1965 Pontiac LeMans GTO Sport Coupe

Description

Offered as an option package on the LeMans Sport Coupe rather than a standalone model, the 1965 Pontiac GTO gave buyers big-block performance in a mid-size body — a formula so successful it forced every other American manufacturer to follow suit.

Featuring the 1965-only patterned upholstery trimmed in black vinyl, this two-door Sport Coupe was refinished in metallic orange and wears GTO badging. The bucket seat interior features a wood-rimmed steering wheel and center console with a gated automatic transmission shifter.

The partial Pontiac Historical Society copies provided by the seller indicate that this Baltimore, Maryland-built ‘65 LeMans was factory optioned with the GTO package, and that it came equipped with a 389ci V8, 3-speed automatic transmission, Safe-T-Track rear fitted with 3.08:1 gears, and power-assisted steering and brakes.

This 1965 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe is now offered with Pontiac Historic Services documents, new uninstalled suspension and exhaust parts, and New York registration in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Refinished in metallic orange

• Black vinyl bucket seat interior

• One-year-only upholstery pattern

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

• GTO badging

Factory Equipment

According to the included Pontiac Historic Services documents, which can be seen in the gallery, the car was ordered with the following equipment:

• GTO Option:

  • 389ci V8

  • 4-barrel carburetor

  • 14" wheels

  • Sport suspension

  • Chrome air cleaner and rocker arm covers

  • GTO badging

• 3-speed automatic transmission

• Safe-T-Track rear axle with 3.08 gears

• Power four-wheel drum brakes

• Power steering

• Center console with gated shifter

• Heater/defrost

• AM radio

• The Fisher body tag decodes as:

  • 01A – Produced during the first week of January

  • Style: 65-23727 – 1965 LeMans Two-Door Sport Coupe

  • Body: BAL – 1430 – Baltimore, Maryland, assembly sequence

  • Trim: 213 – Black vinyl upholstery

  • Paint: TA – Starlight Black/Capri Gold two-tone paint

Modifications

• Refinished in metallic orange

• Edelbrock air cleaner assembly

• Aftermarket exhaust system

• Auxiliary gauges

Documentation

• Copies of Pontiac Historic Services documents can be found in the gallery.

Known Imperfections

• The seller states that the vehicle leaks coolant

• Corrosion on wheels, missing center caps

• Visibly older red line tires

• Missing one radio knob

Ownership History

This 1965 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe was recently inherited by the seller.

Included Items

• Uninstalled suspension components

• Uninstalled exhaust headers

Additional Information

• A photo of the engine block stamping has not been provided.

• This 1965 Pontiac Tempest is registered in a state that does not issue titles for vehicles of its age. It is offered with New York registration.