Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.
Ah, the 1965 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power! It is one of a handful of American classics that has deservedly earned legend status. It hailed from an era when John DeLorean strived to establish Pontiac as the performance marque in the General Motors empire. Spotless examples typically command impressive prices, and with the brand’s demise, that trend looks set to continue. This GTO is a muscle car that spent its life in a dry climate. It presents impressively, needing nothing but a new home. You may find yourself irresistibly drawn once you discover what it offers.
Nobody within Pontiac’s management team envisaged the monster they unleashed when the GTO hit showroom floors in 1964. Against a projected sales volume of 5,000 cars, the company sent 32,450 GTOs to new homes. That was just the start of the story, with that figure rising to 75,342 in 1965. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, and its presentation is extremely tidy. The seller admits it received a previous repaint in its original Cameo White, which retains a healthy shine. There is no evidence of significant paint or panel defects, and the crisp Red pinstripe perfectly ties the exterior with the interior trim combination. The Pontiac only found its way to its current location around a year ago, prowling the roads of California from Day One. That has preserved the car beautifully, with this GTO retaining its original, rust-free steel. The Ram Air hood adds a sense of presence, while the trim and glass are excellent. It is worth noting that the rare Hurst wheels shown in some shots aren’t included at the high-bid figure. The buyer can have them for an additional $7,500. Otherwise, this GTO will wear the steelies and spinner hubcaps seen here.
Some cars are pretenders, but the GTO was a genuine muscle car from the beginning. The company’s 389ci V8 was a potent beast, but this car raises the bar courtesy of its Tri-Power setup. It sends 360hp and 424 ft/lbs of torque to a Posi rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. Driving a car of this type shouldn’t be hard work, and the first owner’s decision to opt for power assistance for the steering and brakes should remove the physical effort. It is easy to see why these cars are legends because this GTO can devour the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds on its way to 124mph. The seller admits this Pontiac is no longer numbers-matching. The engine bay houses a replacement correct “WS” 389, and it is unclear when the change occurred. However, it is in excellent mechanical health, which is confirmed by the embedded video the seller includes in their listing.
This GTO’s interior isn’t refurbished or factory-fresh but is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. The Red vinyl trim is free from significant wear or signs of abuse. The seatcovers are slightly stretched and discolored, but that is expected from any vehicle of this vintage that has been driven and enjoyed as its creators intended. The dash and pad are excellent, and the console has no issues. Those focused on originality will welcome the lack of aftermarket additions. The GTO retains its original AM radio, although the seller admits it and the horn are inoperative. Otherwise, everything functions as it should.
The seller has listed this 1965 Pontiac GTO here on eBay in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Intense bidding has pushed the price to $30,100, but unsurprisingly, this figure falls short of the reserve. There is plenty of time remaining, and the situation will undoubtedly change. The replacement engine is disappointing, but since it is still correct for this car, it probably won’t significantly impact its value. Are you tempted to actively participate in this auction, or will you join me as an interested spectator?
