1965 Pontiac GTO

The 1965 model year marked the second chapter in the GTO story and proved that Pontiac’s groundbreaking experiment was no fluke. Building on the overwhelming success of the 1964 model, Pontiac refined the formula with new styling, more power, and wider availability. The GTO was still offered as an option package for the Tempest and LeMans models, which continued to allow Pontiac to sidestep General Motors’ restrictions on large engines in midsize cars.

The 1965 GTO featured subtle but important updates including stacked headlights, a new grille design, and optional hood scoops that gave the car an even more aggressive appearance. Under the hood, Pontiac’s 389-cubic-inch V8 was tuned to deliver 335 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor or an impressive 360 horsepower with the Tri-Power setup. Paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, the GTO could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, placing it among the quickest production cars in America.

Recognized for its unmatched blend of style, performance, and value, the 1965 GTO was named Car and Driver Car of the Year, a rare honor for a vehicle born from a performance option package. The award cemented the GTO’s reputation as the standard-bearer for American muscle.

With its combination of style, accessibility, and performance, the 1965 GTO solidified the car’s role as the benchmark for the growing muscle car movement. Sales surged to more than 75000 units, and the GTO’s image as “The Great One” was born. What began as a clever option package in 1964 had evolved into a cultural phenomenon, forever linking Pontiac’s name with the golden age of American performance.