Restored Numbers Matching GTO Convertible 389 4 Speed

Look up “muscle car” in the dictionary and you're almost guaranteed to find a GM A-body pictured. If that dictionary is worth its binding, the car better be a GTO. While the individual tenants of American performance could be found in earlier cars, Pontiac put them all together in one sinister package equally capable of a quarter-mile blast or a comfortable trip to the grocery store. This 1965 GTO convertible is an impressive example, fresh out of a frame off restoration completed earlier in 2013. This triple-black tin indian sports a true WT-stamped, 335hp 389ci V8 backed by its original Muncie M21 4-speed and amenities like power steering and power brakes. Best of all, the car is supported by its original Protect-O-Plate and PHS documentation so you can trust what you see. If you're looking for a pedigreed GTO to show off on sunny weekends, this sinister convertible is a perfect option.

First impressions are strong thanks to some first rate paint and body work. While the car left GM's Kansas City, MO plant dressed in Fontaine Blue with a blue interior, it's hard to argue the swap to black. The car scans as more upscale and powerful than any light blue could hue ever could and the work is excellent all around. Black has a tendency to highlight every tiny flaw and, walking around this convertible, there is absolutely nothing noteworthy to report. The lines are crisp and straight and panel gaps are measured and consistent. When the weather outside gets frightening, a taut black tops comes to the rescue, keeping the elements out, while adding a final element of quality to the exterior.

Second impressions are even better thanks to show-ready details. At the front of the car, stainless trimmed split grilles are bordered by stacked T3 headlights and a pristine satin finished Pontiac arrow head. Below, a body-width chrome bumper houses square parking lights. A prominent, wide set “GTO” emblem stands out from a virtual sea of stealth black which is capped by a new for 1965 GTO exclusive hood scoop. Expressive 'coke bottle' fenders feature dent free stainless wheel well trim and arrow straight stainless rocker moldings while, behind the front tires, bright red GTO crests which include “6.5 litre” displacement stampings provide a bit of visual pop. On the quarters, subtle, “GTO” emblems feature factory fresh black inlays and, at the back of the car, a body width chrome bumper with optional deluxe back up lights sits below a great looking finned rear valence that cleverly hides the car's brake lights. The result is a clean, show-worthy GTO which looks great hammering down the highway, but is subtle enough to stay under the radar.

Lift the hood to find GTO power in the form of a date-code correct 335hp 389ci V8. The foundation is a 9778789 casting block with a WT code stamped under the passenger side cylinder head and a B45 (February 4, 1965) casting date in the distributor valley. The date matches the car's early March build date well, building a strong case for it being the original piece. While a lot of these cars get converted to Tri-Power setups, this one mercifully holds onto its single Carter four-barrel setup. The carb mounts to a cast iron Pontiac intake which is framed by factory heads. The accessory drive spins an open-face alternator alongside a power steering pump while an OEM-style radiator pairs with a belt-driven fan to keep the engine compartment cool. When the 389 fires up, spent gases are carried out through stock cast iron exhaust manifolds that flow into a true dual exhaust system with aluminized pipes and Flowmaster mufflers. Aesthetically, it's a great bay to look at as well. From the chrome air cleaner assembly and valve covers to details like the reproduction Delco battery and GM hoses, the bay presents well without crossing the line into “show only”.

Shine a light under this convertible to admire a clean undercarriage that stays true to Pontiac design. The floors wear an even coat of satin black, setting the stage for a chassis complete with tagged hardware, replicated inspection marks, and new hardware throughout. The oil pan wears the same bright turquoise paint as the engine and shows no signs of stray oil. Of Behind the 389, the original Muncie M21 4-speed manual still provides authoritative shifts, authenticated by a matching VIN stamp on the main case. The transmission channels power back to a 10-bolt rear with an open differential and highway friendly 2.93 gears, supported by a four-link coil spring rear suspension that does wonders for traction. The front end is supported by a double A-arm independent front with coil springs and a sway bar. Both ends of the suspension sport fresh finishes and factory-style tags for an impressive and authentic presentation. Rambling down back roads, power steering is a welcome feature, as are the power assisted drum brakes. At the corners, 14-inch steel wheels are topped with Pontiac center caps, beauty rings, and a set of Coker Classic red line radials in size 215/75R14.

Inside the car, a newly assembled black vinyl interior features firm Pontiac stitched seats and a completely restored walnut veneer trimmed dash. Positioned directly in front of the driver,gauges that are intended to be reminiscent of European sports cars look great and function just as well as they did in 1965. Below those gauges, a correct factory-optioned AM push button radio sits in new, excellent looking chrome trim which contrasts well with the gloss black lower dash. Between the seats, a new full length console holds a chrome Hurst shifter inside of excellent looking finned trim. Below the console, new black carpet is protected by color matched floor mats with vibrant GTO emblems. At the sides of the seats, new door panels feature new stainless trim and chrome handles under correct, red GTO emblems while a new black headliner still retains its factory gloss. In front of the driver, a correct stainless trimmed Pontiac steering wheel features a trademark turquoise centerpiece inside of a pristine, chrome horn ring. Behind the cockpit, an expertly restored trunk features a new trunk mat, a new spare tire and correct lid decals.

The sale includes everything you would hope for when buying a car of this caliber. Things get started with documents from PHS that cover in detail exactly how the car left the factory. That information is reaffirmed by the original Protect-O-Plate which, when paired with the original owner's manual and warranty booklet, nearly recreates the experience of buying an all-new GTO right off the showroom floor!

Fully-sorted and ready to roll, this iconic triple-black GTO is an ideal blend of performance and style. With its WT-code 389 and Muncie M21, the car is an absolute pleasure to drive and, with its sinister good looks, it'll win trophies and turn heads seven days a week. Best of all, the car is nicely documented so there won't be any asterisks on your show display. If you're looking for the opportunity to pick up a high-quality goat for your collection, here's your chance!