Bought Cheap GTO on FB - Bad Deal? - 1965 Pontiac GTO revival

This was the cheapest GTO I could find and I am stoked to have found it. Let's get this old car that has been sitting for years cleaned out. Getting this old muscle car back on the road is the goal. Join in on this cars journey and the start it's revival....followed by the PHS documents reveal, price and a first start in years !

[@bhhenry]

When I woke up this morning from unsettling dreams, I found myself compelled to watch a video about a 1965 GTO. My attention, drawn to the minutiae of rusted fenders and beer cans strewn about, reminded me of my own struggles with transformation and decay. The narrator's obsession with the authenticity of his car-a relic of past grandeur-mirrored the surreal disintegration of my own existence. He spoke of registration documents and color codes with a fervor that seemed almost Kafkaesque. The GTO's identity was questioned, just as mine had been, in a world where the past and present collide with cruel indifference. The car, like myself, was subjected to the scrutiny of others, its true nature concealed beneath layers of time and neglect. The trunk, filled with remnants of another life, opened like a portal to forgotten memories, much like my own mind, filled with fragments of what once was. The excitement over a found emblem, the dismay at mismatched parts, all felt like a reflection of my own futile attempts to piece together the shattered remnants of normalcy. As he continued, I couldn't help but feel a kinship with the vehicle-a symbol of lost glory, now reduced to a curiosity. The pursuit of authenticity, the hope for a genuine connection to the past, was a journey fraught with uncertainty and doubt. Yet, in the midst of this, there was a strange sense of purpose, a glimmer of hope that perhaps, amidst the rust and ruin, something real could be salvaged. In the end, the true value lay not in the car's pedigree but in the journey itself-the painstaking search, the fleeting victories, and the moments of introspection. And so, I watched, mesmerized by the unfolding narrative, feeling a deep, unspoken bond with the GTO, both of us navigating a world that seemed increasingly alien and unforgiving. --Gregor

[@dennistaylor5052]

Only car guys will understand your letter...well done my friend. I too had that journey with my 68 GTO, mine turn out to be real. I think in 64 & 65 GTO was an option on a Tempest, and wasn't a Model. I think 66 GTO became a Model and the build tag started with 24 for GTO and 23 for Lemans

[@paulcowie1363]

Beautifully written 👏 ❤️

[@WestsideCritters]

Didn’t feel like reading a book 📚 today , sheesh 🙄 see a therapist!

[@SaulnowPaul77722]

Yes,Your Writing of this iconic rare GTO brings back memories of good books we read in school 1975-1987! I feel your kinship as well.We remember our Buicks and Pontiacs well ! They are really a part of us!The only thing I like about Biden is his Forest Green ,Good wood green 1967 Corvette 327, 4-speed, Nice car nice color….

[@Madinfidelprepper]

This is no where near a longshot

[@timothyleake8750]

Love GTO"s and a 65 to boot!!! What a find!

[@benkanobe7500]

You find so many great cars. I look forward to seeing one restored.

[@philshock3805]

I had that very same key ring for my 65 GTO, the very same Hurst shifter knob (on a Hurst shifter), and to top it off ... wore that very same shirt while wrenching on my 65 ... back in the late 70s! Wow, what a time warp! lol I'm thinking this is a legit goat. I know it's rough but it's sacrilege to use that classic as a recycling bin! My very first car was a '66 GTO around 1977 - drivable but it was a pile. I blew the motor within a month ... took 6 months to save enough money to rebuild the 389. (balance, blueprinted, cam, headers, etc) Got it going again and while I didn't really know what I was doing, started in on body work and had the bumpers off ... when it was stolen. Got it back and all they took were the rally Camaro wheels and tires. Worst part was they just dumped it on the ground and completely trashed the fenders. Too much for me to tackle but luckily, I worked with a lady who's husband had a 65 GTO in decent shape (although far from perfect), with no motor or trans he was wanting to sell. I didn't really care for body style of the 66 (too much of a boat, IMO), so I bought the 65 body and transferred the drivetrain and many interior pieces. Still needed a lot of work but it was worth it - LOVED that car! Had it painted a dark metallic blue, American Racing 5 spokes, BFG TAs. I could kick myself for selling it! Subscribed to see the transformation!

