Although manufacturers primarily focused on outright performance with their muscle car range, buyers could load their new purchase with options to provide a more comfortable motoring experience. Such is the case with this recently restored 1965 Pontiac GTO. Its presentation is hard to fault, and the V8 under the hood will provide enough power to satisfy hardened enthusiasts. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTO listed here on eBay in Commack, New York. The seller set their auction to open at $28,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.
With a sales total of 32,450 cars, Pontiac’s newly released 1964 GTO far exceeded the company’s expectations. This wasn’t a one-off situation; the number rose dramatically during 1965 to 75,342 vehicles. The buying public liked what they saw, and they voted with their wallets. The seller states that this ’65 GTO was restored approximately two years ago. Therefore, the spotless state of its Starlight Black paint is unsurprising. It reflects its surroundings like a mirror, perfectly complementing the arrow-straight panels. The Red pinstripe provides a subtle contrast that further lifts the exterior. There is no evidence of rust, and no problems with the sparkling trim. The tinted glass, one of the first visible factory options, is clear, and the Pontiac sits on Rally wheels.
If the listing information is correct, this GTO probably isn’t a numbers-matching classic. The seller lists the motor as a 400ci V8, although the company didn’t introduce that engine until 1967. This motor may have been bored and rebuilt, but that is speculation. The entry-level 389ci produced 335hp in 1965, and this V8 should match that figure. A two-speed Powerglide transmission delivers power to the rear wheels, and the car also features power steering and power front disc brakes. Disappointingly, the seller provides no information about the GTO’s mechanical condition or how well it runs and drives. Its recent history suggests the news should be positive, especially considering they use the term “very good condition” in their listing.
I mentioned factory options, and this GTO’s interior is where you find most of them. The first owner selected air conditioning, power windows, a sports gauge cluster, and a tilt wheel. Throw bucket seats and a console into the equation, and life aboard this Pontiac should be pretty comfortable. The car doesn’t lose points for presentation, with the White vinyl-upholstered surfaces showing no evidence of wear or stains. The dash and console are excellent, and the pad is free of cracks. Although not mentioned, I suspect that the restoration may have included at least a partial interior retrim.
Examining the listing, there is only one thing that surprises me about this 1965 Pontiac GTO. The listing statistics indicate it has generated considerable interest, but that hasn’t translated into genuine auction action. People may be biding their time, planning to make their move in the dying minutes. It is a genuine mystery, and people may be intimidated by the opening figure. Do you think the situation will change, and what do you feel would be a fair price for this loaded GTO?
GTO buyers typically want to see the PHS documentation and firewall data plate to verify it’s a real GTO. No reason to think it’s not but the proof helps.
Another plus is that this GTO was built in the Fremont, CA plant so it probably spent part of its life in a dry climate.
I like it.
Without PHS documentation I would assume many of the options were added. If the dealer thought they were original, it would be in their best interest to supply the documentation.
This is the same seller that has the burgundy 1968 Firebird convertible featured on this site a few days ago.
Steve R
B-O-P transmissions were 2 speed but not Powerglide.
Later model bucket seats and later Rally II wheels kind of jump out at you. I personally like a factory steering wheel too.
Not much of a description in the Ebay ad for a car that was restored only 2 years ago. Being located in NY it would be nice to have some photos of the undercarraige of it also, along with some PHS documentation.Looks nice in the photos but sometimes photos CAN be very deceiving. A/C is always a plus although he doesn’t say it blows cold.