1965 Pontiac GTO |
|---|
|
| Topic Navigation |
|---|
|
Return to Pontiac GTO
Page Sections History Photographs Merchandise |
History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Pontiac GTO page on 3 September 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. Text in [brackets] not from original source.
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.
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible - 4,089KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible - 4,074KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO - 3,907KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 4,082KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power Carburetors
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Tri-Power Carburetors - 4,077KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 4,218KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Wheel
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Wheel - 4,108KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Interior
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Interior - 3,893KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard - 3,724KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Convertible - 3,942KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Trunk
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Trunk - 4,031KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Quarter Panel
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Quarter Panel - 4,245KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Tachometer
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Tachometer - 3,999KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 3,997KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Air Conditioning Compressor
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Air Conditioning Compressor - 3,987KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Engine - 4,117KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Interior
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Interior - 4,393KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard - 3,684KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Speedometer
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Speedometer - 4,262KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO - 4,028KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Seatbelt Buckles
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Seatbelt Buckles - 4,222KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Dashboard - 3,795KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Delco Radio
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2010 Indian Uprising Date: 31 July 2010 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Delco Radio - 4,604KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Scale Model
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2011 Indian Uprising Model Car Show Date: 7 August 2011 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Model - 1,847KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Scale Model
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2011 Indian Uprising Model Car Show Date: 7 August 2011 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Model - 1,391KB |
 |
Subject: Rusty 1965 Pontiac GTO
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2011 Indian Uprising Date: 7 August 2011 View photo of Rusty 1965 Pontiac GTO - 1,827KB |
 |
Subject: Rusty 1965 Pontiac GTO
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2011 Indian Uprising Date: 7 August 2011 View photo of Rusty 1965 Pontiac GTO - 2,325KB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Drag Car
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Auction Info: Sold for $16,000 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Drag Car - 3.2MB |
 |
Subject: 1965 Pontiac GTO Drag Car
Photographer: Bill Crittenden Event: 2013 Mecum Chicago Auction Auction Info: Sold for $16,000 View photo of 1965 Pontiac GTO Drag Car - 3.1MB |
| Type & Item # | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Model Kit - AMT 6893 | 1965 Pontiac GTO | 1:25 scale |
| Model Kit - AMT 8201 | '65 Pontiac GTO | 1:25 scale convertible |
| Model Kit - AMT 31742 | 1965 Pontiac GTO | Classics, 1:25 scale convertible |
| Die Cast - Speed Wheels 856673 | Series X, small scale 1965 Pontiac GTO, black |