[@jeffsr8300]

The front fenders are 65 only 66 & 67 the headlights are straight up and down, and yes they were available with a power glide auto a 3 & 4 speed manual. Great find👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@phlodel]

The Pontiac 2 speed automatic was not a Powerglide. It was a turbine 300, much like a turbine 4oo less a gear.

[@hansnordstrom2373]

Super turbine 300 not a powerglide

[@Pedroisanickname]

The 66/67 headlights are stacked. Thanks

[@judsonr1]

May be a long shot in that condition, but I found the factory build sheet for my ‘64 GTO between the springs and cushion of the back seat. It will show it having the GTO option. Good find.

[@Wil_Liam1]

Most GMs of that era had the assembly line floor build sheets stuffed between the springs and foam of the rear seats... Some Dodges did as well back then..

[@WestsideCritters]

@@Wil_Liam1 some were under carpet and as well on top of gas tank ,, no set rule !!!

[@toddjohnston4788]

Your definitely the cool guy in the neighborhood! Can't beat a 65!!😊

[@johnkelly6942]

I just went through the identical “(car) archeology” on a recently acquired 1955 Chevy Nomad project. Even though the floors, rockers and tailpan had obviously been replaced, I was sure all the exterior sheetmetal was original as I found traces of orange paint everywhere from front to back. That changed when I pulled off the front clip and saw the badly bent/poorly straightened front frame horns. Whenever that front end damage occurred it happened so long ago that the car still has an all GM front clip and the paint is so old it has honest patina. The motor/transmission were long gone but the old rusty traction bars in the back confirm it was somebody’s hot rod at one time. Keep us posted on what you find out about this car.

[@alexandergennaro8596]

When you calculate what it's going to cost to restore you can find 1 already done and save lots of money and time. That's my experience when I did one, good luck

[@Michael-zz2pf]

I though the same. I didn't want to be rude, but I would like to know what he paid for it. I had a 65, it was only a 326 Lemans though, with a color matched hood, and G.t.o emblems. Still had a good sound, and I loved that car. Seen it a few years after I had sold it, and I almost broked down and cried. What a shame. Anyway in 2024 for a nice legit 65 G.T.O. your lookin at spending around 60k. So I hope he got a good deal.

[@rickss69]

Good luck with that lol...

[@Awsom47Merc]

Glad you cut the scene of lifting Jimmy Hoffa's remains out of the trunk ! 🤭👍

[@michaelh.9794]

This is a great project, Jason! Thanks for always providing us with interesting content and Welcome Back! This was well worth the wait.👍

[@NIVO1972]

Van Halen and Pontiacs. Two of my favorite die hard things of all time.

[@paulbreen5885]

Great video keep them coming on this GTO your doing a great job!

[@kevinstufflebeam2753]

That is big with the quarter being correct for GTO with the emblems. I think that the core body is a real GTO.

[@CTmoog]

Poor some juice in the carb! 😎 Now you got me looking at Pontiacs! =)

[@5150mxVW]

Good luck with the search , I expect an up date soon 😆

[@sowhat1073]

Subbed just because you're saving the lightest and best year of the GOAT!

[@5150mxVW]

Thank you , is it lighter than the 64 ?

[@RusThompson]

Either way it's a classic 60's car that will look fantastic when done.

[@jbaet]

I'm quite convinced you've got the real deal 🙏. Prepare to spend an indecent amount of money restoring it...😂😂😂

[@kerrywootton2435]

I am following the progress. Keep it up please.

[@5150mxVW]

PHS reveal in next vid and my theory on what happened to this car prior to 1994

[@5150mxVW]

Thank you for following !

