One-of-None 1965 Pontiac GTO Is a Customized Time Capsule With Tri-Power Muscle

Introduced in 1964, the Pontiac GTO soldiered on for three generations until the company assigned the badge to the Ventura compact. Of the three versions, the first two are arguably the most desirable iterations of the GTO, and both include a few gems that tend to break the bank. The 1964-1966 Tri-Power is one of them.

The most potent version of the first-gen GTO, the Tri-Power, came with a beefed-up V8 fitted with a trio of two-barrel Rochester carburetors. The mill delivered 348 horsepower in 1964 and 360 horses in 1966. Ratings remained unchanged until mid-year 1966 when the option was discontinued.

Although it’s not particularly rare by production numbers, the Tri-Power is pretty much the holy grail of the early GTO run. These cars are in high demand and restored and highly original examples fetch six-figure sums. But like most classics, many GTO Tri-Power rigs are rotting away in junkyards and barns.

This 1965 GTO is neither an all-original example nor a rust bucket. But it’s the kind of time capsule you don’t see every day because it’s a customization job that was pampered for decades. And it lived to see 2024 with very low mileage.

Ordered in late 1964, this hardtop left the assembly line in Starlight Black with a black interior. It was probably a pretty mean-looking “goat,” but the color combo didn’t last very long. In late 1966, the owner decided to take the GTO apart and turn it into a show car.

He started things off with an expensive metal flake finish that looks a lot like Tiger Gold. The hue was available as a special-order color in 1966, but the owner went with a really unique finish. He applied no fewer than 52 coats of paint for an unbelievable depth and shine that survived for more than 50 years. Yup, what you see in the photos is the same paint applied in the 1960s.

The no-expenses-spared process continued inside the cabin with rear bucket seats, black “tuck & roll” covers on the dashboard, custom black carpet, and a 1967 GTO floor console.

The engine also received a few cosmetic updates, including a black-painted block to accent the gold exterior. The hood hinges, Ram Air pan, alternator, fan shroud, and pulleys were chromed for a bit of pizzazz. It’s also worth noting that the Ram Air pan and hood scoop were purchased from a Pontiac dealer shortly after the car was purchased.

But despite all these changes, the 389-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) V8 is numbers-matching. According to the seller, the block, heads, intake manifold, carburetors, and driveshaft are all original to the car. The four-speed manual and rear end are also numbers-matching.

So, how did this amazing GTO survive in such great condition? Well, it was kept in a garage for most of its life and never driven in the wet. And even though the owner paraded it at various car shows, he never put a lot of miles on the odo. The clock shows only 27,000 miles (43,452 km). This “goat” is pretty much a time capsule!

Now with its second owner, this unique GTO is looking for a new home in Riverside, California. With two days to go, fifty-eight bids have raised the price to $54,499, but the reserve is still in place. It’s safe to say it’s set beyond the $100,000 mark.