1965 GTO - the original muscle car in it's most pure form.

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One word describes the GTO's reputation on the street in 1965 . . . RESPECT.

Every time Pontiac put a GTO together in 1965, Ford built 9 Mustangs. Lots of Mustangs were cute, some were even cool and all of them made people smile. In 1965 ALL GTO's were bad - every single one. In it's least potent form, a 2 speed Powerglide equiped GTO with the lazy 3.08 axle could whip all nine of those Mustangs no matter what they were packin' under the hood.

In 1964 and '65, GTO's literaly ruled the streets. A Hemi Mopar or a strong running Corvette were the only real threat a GTO might face during this time. The GTO, however had a lot more going for it than just awesome acceleration.

Pontiac styling setting the pace.

Pontiacs were great looking cars in 1965 and the GTO was no exception. The clean, uncluttered lines of the restyled for '65 Lemans looked muscular with the GTO option. Those muscles were real.

It's the torque, stupid.

With 431 ft.-lb. of torque at 3200 RPM the GTO was a powerful car to drive. With a 4-speed, wheel spin was just a blip of the throttle away - in any gear. The tri-power added to this "problem" with 360 HP on tap. (335 HP with rhe single 4 barrel) The front and rear carbs were vacuum controlled with an automatic transmission and mechanical progressive with the manual. Also, manual transmission tri-powered cars had 2.2 inch exhaust tailpipes versus 2 inch on all other GTO's.
4 barrel
335 HP @ 5000 RPM
431 TQ @ 3200 RPM
10.75 comp. ratio

3-2 barrels
360 HP @ 5200 RPM
424 TQ @ 3600 RPM
10.75 comp. ratio

My take on the '65 GTO is emotional. My first ride in a truly fast car was in a GTO. I was young and the experience was an epiphany for me. It cemented my passion for cars in general and muscular American iron in particular. I lust for one of these cars now and seeing one on the street is a rare treat. Small block Chevys are my real passion but the GTO is special - you never forget your first love.

Long live the Goat.

Foy Blackmon

Follow the '65 GTO pics link for more pics.

1965 GTO 389

The Torque-Thrust wheel and the '65 GTO seem made for each other.
'65 GTO interior.
1965 GTO 389 with tri-power.