[@eskieman3948]

Jay, this sure is an interesting car. You've identified some potential red flags as to whether it's a genuine GOAT or fake (and God knows there is a LOT of them out there, along with bogus Shelby Mustangs, bogus 1970 Chevelle SS 454s, etc.). BUT - something that I didn't see you check out in this car that you wouldn't usually do with a VW - where's the build sheet? The build sheet (actually, the factory order for a specific car) was usually (not always) stuffed somewhere in the car by workers on the GM assembly lines. I've found them usually under the back seat, sometimes adhering to the floor (I found my '71 Monte Carlo's build sheet here), sometimes on the upper back support frame, and possibly up in the seat springs of either seat. Another location where I've found them is stuck up on top of the gas tank under the trunk floor, and I've even heard of them being stuffed inside the rear seat's side panels. Now, considering the age of the car, where it was setting for so long, climate, the mice problem, etc., the chances of you finding the car's build sheet (or what's left of it) are poor. But - it's definitely worth the effort to look, and IF you find it and it's still legible, it's gold in your hands. It will tell you what this car was as built from the factory, tell you if you have the original engine (the engine block stamping will partially match the VIN), and so on. The Pontiac Registry that you've contacted will have a wealth of info on identifying what you have. Good luck!!!!

[@schnell356]

Good video, those mice had quite a party! Good luck with the project.

[@tonycarrozza4873]

Goat or LeMans...good find! Nice project!

[@5150mxVW]

Thank you Tony

[@upstate-.-alien]

thing about budweiser is, you can put those full cans in the fridge and they will taste the same as if you just bought a sixer at the beverage mart.

[@rupe53]

one can also drink Shaffer and if it's cold enough you don't notice it's crap beer!

[@carl5536]

The Vin number's tells the whole story. I think it's the real thing and 65 was my favorite year of the GTO although I didn't like 3 deuces vs one 4barrel carb which I think was better than 3 deuces

[@riverbluevert7814]

I really enjoy the leaf blower cleaning the interior. Something about it. At 13:45 I was hoping a bunch of empty beer cans would fly out ... Maybe next time.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Neighbor sounds like a cool dude.

[@5150mxVW]

Very cool , has a beautiful 65 fastback with a 347 / 5 speed in it

[@dj33036]

@@5150mxVW a '65 fastback what?

[@5150mxVW]

@@dj33036 haha, well certainly not a VW fastback with a 347...although possible i'm sure

[@dj33036]

@@5150mxVW What's a 347?

[@breakawaymotorsports]

Quite the job to tackle. Best of luck!

[@johnsarian_cu]

That's some serious forensics skills you've got deployed there LOL. Since it's still on a trailer, maybe you should run up to Brookfield and ask for some Magnante input. I assume you're somewhere north/east of Hartford, so an easy round trip.

[@5150mxVW]

Haha, wait until the next vid it gets deep lol

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

Dude, pbr is the nectar of the gods

[@rockeroller]

Whether it's a GTO or not, who cares. It's a beautiful car that almost nobody has anymore. But you got one.

[@5150mxVW]

Agreed , just effects purchase price :)

[@patmayer7222]

You didn't listen to us,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,get the vespa!!!!!!!😮😮😮😮❤

[@5150mxVW]

Nope ! 🤣

[@Rottingboards]

He did not...such a mistake.

[@5150mxVW]

@@Rottingboards one more gas powered item I'll push and move from location to location for the next 10 years...i'm good lol

[@Rottingboards]

@@5150mxVW LOL

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I love the old cal customs air cleaner

[@kevinstufflebeam2753]

Even if it's a Lemans it is worth quite a lot. They make nearly every sheet metal part. So it can be restored. Look for the build sheet or the protector plate. Does it say 5N on the bottom of the firewall tag.

[@5150mxVW]

Does not have the 5N , next vid will have the PHS report and many answers

[@davemoyer505]

Man, Pabst is so much better than Bud. Just sayin! Pretty little car. Lots of potential- just takes $ and time. Go for it!👍🇺🇸❤️

[@5150mxVW]

ya know...now that I think about it , I have never even tasted PBR so why I am talking smack about it I have no clue ! :) Thank you

[@davemoyer505]

@@5150mxVW Ha! Ain’t no thing. Good vids.👍🇺🇸❤️

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

I hope if its a Goat you'll do it justice and fix it the right way. Or do what Mom said and buy one that's fixed and ready and trade that one to someone who can do her right. It's a ton of work and a half ton of money

[@arthursmith5409]

Hi, my uncle had two Lemans, Three speeds, teal blue, looked just like your car. Is the engine a GTO engine? Take the door cards off and inspect? I, myself had a 66 and a 67 Lemans, automatic both. Unless your trying to sell later on down the line, it doesn't matter, build your dream car and enjoy it. Example: I'm building a 58 Chevy Apache, Ford V-10, current year truck frame, 80's step side bed . With a six speed transmission. Brother, build and enjoy, want to sell one day, it will still sell to someone? Piece and good building.

