Few cars are truly game-changing, but the 1964 Pontiac GTO deserves a spot on that list. It single-handedly created the muscle car segment, and things kept getting better when our featured GTO rolled off the line in 1965. It features the range-topping 389ci Tri-Power V8, delivering exceptional performance that would satisfy the most hardened enthusiast. It presents superbly and needs nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTO listed here on Craigslist in Hayden, Idaho, with an asking price of $90,000.
After its 1964 introduction, the GTO received a facelift in 1965. The overall length grew slightly, but the revised nose and stacked headlights helped it stand out. The seller admits that our featured car is a high-end restoration finished in Starlight Black. Some classics blend into the scenery, but this car’s paint has an incredible depth of color and shine. This shade is also excellent for revealing panel imperfections. However, this GTO is laser-straight, featuring tight, consistent panel gaps. Rust isn’t a concern, and the pristine trim provides a striking contrast. I see no glass issues, and the wheels are spotless. It is little wonder that this GTO scored a trophy for the Best Restored Car in its class on its first appearance at the Portland Roadster Show.
Classics must typically tick some crucial boxes to command a premium price, and a numbers-matching status is one of those. This GTO isn’t merely numbers-matching, because its mechanical specifications are mouth-watering. The engine bay houses the original 389ci Tri-Power V8, teamed with a four-speed manual transmission and power steering. Pontiac created the muscle car market segment with the 1964 GTO, but it raised the stakes in 1965. The Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 360hp and 424 ft/lbs, and a contemporary road test with two adults on board returned a ¼-mile ET of 14.5 seconds. That figure certainly justifies the muscle car tag. The seller says the restoration was thorough, but small items like the battery and a few spring ring cables keep it from achieving Concours status. Still, it looks exceptional, and the impression is that it drives as nicely as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor.
Trimmed in Blue vinyl, this GTO’s interior is as immaculate as the rest of the vehicle. The vinyl-upholstered surfaces are extremely impressive, suggesting the car hasn’t seen much action since the restoration ended. The carpet looks perfect, and the pedals show no visible wear. It may not have factory options like air conditioning or a console, but the new owner gets the Rally gauge package with a tachometer, a faux-timber gauge fascia, the optional Light Package, a pushbutton radio, and a beautiful timber wheel.
The seller is candid about this 1965 Pontiac GTO, acknowledging that a close inspection will probably uncover minor imperfections. However, the impressive restoration has earned it plenty of show silverware, confirming it ticks the boxes as a high-end driver that would draw crowds of admirers wherever it goes. Its price is at the top end of the market, which will limit the pool of potential buyers. Do you feel the figure is justified, or do you have another figure in mind?
This is a very nice, highly optioned, beautifully restored Goat. It’s a very high price, but it really appears to be a Top Shelf GTO. The blue interior really looks great against the black exterior. The only surprising thing missing is a console. But thats far from being a deal breaker. Once again, thanks to Curvette for finding this Goat and Adam too. Very nice!!!