Technically the GTO wasn't a separate model yet, but rather an option package on the midsize Pontiac Tempest, and 1965 was its second model year.
Cosmetically distinguished from the original '64 most readily by its vertically-stacked quad headlamps, the GTO's crisp lines blended right in to the mid-Sixties Pontiac lineup.
Unlike the two ornamental fake intakes on the previous model year, the 1965 had a single bulged scoop in the center of the hood. However its two chrome nostrils were similarly non-functional, although a dealer-installed cold air intake kit was available.
Pontiac called its acrylic lacquer paint "Magic Mirror" back in '65 and this Goat is finished in Starlight Black.
It was available as a convertible, a hardtop coupe (like the car in the photo) or a pillared sport coupe. The base engine was a four-barrel 389 cubic inch pushrod V-8 making a claimed 335 gross horsepower, with a triple deuce 360 horsepower Tri-Power 389 as a $115.78 option (that's $1,227 in 2026 dollars.)
The car came with a Hurst-shifted three-speed manual as standard, with optional four-speed manual (in either close- or wide-ratio flavors) and two-speed automatics.
Car Life tested a well-optioned 1965 hardtop coupe with the Tri-Power motor, four-speed manual, and 3.90:1 Safe-T-Track rear axle and clocked a 5.8 second sprint to sixty and a 14.5 quarter at 100mph. Fuel mileage in the 3,590-lb car during the test was in the 11-14mpg range and top speed was measured at 114.
Total price, all optioned up, was $3,579, which is about $38k in current bucks.
The one in the photo was snapped in August of 2026 using a Nikon Zfc and a Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens.
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