[@59vaughn]

Not really fan of...but this is good...glad for you....

[@richardwarnock2789]

You know What to Do Paint it True Blue!!!; )

[@anthonydooley3616]

Forget about the originality, that's been compromised a long time ago. Just make it cool.

[@RpmAuto]

1:55 Somebody was a drinker. 🍺

[@sword649]

Awesomeness find, may the dream come to life, just the way ya want it, got chu some a tat huh huh!

[@garysoykin2783]

Nice it's a cherry bomb a real cream puff totally cool Fred Flintstone Style

[@5150mxVW]

Just takes metal …besides , this car is like 3 years old compared to the last Vw I welded up

[@stephenquinn9730]

You need to get this car certified coded a three speed 1965 gto is worth more that tag was taken

[@jackhyde3112]

forensic anthropology

[@cdeprima1209]

Nice car, I love it, really! ;)

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

You need to Save the Vespa 👌👌 😎🛵🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@robertsnowden4729]

Look for a build sheet under the backseet

[@5150mxVW]

thank you, haven't found it yet but i did get the PHS report back

[@robertvalade2400]

Veri good

[@philwilberg6004]

Won’t there be a vin number Stamped somewhere on the frame?

[@5150mxVW]

That is what I hear , I might cut a section out of the trunk to see it …if that would work .

[@carlpistocco1926]

wheres the Vespa? please let know.thanks Carl

[@hoffbug]

How is the frame?

[@5150mxVW]

looks good !

[@richardputnam3842]

Send that to PHS !

[@5150mxVW]

PHS reveal in next vid👍

[@jaws6869]

Find a good restoration guy who wants a bus, let him restore the body in exchange for the bus. It means you can carry on with the discovery and recovery and avoid all the pain and man hours of bodywork.

[@russbonneau9152]

so the car is stolen?

[@5150mxVW]

Not sure

[@user-tt8ec4qj5d]

its a Legoat!

[@bighank796]

My neighbor has one and he blows the raunchiest farts in new England when him and his dog are hanging out in it. He purposely keeps the windows up and sits and sips private stock 40s and watches his dog lick and bite the after he lays down one of thise oanry - rippers. His is a 6 cylinder lemans.

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

1965 G T O build Kansas City Kansas 1965 G.T.O. rally gauge cluster A.M. radio , 360 H.P. TRI POWER 389 V 8 with 4 speed mucie //4 speed was build in Mucie IND. //the engine block was made in Tonananda New York, with the higher out put heads and try power set up

[@flypawels]

👍

[@5150mxVW]

Thank you PC

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

should be 389 V8 TRI power only G.T.O.// SORRY A G.T.O. FROM Detroit .build in Detroit, off the line was 389 TRI power 4 speed //looks like like Pontiac Lemans 326 V 8 //good luck//look for the block numbers if its a 326 V 8

[@5150mxVW]

Hi Chris , the 389 came in 4bbl form as well

[@thomaslord7995]

A Pontiac 326 looks just like a 389. And Michigan made Ponchos were built in Pontiac, not Detroit.

[@rogerellison-cu9ur]

The 65 GTO was a LeMans. It came with the GTO option. 66 was the first year of the factory made GTO. I HAD A 66 and a 67.

[@jennystryker2967]

Your Mom is a Smart Woman. Thirty grand later that Carcass might resemble a GTO. Best of Luck.

[@gregkloe]

$30k won't go far with that one. Try to salvage some parts and the vin tag if it's a GTO and find a donor body. I'd expect frame rot too with as bad as that body is.

[@Mikefngarage]

My Buddy and I used to steal his dads GTO and do BURN OUTS.....Full White smoke......Oh yea and he didnt even have his license yet. Back in the day.

[@5150mxVW]

Good times ! Great days !

