1965 Pontiac GTO

When the Pontiac GTO hit the scene in 1964, it sparked a muscle car movement that would define the next decade. For 1965, it gained a bold new look with stacked headlights and a stronger presence...one that still turns heads today. This example respects that legacy with a clean, stock-style appearance and carefully updated mechanicals that bring it into the modern era. Originally built as a 389/4-speed Nightwatch Blue convertible, it was treated to a comprehensive, frame-off restoration by B-Mac's Auto Restoration in Raleigh, North Carolina. The result is a beautifully finished, driver-focused restomod that pairs vintage charm with real-world performance. The body is finished in a modern basecoat/clearcoat that stays true to the original Nightwatch Blue, a deep metallic shade that shifts from blue to near-black depending on the light. Panel fit is tight, gaps are even, and the overall look is clean and crisp. A white pinstripe adds contrast, while a power-operated white convertible top provides open-air freedom at the push of a button. Traditional trim remains in place, including factory-style GTO quarter emblems and 6.5 Litre fender badges...a subtle nod to Pontiac's effort to give its V8 muscle car a more European, performance-oriented identity. Chrome and interior brightwork were restored to a show-worthy finish by the specialists at Advanced Plating in Nashville. Finishing off the exterior are 15-inch Rallye I wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Radial T/As, giving the car a period-correct stance with just a hint of updated attitude. Power comes from a 6.0L LS2 V8, factory-rated at 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque...more than any GTO left the factory with during the muscle car era. The same aluminum engine used in the 2005-06 Pontiac GTO, this one features AFR cylinder heads, a short ram intake, and Hedman long-tube headers for even more performance. A polished Griffin aluminum radiator with an electric fan keeps temperatures in check, while exhaust flows through a stainless X-pipe system with MagnaFlow mufflers and original-style stainless tips. Engine bay presentation stays true to the car's roots, with GTO-branded covers that integrate the LS2 seamlessly into its classic surroundings. A Tremec T56 6-speed manual handles the shifting, paired to an aluminum driveshaft and a Pontiac 10-bolt rear with 3.55 gears and a limited-slip differential. The suspension is fully updated with an independent front setup using tubular control arms, a 4-link rear, adjustable Ridetech coilovers, and beefy sway bars front and rear. Power four-wheel disc brakes and power steering bring it all together, and the undercarriage is finished to the same high standard as the body...clean, tidy, and ready to enjoy. Inside, the Parchment bucket seat interior maintains the factory look, with fresh seat covers and door panels over black carpet and topped by a black dash. The original-style center console houses a Custom Autosound remote, while Dakota Digital gauges fill the factory cluster openings. A simulated woodgrain steering wheel with polished spokes completes the vintage feel. The 6-speed shift pattern on the cue ball shifter and a set of aftermarket pedals are the only major clues to the car's modern hardware. Vintage Air climate controls are cleanly integrated into the dash for factory-style modern A/C. The trunk is neatly finished as well, with correct mats, a full-size spare, clean metal, and the electric motor for the convertible top mounted in plain sight. Well-documented with a copy of the original title, window sticker, PHS paperwork, build receipts, and more, this GTO checks all the right boxes for someone who wants the look and presence of a true 1965 muscle car, without sacrificing reliability, comfort, or drivability. It's quick, composed, and thoughtfully built...true to its heritage, but ready for the road ahead. Key Highlights * Frame-off restoration by B-Mac's Auto Restoration * 6.0L LS2 V8 engine