Ah, the 1965 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power! It is one of a handful of American classics that has deservedly earned legend status. It hailed from an era when John DeLorean strived to establish Pontiac as the performance marque in the General Motors empire. Spotless examples typically command impressive prices, and with the brand’s demise, that trend looks set to continue. This GTO is a muscle car that spent its life in a dry climate. It presents impressively, needing nothing but a new home. You may find yourself irresistibly drawn once you discover what it offers.
Nobody within Pontiac’s management team envisaged the monster they unleashed when the GTO hit showroom floors in 1964. Against a projected sales volume of 5,000 cars, the company sent 32,450 GTOs to new homes. That was just the start of the story, with that figure rising to 75,342 in 1965. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, and its presentation is extremely tidy. The seller admits it received a previous repaint in its original Cameo White, which retains a healthy shine. There is no evidence of significant paint or panel defects, and the crisp Red pinstripe perfectly ties the exterior with the interior trim combination. The Pontiac only found its way to its current location around a year ago, prowling the roads of California from Day One. That has preserved the car beautifully, with this GTO retaining its original, rust-free steel. The Ram Air hood adds a sense of presence, while the trim and glass are excellent. It is worth noting that the rare Hurst wheels shown in some shots aren’t included at the high-bid figure. The buyer can have them for an additional $7,500. Otherwise, this GTO will wear the steelies and spinner hubcaps seen here.
Some cars are pretenders, but the GTO was a genuine muscle car from the beginning. The company’s 389ci V8 was a potent beast, but this car raises the bar courtesy of its Tri-Power setup. It sends 360hp and 424 ft/lbs of torque to a Posi rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. Driving a car of this type shouldn’t be hard work, and the first owner’s decision to opt for power assistance for the steering and brakes should remove the physical effort. It is easy to see why these cars are legends because this GTO can devour the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds on its way to 124mph. The seller admits this Pontiac is no longer numbers-matching. The engine bay houses a replacement correct “WS” 389, and it is unclear when the change occurred. However, it is in excellent mechanical health, which is confirmed by the embedded video the seller includes in their listing.
This GTO’s interior isn’t refurbished or factory-fresh but is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. The Red vinyl trim is free from significant wear or signs of abuse. The seatcovers are slightly stretched and discolored, but that is expected from any vehicle of this vintage that has been driven and enjoyed as its creators intended. The dash and pad are excellent, and the console has no issues. Those focused on originality will welcome the lack of aftermarket additions. The GTO retains its original AM radio, although the seller admits it and the horn are inoperative. Otherwise, everything functions as it should.
The seller has listed this 1965 Pontiac GTO here on eBay in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Intense bidding has pushed the price to $30,100, but unsurprisingly, this figure falls short of the reserve. There is plenty of time remaining, and the situation will undoubtedly change. The replacement engine is disappointing, but since it is still correct for this car, it probably won’t significantly impact its value. Are you tempted to actively participate in this auction, or will you join me as an interested spectator?
In ’64, most were taken back by this new fad called a musclecar, but it didn’t take long, ’65 GTO had the hammer down. One ride was usually all it took, and sales doubled. Almost to 100,000 by 1966, so GM was on to something, thanks to you know who. GM had us hooked, like DeLorean predicted and for a measly $2871 with 4 barrel, a seemingly paltry $117 more for the tri-power, this was the car to have. Bar Mitzvah money, with upset parents, that money was for your schooling,,yeah, right,,
Fast forward some, with its legendary status, this car will remain desirable for generations. Not the crowd the ragtop automatic one draws, but just because of what this is, younguns will be begging to be taught how to drive it, and it begins all over again. It won’t be Bar Mitzvah money this time, however.
Forget the Mitzvah, I’ll just take the bar. Any money left over goes to the GTO.
I like it pretty much as-is, as a driver. The 66/67 parking lights added were a fairly common modification back in the day. The 64 engine turned dash applique is also a pretty common modification. The Hurst shifter is an aftermarket unit, and with the curved handle makes gear changing easier for taller drivers with the seat all the way… also helps to keep your fist from smacking the radio if it slips! At some point the rally gauges, steering wheel and console and exhaust splitters were added, all worthwhile additions. Interesting to note this car was not optioned with back-up lamps… mine wasn’t either, the majority were. No safety-track rear. About the only thing I would do would be a disc brake upgrade and remove the “Hurst Equipped” emblem from the trunk lid. cool car, I like color combination.
