This 1965 Pontiac GTO was pulled out of a barn to take pictures in the sunlight. It looks pretty good in the sunlight. There are 5 days remaining on this no reserve auction here on eBay. The GTO is located in Defiance, Ohio near Toledo. With 53 bids and a price of $5,449, this project is getting some attention.
This is a non-running project car with 389 cubic inch V8 engine and automatic transmission. There is no mention of matching numbers. The pictures and description note that the car is rusty, had no keys but comes with a clean title. There is no information as to whether this GTO was originally red but it is going to need floorboards and paint before it makes it to a car show.
The interior is dirty but looks to be all there except for the cheesy steering wheel and no console. Some of the parts may clean up. The base 389 V8 engine developed 335 horsepower with a 4 barrel carburetor in 1965. If the optional Tri-Power set up was selected, the engine was rated at 360 horsepower. There were over 75,000 GTOs sold in 1965.
The body does not look too bad but an inspection of the frame would be helpful before bidding on it. This is an iconic muscle car and one that set the standard for other manufacturers to compete against. Are you in the mood to take on a project like this?
Unless my eyes are deceiving me, this is the wrong red for a ’65. It was definitely re painted. When I ordered my ’65, in Sept.’64, it came in Montero red, which was a deeper color. That was the only red available, for ’65.
You’re probably right. But in 55 years you can expect some changes in anything.
BTW….. As I recall, the dash came with a wood grain finish.
Yes, but it was just a sticker. Peels off easily.
I realize that, thanks.
Excellent point Nick. Lest we forget! Lol
I don’t believe those are the correct valve covers or carburetor for a 65 389. I dont think the Quadrajet came on. GTO until 67. Could be a later 400 CI engine
That’s a a Chevy floor shifter also
Nobody picked up on the steering wheel or horn button? 😁
Run quick. Money pit.
There were over 55,700 GTO hardtops made in ’65, and this car if a true gto will need at least $40-50k worth of resto work to bring it back. I would not pay anything over $7k as is, and it should have a PHS doc to confirm if a true goat.
The shifter looks like it could be out of a ’64 Impala.? Old school horn button mounted on column. I have a restored ’65 sport coupe w/4 spd and only 8,319 were made, when restored like new they make for a very nice driver.
For $40-$50K, you could purchase a complete resto, without all of the extra labor & headaches. And also save the out-of-pocket expense, to buy a junker, like this.
Looks rough!! Wrong steering wheel wrong shifter the motor is questionable!! Not sure I would proceed without a on site look at it!!!
Don’t waste your time,Tim. In all probability, it might be a Tempest in GTO clothing.
Anyone can get a GTO hood scoop. Doesn’t look like the original hood to begin with. Also, the GTO emblem is missing from the right rear deck lid. Doesn’t look like the original deck lid, either.
I looked closely at the GTO emblem on the left rear quarter panel.
It doesn’t look like GTO. Something isn’t right. The only way to know, if it’s a GTO, check the vin.
BTW…I don’t think the Tempest came with the fake wood trim on the dash.
Stan, in 65 the gto was still an option on the lemans. Therefore, it would have a 237 vin and could still be a gto. The only way to verify is through PHS. The gto received its own 242 vin in 66.
Yes, besides the ’65, the first year ’64, was also a GTO option.
Thanks for clarifying, Nick & mike.
I agree with you Stan it’s a pig in a poke!! I would really like to find this generation GTO!! My absolute favorite body style!! The real dream world be a convertible but a hard top with a 4 speed would do just fine!!
I kick myself every day, Tim, for selling my Goat in ’69.
But then, we didn’t have a crystal ball.
20/20 hindsight…
If by generation you mean a 64 or 65 convertible, I may be able to help you out Tim. I’m prepping to sell my 64 ragtop as we speak.
It is a Lemans . The vin is listed on ebay. But in 1965, if I recall correctly, the GTO was just a trim package on the Lemans
As I now recall, the GTO was a $200 option.
Thanks
I had a 68 endoro delete with the his/her shifter!! I got a good deal on it!! Traded straight up for a Suzuki dirt bike!! One of my favorites but the body style of the 65-67 was definitely my favorite body!! My crystal ball fell and broke many years back and I don’t think Psychic friends network was in TV yet!! I guess we both lost out!! Keep playing lotto Stan!!!
You got it buddy……..
I promised myself, I would have another ’65 before I die.
Meanwhile, I watch the Mecum & Barrett~Jackson auto auctions & drool.
Speak to me Nick P!! I’m interested!!
Tim, call me. Five one eight three seven eight zero four four one
I owned two 65 GTO cars while in high school.
The first car had padded dash, Vibrasonic AM radio , tinted glass, Tri Power, màgnetic pulse factory pointless ignition and a 4 speed.
In addition were Keystone mags with redline tires.
I bought it from the original owner for $ 780.00 in 1970.
The Illinois title described the car as a 2 door Lemans coupe.