolt in replacement for the ST 300 2 speed. Gives you an extra (lower) gear without modifying the car.
oldrodder, that may have been the concession to the other half in order to purchase the car. A convertible would not have been ordered by a drag racer. This is strictly a ” posers” car. It could have been ordered by a woman who just wanted a drop top with some power. It might have been ordered by a dealer for stock.
Wayne, Try telling Ray Allen that a convertible would never be ordered by a drag racer. That being said, you are probably right that the purchase was some form of a compromise deal with some ones significant other, but that still don’t make it right. (And in my opinion, a dealer would have to be really rolling the dice to order a car like this for stock)