A 1965 Pontiac GTO finished in Mayfair Maize is offering a vivid reminder of the model widely credited with launching the muscle car movement.
Originally introduced as a $295 performance option on the Tempest LeMans, the GTO quickly established its own identity. For 1965, Pontiac sharpened the design with vertically stacked headlights, a split recessed grille and a single hood scoop, giving the car a more assertive presence that matched its performance credentials.
This two-door hardtop coupe is powered by Pontiac’s 389 cubic-inch V8 equipped with Tri-Power induction, featuring three two-barrel carburetors. Factory rated at 360 horsepower, the engine is paired with a wide-ratio four-speed manual transmission and a 3.55 Posi-traction rear axle. The combination delivered strong acceleration and helped define the formula that competitors would soon follow.
According to its accompanying Pontiac Historical Services documentation and original window sticker, the car retains its factory configuration. The three carburetors are original to the vehicle and have been professionally rebuilt, and an additional set of carburetors is included. All fluids have recently been changed, and the car is reported to run smoothly. The paint is believed to have been refreshed in the mid-1970s, maintaining a period-correct appearance.
Inside, the Gold vinyl interior reflects the GTO’s driver-focused layout. Bucket seats and a center console frame the console-mounted shifter, while the distinctive four-pod instrument cluster anchors the dashboard. Factory equipment includes an AM/FM radio, rear seat speaker, rear window defrost, seat belts and power brakes.
With 82,452 miles indicated, this 1965 GTO represents a well-documented example of an early muscle icon. Combining its original Tri-Power 389, four-speed transmission and rare color combination, the car captures the balance of style and performance that cemented the GTO’s place in automotive history.