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!!!
I used to have a 65 GTO with a 421 super duty v8 engine Hurst 4 speed.
Beautiful exhibit of a GTO. I must be swimming in the wrong financial pool. As this price is it not even in my vision of affordability. Just to keep me in polish and wax for this car would keep me in the poor house and use up all my very rare energy to keep it looking like this.
Cream puff, with an eye watering price. I still have a tri power set up in my hoarder pile. Been carrying it for 40 years now… I guess I’m still planning on using it someday….. Nice find, and write up.
Great find Curvette, and as usual nice write up Adam. This is a great looking GTO. For a #’s matching car, I was surprised for the $90k asking price, that they weren’t trying to auction it. But I can only guess they feel it will (hopefully) sell quickly without going that route, and wait. I personally think $90k is slightly too high.
Is this the John Peterson that worked for DLADS??
Hi, is this the John Peterson that worked for DLA DS?
1964 Pontiac GTO make the tires talk every time you change gears. But careful don’t want to spin out ,just make her talk
. If you ever drove one you know what I mean. Sweet ride.
My favorite year of the GTO, Sweet Ride!
I bought an identical one in 1965, black with midnight blue interior, tri power etc. My dad never liked it and sold it when I went to RVN.
Worth every penny.
Way to much.But you have to start somewhere.
Suddenly, it’s 1965 again. I have no idea what the market value for this car would be, but I’m certain it was expensive bringing it to this level. I wish that was my driveway it’s sitting in.
I love the car. But at that price it beyond a lot of people. And I wouldn’t pay that much for any car. I love cars but not that much.
Friggin’ Craigslist.
Absolutely beautiful automobile and my favorite year GTO. I love everything about this car except the price. I suppose that it is possible that the seller might find a taker, but I doubt it.
The Brother’s car collection in Salem Or. has one nicer than this and I happen to know that they didn’t pay this much for it.
That being said, this thing is a beauty!
it is nice. that 90k is B/J prices not C/L. seller made a lot of pat yourself on the back statements in his ad.it is funny how almost every pre 68 Pontiac is a tri power. good luck with the sale.
My grandfather had the exact same car, black over blue, however, it was a 1965 LeMans. Same exact body style, and it had a long chrome console with a HURST 3-speed on the floor. GORGEOUS….only a 326 V-8, but she was a beauty. I remember he kept the window sticker, as he bought it brand new…It was around $3,200.00. WOW
First, it’s a gorgeous car, definitely worth all of the accolades bestowed upon it. But what I will never understand is how someone who owns a car like this would list it on Craigslist.
By far, the tripowered with 4 speed is the most desireable of the early GTO’s. I grew up with them. This one is a beauty. The price is out of my league but a financially successful Baby boomer who has the extra cash could jump on this! The price of these cars makes it so that you are afraid to drive them for any length of time for fear of losing value. Somehow, today the investment value overrides the fun ( and driving) of owning a classic car.
Great write up Adam and as usual nice catch curvette! This beauty takes me back ,we had a white with red interior 65 389 4speed on my Dad’s used lot when I was 15.Youthful hijinks put it sideways in the door to the wash rack and let’s just say Dad wasn’t amused!