1965 Pontiac G.T.O.

The Pontiac GTO found itself  restyled for 1965, adding 3.1 inches to the overall length while keeping it’s wheelbase and interior dimensions. It donned  Pontiac's famous vertically stacked quad headlights.  It gained 100 pounds.  Brake stopping power was better, and heavy duty shocks were standard, along with a  front anti-sway bar. The dashboard was improved, and plunking down an additional $86.08 of your hard earned cash got you an optional "Rally Gauge Cluster" (with  legible Tach and Oil Pressure Gauge.)

The 389 V8 got revised cylinder heads with re-cored intake passages which improved breathing.  Horsepower increased to 335 hp at 5,000 rpm for the base 4 barrel engine, while the Tri-Power V8 was rated at 360 hp at 5,200 rpm.  A three-speed manual was standard, but a four-speed manual or two-speed automatic were optional.

The GTO now had a new simulated Hood Scoop.  (A rare, dealer-installed option was a metal under hood pan and gaskets to open the scoop, giving it a cold air intake).  The scoop allowed more of the engine's roar to escape.

A 1965 GTO with Tri-Power with the most desired options of a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, power steering, metallic brakes, rally wheels, 4.11 limited-slip differential, and Rally Gauge Cluster, wore a total sticker price of $3,643.79.00 to 60 miles per hour timed out to  5.8 seconds, and the standing quarter mile in 14.5 seconds, with a trap speed of 100 miles per hour.  It had  a top speed of 114 miles per hour at 6,000 rpm.  (A four barrel Convertible with a two-speed automatic transmission, (sans a limited slip rear) ran 0 to 60 in 7 seconds, and the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at 89 miles per hour).

Sales of the GTO, (with help from marketing , promotional campaigns , songs and various merchandise), more than doubled to 75,342.  It spawned the creation of many imitators, within other GM divisions as well as  its competitors.  But as the saying goes, “There can be only ONE!”