I like it pretty much as-is, as a driver. The 66/67 parking lights added were a fairly common modification back in the day. The 64 engine turned dash applique is also a pretty common modification. The Hurst shifter is an aftermarket unit, and with the curved handle makes gear changing easier for taller drivers with the seat all the way back… also helps to keep your fist from smacking the radio if it slips! At some point the rally gauges, steering wheel and console and exhaust splitters were added, all worthwhile additions. Interesting to note this car was not optioned with back-up lamps… mine wasn’t either, the majority were. No safety-track rear. About the only thing I would do would be a disc brake upgrade and remove the “Hurst Equipped” emblem from the trunk lid. cool car, I like color combination.
This is one sweet ride. My personal favorite is ’66. Love that Coke Bottle lines in the quarters and the pointed nose ( the flat nose and grill sticking out on the 65s never looked quite right to me. 67s I didnt care for the chrome piece under the nose. This i all personal preferences mind you, nothing wrong with any of them.
Im partial to 66s because my older brother restored one in the very early 80s. 3 different Pontiacs put together. 18 coats of hand rubbed lacquer ( aqua) that car was a perfect mirror when he was done with it. He really took his time. The body lines were perfect. I was always envious of him because everything he touched turned to gold. Me……… Not so much….. Im just a dumb old truck driver. ( But I AM pretty good at it!!).
Back to the Goat, this is just one sweet ride. I hope it goes to a good new home.
It appears to have two sets of wheels..the right side has factory wheels, the left side has mags? Kinda weird on a car of this stature. It does look nice but at the price it should be examined carefully first.
Adam’s write-up states “It is worth noting that the rare Hurst wheels (“mags”) shown in some shots aren’t included at the high-bid figure. The buyer can have them for an additional $7,500. Otherwise, this GTO will wear the steelies and spinner hubcaps seen here.”
This is the same guy that sold the crusty 69 Judge recently featured on the site.
The ad doesn’t go into many details about this cars condition, glossing over claimed mileage and other changes that have been made such as Ram Air and NOM engine. He spends more time on the extra cost wheels not included in the sale than the car itself. Any interested buyers would be wise to check out the car in person.
Steve R
The black California license plate shown in the ad is from a trailer, not a passenger car.
Steve R
Nice check on the seller Steve R. It’s details like that black plate that are so easily over looked in one’s fascination with an offering.
Thank you thank you thank you for not saying that the GTO was an option on the Tempest. It never was. Only on the Lemans. Nice job Adam.
Most beautiful of the first Gen.
Neat car. I’m not a huge GTO fan, but I am certainly partial to the ’65s. It seems to check a lot of boxes, (nice color in decent shape, 360 horse 4 speed, fair to good overall condition, etc.) Like nearly all the “classic” hot rods these days, it is overpriced, but so is nearly everything else.( Now I may be wrong about this, but $7500 for those Hurst wheels is absolutely nutty.) Somebody should get a pretty cool driver.
Very nice goat. First thing I would do is trash the pan anfoam around the carbs. Don’t know how it runs with this junk. Smothering air the engine needs.
With a functional hood scoop, that foam helps direct the air to the intake.
We had a twin to this traded in on a triple black w30 442 white side stripe. I learned real quick you shouldn’t try to spin tires on soapy wash rack!! Almost took out 12 ft roll up door.
Working part time in a factory in high school a fellow worker had a new 65. I lived to go out for our 30 minute lunch break in that car. 67’s were my favorite but went into the Navy instead of buying a new one. The military draft was full on.
I really love the 65 GTO. But they have gotten so expensive that most don’t get driven much. And I would like to drive it all the time.
In 1967 I had a 65 GTO post couple. 389–3×2–3.55 axle. J.C. that car was FAST!
I sold it and it sat a while after next owner blew the engine. He then totally restored it and I last saw it in Northfield, MN at the car show at the Jesse James days event in 2007.