GTO Data and ID Guide: 1964-1974. Pete Sessler

       The 1965 Convertible had a more up-to-date front grille, which was a precursor to the 1966–1967 GTO. Compared to the simulated scoops used on the 1964 GTO, the 1965 hood scoop looks functional.

Is My Pontiac LeMans a True GTO?

      The GTO option was listed as an option on the LeMans Series for 1965 and not a separate, freestanding model. In addition, the engine can easily be substituted by another engine because there is no code for the engine in the VIN. On the other hand, an original GTO must include the hood scoop, front fender GTO crests, rear fender GTO emblems, and a rear deck GTO emblem. The interior includes a vinyl-trimmed assist bar over the glove box door, different GTO emblem located to the left of the assist bar door, and mounted GTO crests on each door.

1965 GTO Facts

      The GTO received its first restyle in 1965. The GTO was still an option package on the two-door coupe, hardtop, and convertible LeMans.

       Exterior

      The front end of the car had a totally new look with vertical headlights and a split, recessed grille. The new front end was deemed to be more modern and fresher than the 1964. The hood had a simulated single hood scoop; however, the scoop became functional later in the model year with a dealer-installed Ram-Air system.

       The GTO emblem was placed on the passenger-side rear of the deck.

      On the rear, the most noticeable changes were the wraparound taillights and the fuel-filler door location, which was moved behind the license plate. Large “PONTIAC” lettering was now placed outward on the chrome ribs. The identifying GTO emblems were again located on the driver-side front grille, rear quarter panels, and on the deck lid, as was the 6.5-liter crest, which remained unchanged on the front fenders. A total of 15 exterior color choices were still available with 2 Cordova vinyl roof colors and 5 convertible colors.

      The trunk on all 1965 GTOs was painted spatter blue with green/gray flecks, in contrast to the 1964 trunks, which were painted body color.

       Interior

      The interior on the 1965 GTO was marginally revised. Instead of the engine-turned dash appliqué used in 1964, a wood veneer was used, which can be either vinyl or real wood. Although the dash pad is similar to the 1964, the grain on it is different from 1964. Other differences include the addition of a vinyl-trimmed grab bar over the glove box door and a GTO emblem located to the left of the grab bar. Two small GTO liter crests were mounted on each door panel.

      The four-pod instrument cluster remained the same; a new Rally Gauge Cluster was now optional, which used different instruments for 1965. On the far-left instrument pod, a fuel gauge was located on the top pod, and a battery indicator was located on the bottom pod. On the left-center pod was the 120-mph speedometer and odometer, along with an optional parking brake indicator light located beneath the odometer. An unfurled checkered flag was located just above the center of the speedometer.

       The four-pod instrument cluster remained unchanged; however, a new Rally Gauge Cluster was an option with different instruments.

      Next, on the right-center pod is an 8,000-rpm tachometer of which two types were made. The early cars came with a green band that sweeps from 0 to 8,000; on later cars the green turned to red from 5,200 to 8,000 rpm.

      Finally, the far-right pod contains a 0–230-degree water temperature gauge on the top, and a 0-30-60–pound oil pressure gauge on the bottom.

      The Rally Clock was optional with the standard instrument cluster. The 1965 heater control panel was redesigned with the addition of a moveable vent located above it. The standard steering wheel was again the LeMans Deluxe wheel and came with a round horn ring. The optional three-spoke Custom Sport steering wheel featured a deep, three-spoke design.

      A new radio was made available, a mono AM/FM unit, with either the standard manual or the optional electric antenna. The power antenna was relocated to the passenger-side rear panel, and the manual antenna remained at the passenger-side front fender.

      Under the dash, a hazard warning light with a red light pull switch was located on the left of the steering column. The consoles for either manual or automatic transmission were a carryover from 1964 with one change: The area between the ribs was painted black. It was blue in 1964.

      Finally, seat upholstery was changed to a diagonal rib pattern design.

       Chrome exhaust splitters were used on the GTO. It was a nice touch.

       Engine and Transmission

      The standard engine on the GTO was the 389-ci V-8 rated at 335 hp at 5,000 rpm. Compression ratio was 10.75:1. Carter carburetion was used on the engine. The lower end of the engine used 3.00-inch mains and 6.625-inch long rods. The optional engine was rated at 360 hp at 5,200 rpm and used the Tri-Power induction system. It consisted of three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors, and the end carburetors were mechanically controlled, giving the GTO more power at a lower engine speed.

      As before, all Pontiac engines used an oil windage tray and were equipped with chrome valve covers and a chrome oil filler cap.

      The standard transmission was a 3-speed manual with a Hurst floor shifter. Optional were two 4-speeds: M20 wide-ratio box and M21 close-ratio box. All manual transmission cars came with a 10.4-inch-diameter clutch.

      The 2-speed Super Turbine 300 Powerglide automatic was optional on both engines. It was not until 1967 that the 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic became available.

      All GTOs came with a dual-exhaust system. The head pipes measured 2.25×0.075 inches, and the tailpipes measured 2.00×0.049 inches. The head pipes on the Tri-Power engines with manual transmission measured 2.25x.055.