The GTO was still an option package for the Tempest LeMans in 1965, and customers who wanted to get this increasingly popular upgrade had to pay only $295.
The base GTO coupe could be had for $2,871, while the hardtop – which became the most popular configuration – carried a price tag of $2,935. The convertible was the most expensive at $3,165.
The GTO production increased substantially compared to the previous year, so Pontiac produced over 75K units, up from only 32K units in the first year on the market.
A 1965 Pontiac GTO fitted with the original 389 engine was pulled from a warehouse many years ago, and the owner explains on Craigslist that the car had been sitting for three decades when they found it. It was still unrestored and unaltered, and instead of a complete restoration to factory specifications, they decided to go for custom upgrades that provided the GTO with more power.
The 389, which is still around if the buyer wants it – just in case their purpose is a return to the factory specifications, was replaced with a “street performance” 428 paired with a TH350 automatic transmission. The owner doesn’t share any performance specifics on Craigslist, but they reveal that the car also comes with a new aluminum radiator, dual electric fans, air conditioning, electronic ignition, and lowered engine compression to run on 93 octane.
The car also sports street performance springs, heavy-duty transmission internals, Ross forged pistons, and other improvements that make this GTO a small rocket on wheels. More importantly, the car doesn’t require anything, so if you’re interested in a GTO that you can just drive, this is it.
The car was born and raised in Texas and looks spotless, but it’s unclear if the body has ever been invaded by rust. However, the 2017 restoration, which was eventually completed in 2020, brought everything back to a mint shape.
The photos shared by the owner reveal a spotless GTO, with the cabin also in tip-top shape. It’s hard to tell how much of the interior is still original, but considering the mechanical upgrades, it shouldn’t matter much for someone specifically interested in performance.
As anyone would expect, a GTO with a 428 block under the hood and already flexing a fantastic condition can’t sell for pocket money. This GTO makes no exception so that you can take it home for $54,000. The vehicle is parked close to Florence, and you should contact the seller to discuss all the details and arrange an in-person inspection before making an offer. You won’t need a trailer to take it home, considering its beautiful shape, but you should be able to decrypt everything when you see the car live.