1965 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe Tri-Power

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Out of a combination of a lifelong automotive passion and an unyielding desire to support the people of his Alabama community, the Generous Collection was born. Mr. Greg Rusk, a successful business leader in the cardboard industry, with a big heart for helping families and friends in times of need, would regularly pay overly generous fees to acquire an interesting vehicle. After decades of collecting and supporting local automotive enthusiasts, the Rusk family is ready for these vehicles, each with their own story, to write their next chapter back on the road, where they belong.  

The Generous Collection debuts with Part 1 offering over 200 cars in October, all offered without reserve, emerging from years of long-term silent storage. Many additional lots will be offered in the coming months. From the quiet shadows of the Generous Collection to the sunshine of backroads and highways, enthusiasts now have the opportunity to own a piece of a generous car-collecting legacy.

* * *

The 1965 Pontiac GTO marked a critical year in the muscle car era, solidifying its reputation as a performance icon. Originally an option package for the Pontiac Tempest, the GTO did not became a standalone model until 1966. Pontiac redesigned the A-body platform that year, giving the GTO a more aggressive look with vertically stacked headlights and a sculpted body.

Under the hood, the standard engine was a 389 cubic inch V8 producing 335 horsepower, but enthusiasts could opt for the Tri-Power setup—three two-barrel carburetors boosting output to 360 horsepower. A new Rally Gauge Cluster, improved suspension, and optional close-ratio four-speed manual transmission enhanced its performance credentials.

Sales soared to over 75,000 units, more than doubling the previous year’s total. The 1965 GTO wasn’t just fast—it was stylish, affordable, and youth-oriented, embodying the spirit of American performance. Car Craft Magazine (March 1965) reported, “In this particular GTO, there is everything the most critical purist would demand—exceptional flexibility of engine, transmission, and rear end; and a superior chassis/brakes combination.” That’s why today it remains one of the most celebrated muscle cars of all time.

This Pontiac has the “5N” code on the Body by Fisher tag denoting a true GTO built in Pontiac, Michigan. Originally painted Reef Turquoise with a matching interior, it has been resprayed red with a black vinyl interior in the correct slanted rib pattern unique to the ’65 models. While mostly original it has received some modern updates, yet this GTO retains the spirit of “The Great One.”

Highlights

• Offered from The Generous Collection

• True 1965 GTO Hardtop Coupe

• 389 cu-in V8 with Tri-Power three 2bbl option

• Two-speed automatic transmission

• Factory air conditioning

• The chassis number (237375P139080) decodes as:

  • 2 – Pontiac

  • 37 – Series: Pontiac Tempest Custom

  • 37 – Body Style: LeMans/GTO two-door hardtop coupe

  • 5 – Model Year: 1965

  • P – Assembly Plant: Pontiac, Michigan

  • 139080 – Production Sequence Number

Features

• 245/55 ZR17 tires with aftermarket Rallye style wheels

• Thunder Road gauges with digital odometer

• Aftermarket air-conditioning

• Power brakes

• Power steering

• GM 10-bolt rear end, gear ratio is unknown

• The Body by Fisher tag shows factory options include:

  • Group 1

    • W – Tinted glass/windshield

  • Group 2

    • K – air conditioning

    • G – console

    • P – radio

    • R – rear seat

    • T – rear power antenna

    • W – 2 speed auto trans

  • Group 4

    • F – outside remote mirror

  • Group 5

    • N – GTO option 1964-1965

Known Imperfections

• While reasonable efforts were made during preparation for the sale, due to the volume of cars in this collection it was not possible to diagnose or detect all imperfections present in the cars.

• Brakes are inoperable

• Paint flaws around the shut lines

Ownership History

This 1965 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe is offered from The Generous Collection of no reserve automobiles.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: William Cooper Phone: 469.463.4542 email: wcooper@hagerty.com

Alabama Sales Tax Notice to Bidders: Because this car is located in Alabama, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama state sales taxes of up to 2% of the purchase amount, even if the buyer plans to register the car outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer is located in AZ, CA, FL, IN, MA, MI, or SC (capped at $500 in SC), and (b) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives the car or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer). Additionally, the selling dealer may be required to collect and remit Alabama county or city taxes from buyers located outside of Alabama, if (a) the buyer does not transport the car out of Alabama using a common carrier (e.g., if the buyer drives or transports the car out of Alabama on a personal trailer), and (b) the buyer fails to provide an executed Drive-Out Certificate for Nonresidents. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Alabama that are sold to residents of another state.  

Please note that all lots in The Generous Collection are offered after many years of storage, without operation or service, in warehouse facilities. The seller endeavored to provide limited mechanical servicing to bring some cars back to running potential, however, not all cars will be running at time of sale. Because of the extended static display, it must be assumed that all cars will require additional mechanical attention before being driven safely and, in most cases, cleaning to both the interiors and exteriors. All the cars will have imperfections associated with long-term static storage and require extensive sorting to perform best and safely. The burden of determining a car’s status, both mechanical and cosmetic, rests fully on the bidder, prior to bidding and the close of the auction. All lots are sold as is, where is. 

Additionally, due to the location of the collection and limited access to the facility following the close of the auction, all lots must be retrieved while a Hagerty Marketplace representative is onsite beginning Monday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 19. No cars can be retrieved prior to November 3 and any lots remaining after November 19 will be re-located outside in the parking lot for retrieval by their buyers.