Chassis no. 237675P162985

389-cid, 360-hp OHV V-8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with trailing arm coil spring suspension, and four-wheel power drum brakes. Wheelbase: 115-inches

The Pontiac GTO story is well known. General Motors had a dictum that intermediate-size cars could not have engines larger than 330 cubic inches. Pontiac chief engineer, John DeLorean and ad man Jim Wangers came up with a scheme for an option package that they managed to sell to GM management. It consisted of the 389-cid V-8 from the big Pontiac, with modified cylinder heads and valve train, higher-rate springs, heavier stabilizer bar, 14 x 6-inch rims with tubeless redline tires and numerous upscale trim items. Released for the 1964 model year, it was available on Tempest LeMans models, which at that time comprised a two-door “post” coupe, two-door hardtop coupe and convertible. Nearly 32,500 were sold, about half of them hardtops.

Exterior changes for 1965 mostly followed the rest of the Tempest line. Most distinctive were new wrap-around taillights with dainty chrome bars running the entire width of the car. The instrument panel received a wood-grain insert, and a new AM/FM radio was optional. Both engines, four-barrel and Tri-Power, were more powerful, the Tri-Power version now developing 360-hp. This came about through redesign of the heads and intake manifold, and a new camshaft. A ride and handling kit was available to further beef up the suspension. Production soared over 75,000, some 55,000 of them hardtops.

This handsome 1965 GTO Convertible (the Tempest name was not dropped until 1966) presents very well in Montero red with black vinyl interior. The black convertible top has a matching black boot. A Tri-Power, four-speed car, it is equipped with power steering, power brakes, pushbutton AM radio, full gauges, tilt steering column, remote exterior mirror and windshield washers.

Body contours are very good and the paint is excellent. The brightwork exhibits just some light surface scratches. The engine compartment is very clean and correctly detailed, especially hoses, clamps and wiring. The undercarriage is painted black and is very clean.

GTO convertible production in 1965 totaled just 11, 311 cars out of the 75,000 built. This one is without doubt one of the best.