Gran Tourismo Olimogato – that’s what the three most famous letters of the musclecar era stand for. Others called it “The Great One,” or simply “The Goat.” It was immortalized in the Ronnie and the Daytona’s’ hit titled simply, “G.T.O.” Many stories exist, but through efforts of ad man Jim Wangers, Pontiac staff engineer Bill Collins and Pontiac General Manager John DeLorean, the GTO was created. Pontiac was hit especially hard by the GM corporate ban on racing and the GTO was never to exist – too much engine in too little car – yet the trio defied corporate edict and the car was built for 1964.

The simple formula of placing a 389-cid, 325-hp V-8 in the mid-size Tempest along with bucket seats, three-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter and “tiger paw” redline tires, all for just $296; it was too tempting for the public to resist. GTO sales nearly doubled for 1965 compared to its first year including this convertible which was one of 75,352 GTO’s built for 1965. The optional GTO package on the Tempest LeMans was increased to $355; still a performance bargain in the escalating muscle car wars.

11,311 GTO convertibles were produced for 1965 including this “Goat” powered by the standard 389-cid V-8 and optional four-speed manual transmission. Painted Burgundy Red Metallic over a gold vinyl interior with bucket seats and console, it also included power steering, power top, floor console, dual mirrors, AM radio and Rally I wheels with redline tires.