[@michaelmccann4706]

Yeah.... You're dad was a real car guy👍

[@barrycuda3769]

The 1965 GTO , is, in my opinion up there with the nicest body designs of the classic era , actually, for me, it wouldn't have to be a GTO, a Tempest or Le Mans would be fine.

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

Such a great car, congrats! Frankly I like the 64/65 design better than the 66/67 design that followed. Looks "tougher" to me.

[@MrGMawson2438]

Good neighbours become good friends 😀

[@jeffbannon1345]

Great content and glad you are back.

[@5150mxVW]

Thank you Jeff , much appreciated

[@benkrom2737]

If that hood is original to car then It's most likely a GTO. I myself, aren't too fussy about original because the only reason we have muscle cars is because of mechanics who came back from WW2 started Souping up cars in their backyards and the manufacturers wanted to get in on the action. I have respect for someone who makes a replica that you have to check the vin to see if it's legit. My neighbor bought a 65 gto brand new and in 3 months had it stolen 3 times. 3rd time never got it back. Possibly there was a tempest that was wrecked and they took fenders and vin and put on a stolen GTO . Either way when finished, that car will be HOT 😁 Oh yeah, everyone who I new who had a 65 GTO had it stolen or bought a 65 GTO that was unclaimed stolen car.

[@65bugnut]

I hope that it's a real GTO. If it isn't, a Lemans would be cheaper to insure, and it still looks like a GTO.

[@5150mxVW]

Hagerty is very reasonable for classic INS

[@TerenceBobay]

Since 65 is a LeMans, w/GTO option, it was cheap on insurance. I know I drove one in high school in 75,still have it too.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

EVERYONE HIT THE LIKE BUTTON!!!! That’s a good neighbor lol Damn found the keys!!! And they worked!!! Josh did!!!! Is a real GTO? 😂😂 Oh man the registration!!! Three hole tags on the quarters 👍 Like the shirt!!

[@randyrussell4331]

Buying a nice or mint one takes all the fun out of rebuilding one,your way.❤💯🏁💰

[@GearheadRob319]

Yep!

[@mikemoran8757]

Love your show Jay! Back in the old days the doors and trucnk were one key and the ignition was another.

[@5150mxVW]

thank you ! oh i know , I have had my share of 70's cars :). I was referring too having two sets of keys now and wondering if both square ignition keys would work....the other truck key on the 1st set of keys would not .... Decklid looks have been swapped as it does not have the org color Font. blue poly .

[@serranoalb]

Got that Vespa??? Please!!!

[@DavePocklington]

I was thinking along the same lines. As soon as it started I had to stop and rewind. Thinking that's two things need saving off of that property. Instead of looking at the car I was thinking, "OMG, an early Vespa".

[@spamanator666]

In 1988 I was 16, a cousin and I crashed my 1965 GTO 4 speed, insurance totaled it, but it was rebuildable, but it was only a 23 year old car, not a huge deal at that time. Anyway, we took of every single piece off that we could and have it still considered to be a car to the insurance, when it went to the wrecking yard it had no windows, no interior except driver seat from another old Ponty, the locked up engine from the same old Ponty, and all the trim and glass and chrome removed. We put all that stuff under the house, in the back corner of the crawl space and then it got forgotten about when my family moved out of that house in 1998... It is probably all still down there. I wonder what the etiquette is to go and ask someone if you can go into the back corner of their crawl space and pillage.

[@ImTHATguy...]

I wonder if someone was restoring a better condition Lemans and they were taking the tags off this car to put on the Lemans, and turning this GTO into a Lemans parts car?

[@karensavarese5684]

That thing has been messed with a lot through the years, but I wouldn't get too hung up on it. It's rough, and perfect to do your own thing with. If it had OG vins and stuff you would be stuck to restoration, etc. Probably a stolen GTO, with tons of mods.

[@thomaslord7995]

I could be mistaken but I think the "P" in the Serial number just designated that it was a Pontiac Motor Division car, not where it was built. If that car was always in the Connecticut area, it was most likely built in Framingham Mass. Could be a Baltimore car also. The cowl tag is supposed to have the plant abbreviation on it. *I realize your tag looks like it may not be original*

[@alanwbelcher]

Way to go, GTO! I hope it will scratch your itch for those 3 magical letters. If nothing else these videos should boost your profile. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[@richardwarnock2789]

Never buy unless you look in the trunk possesion is 9/10% of the law in old Ct Ha Haha Josh hold them 9 fingers then 10 help Dad tell him he needs to sing more!!!

