1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible
The Pontiac GTO is an automobile that was manufactured by American automaker Pontiac from 1963 to 1974 for the 1964 to 1974 model years, and by GM’s subsidiary Holden in Australia for the 2004 to 2006 model years.
The first generation of the GTO is credited as popularizing the muscle car market segment in the 1960s. The Pontiac GTO is considered by some to have started the trend with all four domestic automakers offering a variety of competing models.
Arriving at the decision to restore a muscle car involves a variety of considerations. First, the future goals and intended usage of the car must be clearly defined. The choice to compete in the highest level of a national competition is an entirely different quest from the pursuit of drawing a crowd at the local cruise night. The second consideration is setting a real-world budget for the restoration. Though the amount of money spent will be affected by various factors, a restoration is doomed if proper funding is not honestly evaluated.
The Pontiac GTO is often credited as being the very first muscle-car. This example has received a refurbishment that rebuild of the factory optioned 389ci/360hp Tri-power V-8 engine. Other desirable factory options include a 4-speed manual transmission, power steering, rally gauge cluster and tachometer, and chrome engine covers. The three original two-barrel carburetors that came with the cars were rebuilt and restored to refrection.
The exterior is covered in gray, with a black soft top, complemented well by the black interior. Inside are Pontiac-emblem bucket seats in gorgeous tool-stamped vinyl, the booted Hurst shifter with white ball knob, a wood-trim steering wheel, an AM radio, a full gauge cluster including tachometer, a passenger-side grab bar and pedal brightwork. Meanwhile, outside are the hood scoop, rear exhaust chrome turndowns, lower rocker moldings, GTO insignia, wheels with full trim and redline tires.
This Pontiac GTO Convertible is a fully restored example of a muscle car icon, with a number of tasteful upgrades and which has only running-in mileage following its restoration. Now in excellent condition, it is ready to drive and enjoy straight away, and would make a striking addition to any collection of classics.
