1965 Pontiac GTO

The Tempest line, including the GTO, was restyled for the 1965 model year, adding 3.1 inches (79 mm) (7.9 cm) to the overall length while retaining the same wheelbase and interior dimensions. It sported Pontiac's characteristic vertically stacked quad headlights. Overall weight increased about 100 pounds (45 kg). Brake lining area increased nearly 15%. The dashboard design was improved, and an optional rally gauge cluster ($86.08) added a more legible tachometer and oil pressure gauge.

The 389 engine had revised cylinder heads with re-cored intake passages, improving breathing. Rated power increased to 335 hp (250 kW) at 5,000 rpm for the base 4—barrel engine; the Tri-Power was rated 360 hp (270 kW) at 5,200 rpm. The Tri-Power engine had slightly less torque than the base engine, 424 lb·ft (575 N·m) at 3,600 rpm versus 431 lb·ft (584 N·m) at 3,200 rpm. Transmission and axle ratio choices remained the same.

The restyled GTO had a new simulated hood scoop. A rare, dealer-installed option was a metal underhood pan and gaskets that allowed the scoop to be opened, transforming a cosmetic device into a functional cold air intake. The scoop was low enough that its effectiveness was questionable (it was unlikely to pick up anything but boundary layer air), but it at least admitted cooler, denser air, and allowed more of the engine's formidable roar to escape.

Car Life tested a 1965 GTO with Tri-Power and what they considered the most desirable options (close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, power steering, metallic brakes, rally wheels, 4.11 limited-slip differential, and Rally Gauge Cluster), with a total sticker price of US$3,643.79. With two testers and equipment aboard, they recorded 0–60 miles per hour (0–97 km/h) in 5.8 seconds, the standing quarter mile in 14.5 seconds with a trap speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), and an observed top speed of 114 miles per hour (182.4 km/h) at the engine's 6,000 rpm redline. Even Motor Trend's four-barrel test car, a heavier convertible handicapped by the two-speed automatic transmission and the lack of a limited slip differential, ran 0-60 mph in 7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at 89 miles per hour (142.4 km/h).

Major criticisms of the GTO continued to center on its slow steering (ratio of 17.5:1, four turns lock-to-lock) and mediocre brakes. Car Life was satisfied with the metallic brakes on its GTO, but Motor Trend and Road Test found the standard drums with organic linings to be alarmingly inadequate in high-speed driving.

Sales of the GTO, abetted by a formidable marketing and promotional campaign that included songs and various merchandise, more than doubled to 75,342. It was already spawning many imitators, both within other GM divisions and its competitors.

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Original document with more information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_gto, appearing here as last modified on July 30, 2010, at 20:14.

Magazine covers include:  Smoke Signals, August 2010

Photographs

	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible - 4,089KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible - 4,074KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO - 3,907KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 4,082KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power Carburetors - 4,077KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 4,218KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Wheel - 4,108KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Interior - 3,893KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard - 3,724KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible - 3,942KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Trunk - 4,031KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Quarter Panel - 4,245KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Tachometer - 3,999KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 3,997KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Air Conditioning Compressor - 3,987KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 4,117KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Interior - 4,393KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard - 3,684KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Speedometer - 4,262KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO - 4,028KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Seatbelt Buckles - 4,222KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard - 3,795KB
	Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden 2010 Indian Uprising July 31, 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Delco Radio - 4,604KB
	Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising Model Car Show August 7, 2011 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Model - 1,847KB
	Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising Model Car Show August 7, 2011 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Model - 1,391KB
	Rusted Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising August 7, 2011 View photo of Rusty 1965 Pontiac GTO - 1,827KB
	Rusted Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden 2011 Indian Uprising August 7, 2011 View photo of Rusty 1965 Pontiac GTO - 2,325KB

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