[@1KemosabeLarry]

3 speed standard equipment. 188$ 4 speed option. My 3 speed had same console as 4 speed. My 3 speed kicked butt!

[@silverstar4289]

Yeah mom makes sense, but do we listen to?

[@brianw8963]

You do realize You’ll have to live well into 6 centuries to accomplish just a small portion of Your endeavors. 😅😅

[@5150mxVW]

You are giving me wayyyyy too much credit here 😆😂🤣

[@kevinkobayashi]

omg omg omg what was "original owner' even thinking, no respect, forgot to chean it out cash out the cans, i cant wait for the absolute reborn, omg omg fifty eight yrs old. just curious, how many miles on it, are you planning on keeping it, if not i would love to practice driving this classic. the good ol days are gone after the eighties,

[@KameraShy]

I had a 65 GTO a long, long, LOOOOONG time ago. So my recollection is fuzzy. What it seems is the pattern to the interior matches with what I have. The steering wheel is not close to anything Pontiac. The trunk lid on both the GTO and LeMans only have the emblem on the right side. The double sets of holes is a puzzlement. If the holes on the right do not match the GTO emblem, I would wonder if it was a replacement.

[@notchboy]

Real GTO that lost its Reg or was "stolen" at some point? Then slapped a similar vin on from another papered car? Hmmm

[@tonysvets]

looks good to me ! but then again i bought a 70 grand prix in worse shape then yours. lol good luck are you going to restore it ?

[@stephenricketts7764]

'To be or not to be that is the question?' It is looking more promising Jason. Great neighbour BTW. So nice to have good neighbours. Looking forward to the next episode Jason. 👍👍

[@libertycan6959]

My favorite year of goat LOVE IT 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Patch it up .. throw some paint and new rubber .. do a low budget overhaul on the drivetrain...dye and refurb the interior...a few grand and elbow grease you got a sweet driver!! Awesome find.

[@rogercamp6071]

Back in the eighties a friend bought a '65 LeMans that was a six cylinder and two speed automatic,both were trashed so he swapped in a 350/300 horse Chevy and it was a running fool,after he sold it a subsequent owner made a GTO clone out of it.

[@feelingold2995]

That tag seems a bit shady there brother... I believe its a GTO but whos...🤣🤣

[@5150mxVW]

yes , very ! I thought the same when looking at it ...yes who's ?😭

[@volktales7005]

My '66 Monza came with a VIN tag that did not match the car's spec. I knew this before buying it and got a substantial discount off the price (it was an estate sale). Turns out the previous owner built the car to his exact preference using parts from several different cars. He did a nice job, so I am ok with what the car is and the fact I could actually afford it. Enjoy your GTO no matter what it is...

[@jimstewart6145]

nice job.

[@rogjackson]

Kid is all over the provenance issue. Tough crowd.

[@dalewyatt1321]

Beer cans may be the most valuable parts there. Fingers crossed that they aren't

[@paulgrimm]

No GTO is a waste of money.You should be thankful to have a floor to hold that trash😂

[@jamiel3504]

The skull door locks 🤣, I hate when people put stupid crap on cool cars.

[@Goomer]

My 67 had a "His and Hers" 3 speed Hurst Shifter, it had air and the radio had "Reverb"!

[@TRyan-op2jo]

I see why this project car stalled. Too much beer drinking, not enough wrenching.

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 Light blue is definitely a great colour for this car. Way too many are red or reddish. Looks like it needs a ton of work and money to get this awesome vehicle back to original. But because it's on your bucket list, it might be worth the effort.

[@lateefcarrere1649]

Well, for ONCE KZbin notifications worked in a timely manner. I hope this is a true GTO, even if it doesn't look its' best right now. Hopefully you can get it running, and the Register will be positive.

[@RickyPinkston]

Naw not a bad deal ANYTIME you can buy a poncho NEVER A BAD DEAL hope shes a GOAT for you either way still a WIN WIN