1965 GTO Hardtop

[1965Gto]

Need help determining when the Pontiac Motor Division started producing the 1965 GTO in 1964. I know Dick Jesse took position of 5 white special GTO's around the middle of august 1964. Does anyone know if they were produced in July 1964 and what week. Thank you in advance.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 1965Gto

Need help determining when the Pontiac Motor Division started producing the 1965 GTO in 1964. I know Dick Jesse took position of 5 white special GTO's around the middle of august 1964. Does anyone know if they were produced in July 1964 and what week. Thank you in advance.

Gunnell's "Standard Catalog of Pontiac" shows a start date of 8/24/64 for 1965 model year production. I assume that is for the "home" plant in Pontiac Michigan with the other satellite locations coming on board in succession after that.

GTO production started right away. My Pontiac built '65 GTO was completed on September 18th with a body build of 09A. The earliest cars I have in my notes have body builds of 08A.

It is not known when the white cars were produced, and if they were regular production or preproduction units.

May I ask where you heard about these white cars?

K

[1965Gto]

I heard about these cars in an article you wrote 1965 Pontiac GTO Lightweight. I referenced them thinking you might respond. I am looking for a 1965 GTO Nightwatch Blue 4bbl 4 spd purchased around August 17th 1964 Wauseon Ohio. Looking for any help locating the car.


Cecil

[Lee Stewart]

1965 PONTIAC GTO Factory Lightweight- Keith Seymore

http://www.oneownercollectorcar.com/...-keith-seymore

[olredalert]

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

1965 PONTIAC GTO Factory Lightweight- Keith Seymore

http://www.oneownercollectorcar.com/...-keith-seymore

----What a great article! Have never seen it before. And,,,What a car of course...….Bill S

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by 1965Gto

I heard about these cars in an article you wrote 1965 Pontiac GTO Lightweight. I referenced them thinking you might respond. I am looking for a 1965 GTO Nightwatch Blue 4bbl 4 spd purchased around August 17th 1964 Wauseon Ohio. Looking for any help locating the car.


Cecil

Thank you. Just wondering if you had a difference source or if the info has come full circle.

8/17/64 is a really early purchase date.

My understanding is that the official introduction date was 8/21/64 and that cars were not to be sold to regular commerce before that date. The invoice date on my car is 8/21 even though we picked it up earlier than that.

K

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by olredalert

----What a great article! Have never seen it before. And,,,What a car of course...….Bill S

Thanks guys -

Here is another article, that I wrote myself (a little different spin):

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/clas...NnY?li=BBnb4R5

[Xplantdad]

Those are great...thanks for sharing Keith!

[1965Gto]

The information I provide is based on my memory of roughly 55 years ago, could have been later in the month, just recall being around the middle of August. The info you have provided will help me narrow the time line down. Are their any Dealer records available that you are aware of.


Thanks again
Cecil

[DW31S]

Cool car.....better history!