When Pontiac introduced the GTO in 1964, company executives expected to sell approximately 5,000 units per year. Instead, more than 32,000 buyers lined up during the first outing, followed by 75,000 more in 1965. So, to say the mid-size muscle car was a hit would be an understatement. The seller’s beautiful example from ’65 is said to be 100% stock and may have low original miles. Located in Orange County, California, this head-turner is available here on craigslist for $46,000 OBO. Credit goes to Mitchell G. for another cool tip.
The GTO began life as an option on the Tempest/LeMans. With sales catching fire right from the beginning, Pontiac promoted the car to series status in 1966 (attracting 97,000 customers). As a mid-size, the GTO was treated to stacked headlights in 1965, a Pontiac styling cue in the middle of the decade. A 389 cubic inch V8 forged on with a standard 4-barrel carburetor (Tri-Power was optional). The rarest body style was the 2-door post coupe, with only 8,300 copies produced in ’65, making it less popular than even the convertible model.
For being such a sharp example, the seller comes up a bit short when it comes to details. And there is a discrepancy on the mileage (is it 47,000 or 147,000 – the listing says both). If the car has been restored – which it looks too nice not to have been – then either could be plausible. The deep red paint is beautiful, and the contrasting black vinyl roof covering is nice. The same description also applies to the red bucket seat interior.
We’re told the stock 389 runs well and is paired with an automatic transmission (2 or 3-speed?). This vehicle has spent all its life in California, much of it in a garage and out of the elements. Considering the typical attrition after 60 years and the likely scarcity of surviving post coupes, could this be one of the prime editions left?
google map
1965 pontiac gto
condition: excellent
cylinders: 8 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 47,683
title status: clean
transmission: automatic
odometer rolled over
1965 Pontiac GTO – Runs Great – 47k Original miles – post car – all factory all stock – always garaged – original California car – $46,000 or best offer
post id: 7887101655 posted: 4 days ago
John Delorean invented the GTO, but G.M. would not go along, so he prevailed upon certain dealerships to both build, display, and take orders for them.GM was so impressed with his underground campaign he soon found himself head of Pontiac Division.
Despite the fact that I was part of the crew that raced the 1964 tempest/GTO known as the Gray Ghost, I like the looks of the ’65 GTO the best of all of them. The hardtops look cool but the post sedans have better body stiffness and the windows seal better than the frameless glass hardtop, which whistle at high speed. It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that with the hardtops, painstaking adjustment of the front side windows will stop the wind whistle only until the next time you floor the accelerator from a standstill to 70 miles per hour, particularly if you have a low gear ratio (3:90 to 4:56) axle.
Good stuff, Chris and HarryQ. Agree with the ‘65 being an absolutely iconic Goat let alone of the best looking ‘60’s muscle car scene. Had a friend with one running a 389 4bbl and 4 spd – such a cool car.
I’d of given you both a Thumbs Up but apparently some of us are being rationed in our Thumbs Up usage😆. Good info again from knowledgeable BF readers!
Everything you say is spot on. I gave up years ago on the window geometry given the cars age and design. Regardless, I’m a dedicated enthusiast my entire life. Currently I have a 1965 that I run strictly pure stock going 13.56. It keeps me feeling younger :–) This red car looks nice.
And the vent window less ’69s took that to another level.
I know this may sound crazy or even blasphemous and many, many came from the factory with an automatic but, a GTO without a 4spd?
Agreed 100%!
Hey! My mother had a GTO with an automatic! Careful now, pardner…
Though i also appreciate 4 speed/3 pedal cars, it was challenging to get a 4 speed, especially in ‘64, because GMs transmission factory burned down in ‘63. Ford was willing to sell them some 3 speeds, but not 4 speeds. So- you’ll find a disproportionate number of 3 speed goats- manual and automatic.
Not saying that you aren’t being truthful, but you may be the only person on the planet that I can find that knows anything about the Muncie plant in Indiana burning down in any year. 4 speeds in any GM passenger cars with a 4 speed option listed in the manufactures literature were readily available. If anyone has any information to the contrary, I would love to hear it.
I can’t find evidence of a fire. I asked my favorite AI for searches (Grok) and it says this:
1963-Specifics: The plant began full production of the Muncie M20/M21 4-speed transmission that year, a milestone for GM muscle cars (e.g., Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Corvette). Employee Jary Dawson (hired in 1963) documented thousands of photos and records spanning decades, including 1963 hires and expansions—none reference a fire.
I still do! it’s very nice. It won Best Unrestored at the GTOAA Nationals. It’s not as exciting to drive as a 4-speed but it’s still a fun experience. :–) Good luck to the new owner!
In about 1968 I had a friend whose dad bought him a ‘65 GTO from an insurance auction. The car had been stolen but all they took off the car was the seats and the console. The car was light yellow with a white top and a four speed. His dad found seats and a console for the car and he was good to go. What a fun car!
Looks great. I’m just not seeing “all factory, all stock.”
Only thing I see wrong are the wheels