Introduced in 1964, the GTO cemented its place in American folklore in 1965 when sales more than doubled. Enthusiasts couldn’t get enough of Pontiac’s ground-breaking muscle car, spawning an era that is fondly remembered by those of us with gasoline coursing through our veins. This 1965 Convertible is stunning, perfectly combining performance and good looks. The seller has made a few minor changes, which are easily reversible if the buyer prefers authenticity. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTO listed here on eBay in Rye, New York. This turnkey classic is now available for $45,000.
Pontiac sold 32,450 examples of its GTO in 1964, a figure that was considered impressive, given the relatively limited pre-release promotion for what is regarded as the first muscle car. However, that proved to be the tip of the iceberg, because buyers soon got wind of the performance offered by the GTO. Therefore, it was unsurprising that sales soared to 75,352 in 1965. Of those, 11,311 buyers selected the Convertible variant. Our featured car is one of those, presenting nicely in Reef Turquoise with a contrasting White power top. The seller is candid in their assessment, admitting that this isn’t a show-quality classic. Close inspection reveals minor paint flaws and imperfections, as well as what appears to be a solitary spot of rust in front of one rear wheel arch. Otherwise, it seems that this Pontiac is solid and structurally sound. The top fits nicely, and the chrome is in good condition. The GTO rolls on a set of period-correct Cragar wheels, but sourcing the correct steelies and Deluxe wheel covers shouldn’t be difficult if the buyer prefers a “stock” look.
Delving below the surface reveals a mystery with this GTO. The seller confirms that it retains its numbers-matching 389ci V8, with a factory-claimed output of 335hp and 431 ft/lbs of torque. The transmission is now a four-speed Muncie, and therein rests the mystery. The seller states that this is an upgrade, but the original two-speed automatic transmission is included if the buyer wishes to revert to the original configuration. However, a copy of the Window Sticker doesn’t list the self-shifter among the options. Therefore, interested parties may need to put on their deer-stalker hats and play Sherlock Holmes to discover the truth. The seller confirms that the GTO is in excellent mechanical health, ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.
I will stick my neck out by stating that I believe that this GTO’s interior presents better than its exterior. The Turquoise vinyl trim is free from wear and physical damage, as is the carpet. The dash and pad are impressive, and the machine-turned components are a highlight. The cracked wheel is one of the few criticisms of an interior featuring a console, a Hurst shifter, and an AM radio.
“Beautiful” seems like an odd word to describe a classic with brutal performance credentials, but there are few better to describe this 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible. Its condition is consistent with a driver-grade classic, and with the changes reversed, it would be a tremendously desirable vehicle. This is the seller’s second attempt to find it a new home. They previously pursued the auction approach, but this classic received no bids. Their price might be slightly optimistic considering the cosmetic imperfections, but do you think that they will taste success this time?
The very first line of options in the window sticker just above the GTO option, shows automatic transmission (77J for $199.06). The 4spd conversion is a plus, what’s not is the frame patches, rust poking through and unknown condition of prior repairs. For the asking price if $45,000 potential buyers would be wise to go over this car with a fine tooth comb, on a lift and probably pay someone at a reputable body shop for an inspection. There is a lot if downside risk with this car not to inspect it thoroughly.
Steve R
An indicator of which transmission was factory installed is revealed on this car’s Fisher Body assembly plant plate. For vehicles assembled at the Pontiac and Kansas City plants (only), accessory codes are stamped as grouped letter codes. In this case, Group 2 calls out “W” which is B-O-P’s ST-300 2-speed automatic transmission w/389 engine. And yes, this is a genuine GTO optioned LeMans as confirmed by the Group 5 callout “N”.
Thanks for the information.
Steve R
Kudos to the seller for disclosing the frame patches and other flaws.
I like all GTO’s but 65’s are at the top of my list. This is a great color combo but with the known issues I don’t think I’d pay his asking price.
I wonder if AC could be added to this car.
AC can be added to almost anything any more and I’m sure Vintage Air has a kit that works on these.
Both Vintage Air and Classic Auto Air definitely has a kit for these (I checked both of their web sites). You’re looking at about $2200 or so, plus or minus about $100 either way, for either kit for a car without original factory air conditioning, just for the kit, installation will be extra.
Driver and passenger seats appear to be more blue than turquoise, either faded or a not matching recover. For that price, I would not want the tranny switched out. $45K should get you a very nice original car with the original tranny in place, not in the trunk…
Mike,
I agree. That interior is blue not turquoise or aqua. The vinyl interior of my Reef Turquoise 1966 Tempest Sprint OHC6 was indeed aqua not blue.
seller talks of the frame repairs but does not show any pics of it. if i were buying it would be going into it replacing the frame. rust never sleeps. better in the long run to put a nice clean rust free 1 under it and call it done. especially a 65 convert. it gives buyers 1 less thing to b**ch about
An aftermarket frame will cost more, but will be easier to find, while being both lighter and stiffer than the stock frame. I’m not sure how many 1965 GTO or Tempest OEM frames are left now, but there can’t be many, and the ones that still exist are likely to have issues, just like the one under this car. An aftermarket frame also offers upgrade options that the original designers could only dream of in 1965, like rack & pinion steering and four-link or IRS rear suspension options. All it takes is a check with the correct number of zeroes before the decimal point, LOL!
My first introduction to a GTO was this exterior combination. (White interior) It was a ’64 Tri-Power 4 speed car. My friends Dad picked us up from an REO concert. (our local band 1966 or 1967?)He was a stock car driver and not afraid to flog the car jumping out into traffic. I was in love! Consequently this is my favorite GTO/convertible color combo.But I still prefer the 1964 body style.