A Pontiac GTO is often near the top of the list of those searching for a vintage GM muscle car to take on as a project, and this 1965 model sure seems to tick a lot of the right boxes, not the least being that the owner believes it’s a numbers-matching example. The story goes that the seller purchased this coupe with the idea of restoring it at his shop, but as time passed, he realized that too many projects were in the works, so now the goat is looking for another enthusiast to give it the TLC this car deserves.
We don’t get a whole lot of background information here, but the seller does mention that this one’s a Texas car and remains solid, with the photos seeming to show a body with not only little to no corrosion but also straight panels, at least on the areas that can be seen. If the driver’s side checks out as nicely, it may not take too much time or effort to get the exterior ready for a fresh coat of paint. A few shots from the underside are also provided, with the platform’s condition appearing to be up to par with the body.
The weakest area here appears to be the interior, with all 3 seat materials mismatched and in need of some new upholstery. A replacement headliner will need to be sourced, as well as the door panels, but it’s sort of difficult to tell what kind of shape the gauges are in from the photos provided. However, this one is a factory A/C car, which is always nice to find on a mid-sixties muscle offering.
The engine details are a bit vague, as all that’s mentioned is this appears to be a matching-numbers car, but it’s also said to be running and driving. Things under the hood appear to be in good order, so hopefully, the 389 has some more miles left in it before a rebuild will be required. With the solid body and frame, this one seems like an excellent candidate for a restoration, so head on over and visit the folks at Mobley Performance LLC in League City, Texas to check this 1965 Pontiac GTO in person. The car can be found for sale here on eBay, where the high bid of $10,600 is still shy of the reserve. What are your thoughts on this second-year GTO?
A potentially good project if bought at a good price but interestingly pictures of everything-except the drivers side from any angle..
The data plate indicates this car had the rare Iris Mist body color with a painted Cameo Ivory roof. There can’t be too many like it left. Must have been striking on the delivery day.
Interesting car for sure. Hot color, and tripower and air is all good. Stick would have been better than the automatic but it is what it is. PS and PB is nice.
This should draw some good interest I would think. Too bad its a long way from Minnesota.
Automatic?? Bah………gotta have the 4-speed.
Six barrel with an automatic? Seems an odd choice. There is just something about this thing that gives me pause.
I sure hope this isn’t turned into another Le mans tribute!
(sarc)
I’ve a true Numbers matching 65 GTO ( With the tri power and. A Automatic ? ) it could turn pit to be a Gem. While it is believed that most 65s, with the Tri- Power set up , were 4 speeds, unless the build sheet can be found under the seats , will tell its true Identity! Good price all the same, even as a tribute
PHS would confirm exactly how this car was built. “Numbers matching”? The 67 and up valve covers and the 66 Tri-Power make you wonder, and the fact there is a Dual Gate shifter also confirms that the drivetrain is no longer original. Indications suggest this is likely a 67 or up engine with the 66 Tri-Power. Back to the matching numbers… Pontiac did not stamp the VIN on engines until late 67, so that “Numbers Matching” claim is directed at the un-informed buyer. But… this appears to be a relatively solid car to begin your build or restoration.
The Dual Gate shifter was the first thing I noticed. Good catch on the valve covers and trip deuces.