[darbikrash]

After more than a year of searching, I finally found this nice ’65 GTO in Northern CA. It was an original Fremont plant car, and I bought it from the second owner.

It’s largely original, although the paint is a respray in the original color. PHS confirms the car is a GTO, turquoise exterior with turquoise interior. Also a factory A/C car, which is what I have been looking for. The original A/C components were provided in a box, non-operational but complete.

I have always preferred the automatic cars over the 4 speeds, just personal preference, but I think based on memories of a ’66 automatic A/C car I had back in the day, which was my favorite of all the cars I have owned. The early 2 speed automatic cars give a totally different driving experience than the manual transmission cars- and are grossly underrated in my opinion.

This car runs and drives nicely, I have spent some time tuning and adjusting things to bring it back to better running condition.

This car will be a substantial project, and although I am not interested in restorations, I will do nothing to change its (outward) stock appearance. A fresh motor is already under construction, and updated brakes, suspension and chassis are in the advanced planning stages. The framework for this project is a little different, mindful of the notion of preservation, I will do nothing to modify the original driveline or exterior body, instead a new aftermarket chassis with modern suspension and updated Pontiac power with EFI will be swapped in underneath a stock body and interior.

The original unmolested chassis driveline is to be removed, and preserved for purposes of resale or future restoration. Some may find this approach interesting, others may find it offensive, but in any case I welcome constructive comments and suggestions.

I will post pictures on the new motor, and details of the new driveline as the project progresses. And most likely be asking a lot of questions.

[rare4k]

very nice car good find

[geeteeohguy]

Great find. Since you asked for opinions, my vote is to keep it stock-ish and enjoy it. A simple swap to an overdrive automatic trans will increase the performance and fuel mileage by a bunch. I've been driving my '65 GTO and my '67 GTO for over 30 years and find them to be dependable, comfortable, viable transportation. Neither of mine has ever been restored.....simply repaired as needed. Good luck with your new car.

[eric65]

WOW that is nice
Seeing cars like that makes me almost want to live in Calif.

If were me I would keep as is.. but its yours enjoy..

[Doug]

Front seat bottoms pattern reversed! Quite common mistake.

I would be curious about the rear seat pattern too. I have seen pics of both front and rear bottoms patterns reversed. It may be that at some point in time some supplier ran a batch of these incorrect patterns. I think the front seat mistake is probably just a re-assembly mistake when adding new stuff.

Don't care much for the incorrect air cleaner. I assume the intake filter is aftermarket (like added-on breather cap) that needed a taller intake air cleaner.

Very nice car in any case!

[65blackplate]

nice find and it only took a year
have fun with it

[Jerry H.]

Originally Posted by Doug

Front seat bottoms pattern reversed! Quite common mistake.

I would be curious about the rear seat pattern too. I have seen pics of both front and rear bottoms patterns reversed. It may be that at some point in time some supplier ran a batch of these incorrect patterns. I think the front seat mistake is probably just a re-assembly mistake when adding new stuff.

Don't care much for the incorrect air cleaner. I assume the intake filter is aftermarket (like added-on breather cap) that needed a taller intake air cleaner.

Very nice car in any case!

There was a supplier, PUI I think, that supplied an entire run of 65 upholstery with the seat pattern in the wrong direction in the mid 2000's. There is a bunch of it out there; I have a set in my car. When I match up the front and rear seats, the fronts are in the wrong direction, just like the one's pictured.

Great find btw. Of course I'm partial to teal turquoise.

[27jalopy]

Air cleaner looks right to me, at least it is what my '65 Lemans convertible 326 HO came with originally except for the chrome. I thought '65 California GTO's came with that chrome topped one yours has...

I would keep it original. (Just me). And I love the automatics! My Lemans convert is auto with console and also my first car. Dad sold it to me, and I drove his '65 Buick GS which also was 2 speed auto. It sure burned rubber, and no power braking needed. I guess I like the auto '64 and '65s for similar reasons as you do. The consoles and shift handle are both very cool.
I secretly dream of an original '65 GTO convert with console automatic, tripower, AC and power steering.

[Chris65LeMans]

Nice!

[chrisp]

If going to re-chassis it , better off doing that to a lemans / tempest .

[elefantrider]

That car has a lot of nice options. Power antenna too!

To echo some comments here, that car is so nice and valuable, it must not have been an easy decision to re-chassis. Motor and suspension bolt-ons are one thing but custom chassis is another as it probably will stay that way.

[brut4s]

UPDATES?

[darbikrash]

A couple.....












Finished product:

[rsavage]

Nice work. That will be a screaming/handling machine.

[6 Grrrs]

I just strolled into this thread and said 'Nice Unmolested GTO', then scrolled to the bottom and whoa. I'm diggin' it. I would love to do that chassis and all the attached stuff to an old A body. I'll bet that thing is gonna be fun!

[elefantrider]

Wow. Awesome. Whose frame and what are the other suspension/wheel/brake components/ specs?

[S Courter]

WOW x2 I love what you are doing!!! Looks like it will be great fun!!

[darbikrash]

The chassis is from Roadster Shop, and I am very impressed with their products. The rear is a Ford 9" with 3.55 Tru-Trac limited slip, Z06 brakes front and rear.

Building this car this way with a new chassis/driveline while preserving the factory chassis and driveline has been a great way to go.

Rear end with 4 bar and Ford 9":



Penske front coilovers:


Brakelines and chassis details:



Homemade 1X Cam sensor:



Mock up with the 200 R 4:



Z06 front brakes 345mm:

[John62]

Can you tell us more details about the EFI you have. I looks more in depth than just a carb replaced with a pre package efi replacement. What did it take to make it all work.

[elefantrider]

RS chassis looks like a great package. I like that they use Corvette instead of Pinto uprights. Where did you get the Corvette brakes and any reason for choosing them over others. Also looks like you have different wheels on now. Am not sure what kind but they look really unique.