Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 106
1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible Chassis no. 237675P231298 Engine no. WS737236
Sold for US$54,880 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 106
1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible
1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Chassis no. 237675P231298
Engine no. WS737236
Chassis no. 237675P231298
Engine no. WS737236
389ci OHV V8 Engine
Three Rochester 2-Barrel Carburetors
360bhp at 5,200rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front, Live Rear Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
* A stunning example of Pontiac's groundbreaking muscle car
* Code 2L 4-Speed Floor Shift, and 5N GTO Option
* Desirable Tri-Power intake
* Presented as delivered in 'triple black'
* Fitted with period style chrome Cragar SS wheels
* Faithfully restored and well-detailed throughout
THE PONTIAC GTO
For many enthusiasts the '64 and '65 GTO remains the only 'Muscle Car' that matters. The originator of the concept, the GTO was a special car at a special time and became an instant legend. All GTOs are collectors' items but none more so than the original '64, and at the time there were hardly enough to go around. Borrowed from the competition version of Ferrari's famous 250-series sports car, the initials stand for 'Gran Turismo Omologato' – homologated Grand Touring. The GTO started out as a high-performance options package for the 'intermediate' sized Pontiac Tempest Le Mans and came in sports coupé, hardtop coupé and convertible variants distinguished by those all-important 'GTO' badges. At the GTO's heart was a 389ci (6.4-liter) V8 engine available in two states of tune: standard 325bhp with a single, four-barrel carburetor or optional 348bhp (in '65, 360bhp) equipped with the Tri-Power set-up of three, twin-choke instruments. Transmission options included the (stock) heavy-duty three-speed manual gearbox, three-speed Hydra-Matic auto and Muncie close-ratio manual four-speeder with Hurst shifter, while there was a lengthy list of special performance-enhancing GTO accessories. Big-car power in a medium sized package made for exhilarating performance, Car & Driver magazine achieving a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds and the standing quarter mile in 13.1s/115.0mph with a 348bhp, manual transmission example, figures that put many a more exalted - and more expensive - purpose-built sports car to shame.
THE CAR OFFERED
To many enthusiasts, the Genesis of the Muscle Car starts with the Pontiac GTO. Combining the mild-mannered, mid-sized Tempest with the powerful 389 cubic inch V8 from the full-sized Grand Prix, Pontiac set off a firestorm of competition both within GM, and among the Big Three and all their respective divisions. This 1965 GTO hails from the second year for Pontiac's groundbreaking muscle car. This is an original 'triple black' car, and the build tags denote it as having the all-important 5N GTO option, paired with the code 2L 4-Speed floor shift option. It also features tri-power carburetors and power brakes. The black paintwork is particularly attractive, while signature slash-cut tailpipes and period Cragar SS wheels with redline tires complete the fantastic aesthetic. Swing open the door, and you'll find the black interior is authentically finished in the proper black vinyl, with details including an original steering wheel, Hurst 4-speed shifter with cue-ball shift knob, original Delco radio, and console-mounted vacuum gauge. No muscle car collection is complete without a great Pontiac GTO, and this excellent 1965 convertible is sure to find a place of pride in your stable.
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