- Seller: Tedd Z (Contact)
- Location: Hales Corners, Wisconsin
- Mileage: TMU Shown
- Chassis #: 237375P283984
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 389ci V8
- Transmission: 4-speed
Whether the Pontiac GTO is the first Muscle Car or not, there’s no doubt it made a huge impact when it debuted. Looking at this 1965 example, it’s easy to see why these were so well received. They were a great balance of style, performance, and price. This one underwent a body-off restoration a number of years ago and was then parked. However, it has just recently received the necessary work to make it a driver again. There are a few minor issues that still need to be addressed to make it a true showstopper, but it can still be enjoyed as is. The seller has decided it’s time to part ways with it, so that someone else can enjoy driving it. They’ve listed it here as a Barn Finds Auction. It’s located in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and comes with a clean title, the build sheet, and a copy of the window sticker.
The GTO started out as a trim level for the LeMans, but eventually became its own model. First-generation cars were offered with several engine options, but most left the factory with the 4-barrel 389 V8 and a 3-speed manual. That’s how this one was originally equipped, but has since been upgraded with the Tri-Power setup and a 4-speed. The base GTO was still quite potent, with 325 horsepower on tap and a curb weight under 3,500 pounds. The optional Tri-Power option added a little weight but brought power up to 360 horsepower.
During the restoration, this car was treated not just to a full exterior restoration, but also to a redo of the interior. It was redone in its original color scheme, red with black interior, and it presents well throughout. The replacement seat upholstery appears correct and shows no signs of wear. The headliner was also replaced, as was the steering wheel. The seller has the original steering wheel, so the next owner can restore it to its original condition if desired. It appears that the carpet has some sun fade, but it looks clean as is.
The 389 is said to run well and is a genuine Tri-Power engine. It’s paired with a 4-speed transmission, which isn’t original to the car, but is correct for a GTO. It’s a great combo for performance and drivability. The seller has receipts for over $20,000 worth of recent mechanical work. They have also sourced a new wiring harness, which is included.
Other recent work includes a new exhaust system and a fresh set of Redline tires. This GTO should prove to be a fun machine to have, especially if you want to experience one of the cars that kicked off an era of muscle cars! Leave any questions you have for the seller in the comment section. And be sure to cast your high bids below.
Bid On This Auction
[email protected] bid $23,000.00 2025-09-01 20:35:20
Jay Sea bid $21,000.00 2025-09-01 11:30:24- [email protected] bid $16,000.00 2025-08-28 14:04:20
- Jay Sea bid $15,000.00 2025-08-28 09:17:22
Very nice GTO! I would put the original steering wheel back on which the seller has.
What a beauty there’s nothing like a red 65 GTO especially with a 4spd 389. Great car.
My brother bought one when they first came on the market. It was totaled by a drunk driver before he could buy the insurance for it.
I lusted after a Montero Red Sports Coupe @ a now-defunct Pontiac dealership during my senior year in HS. I’d drive out to that lot on almost a daily basis, endlessly fantasizing as if it was soon to be mine! Equipped w/Ralley-1s & tri-power, to this very day that visualization has never escaped my memory. I sensed the sales people didn’t appreciate my weekly visits to their showroom, plunked down behind the wheel of a particular 4-speed Burgundy LeMans, shifting away!
That is the strangest head pipe to exhaust pipe arrangement I have ever seen. No clamp,no weld, just “slid” together? Why does that not leak? The “whole” basic car is very nice. I also see an upgraded (newer style) alternator. This would be a fun car to own.
Is the engine a 1964? T
he horsepower ratings given would be for a ’64. In 1965, they raised the horsepower to 335 for the four barrel and 360 for the tri power. Nice car. I certainly regret that life got in the way of me keeping mine, a ’65 convertible, 389 tri-power, Muncie, close ration four speed, factory Hurst “mystery” shifter and 390 posi-traction differential. Had to sell it in 1970, just before my Vietnam “vacation”. Still cry over the loss of that car…just a damn fool, old fart, car nut!
Thank you for your service, sir. Hope you brought suntan lotion for that “vacation”! Sorry about the loss of your goat.
I was 14 years old in 64 when I had my first introduction to to a very thick cloud of blue and grey smoke coming from the back tires of my first appearance of a light grey with white interior 64 GTO pulling a hole shot . I am 76 now and remember that as if it just happened today . What a thrill for a 14 year old kid and such a kick start towards becoming a Motorhead with cars and motorcycles . To the guy behind the wheel of that GTO on that big day in my life THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH . 👍 🤪
Dennis M Young, I think the Mystery Shifter was the 3 speed shifter. (I could be wrong, but the parts store I worked at actually had a Hurst display with 2 transmission housings mounted and 1 each Mystery shifter 3 speed and 4 speed Competition Plus shifter.) Anyway, both were quality pieces and I have installed and used both on a daily basis. THE GOOD OLD DAYS!
Stan, I was 13 or 14 when I got my introduction to a 1964 GTO. (72 now) Only difference was that I was a passenger. The driver was a stock car racer and was not afraid to use the power to jump out into traffic and get way clear of it. I was already a gearhead as Dad had a Corvette. But that light green convertible with the white Top and white interior just make a real impression on me. And I like you it just seems like yesterday. When in college, I worked a Pontiac store and a buddy and I flipped GTOs when they could be bought cheap if they had a problem. We flipped a out 10 and I wish I had kept one. Maybe if one had been a ’64 I would have.
The body mounts are hockey pucks
I was 15 and talked my dad into ordering a 65 GTO convertible for my mom. They had no clue it was a performance car and quietly sold it shortly after I got my drivers license (:
I know the feeling. On my 16th birthday my Dad sold his 1958 Corvette that he and I restored. He said, “Too bad you didn’t get to drive it!” I said “Bet me!” It wasn’t too terrible as soon after I bought a1955 Chev. Convertible. It wasn’t as fast as the Vet. But there were alot of girls in school that loved to ride in convertibles. And you can only get one in a Corvette!
From the engine number I believe it is the original 1965 389 V8, but now with tri-power.
I just dropped my reserve to $30,000.