1965 GTO “Unrestored Survivor”

[60sStuff]

Everything works as it should.

Power antenna extends out to around 51 inches. Actually I don’t recall as it’s been over 5 years since I activated it. I know it may not clear some low bridges.

The Rally Clock and Door Edge Guards most likely were installed at the dealer as they are not on the PHS or W/S.

Oh, by the way ..... the old smell of the 60’s Pontiac morrokide engulfs you when you open the door. What a Great smell.

[markjohnson]

What an amazing car & story. It looks like the same garage in the old photo as the modern photo!

[DW31S]

Unreal! Why can’t I find a ‘65 Olds like that?!? Congrats on the find and the patience it took to obtain such a fine specimen.

[60sStuff]

Original Window Sticker copy.
The actual W/S could not be found, but John had this copy in Cordelia’s paperwork.

Data Plate.
11A = first week of Nov. 1964
BAL = Baltimore built (a Chevrolet controlled plant)
213 = Black interior
Y6 = Mayfair Maize (lower body) ~ Black Cordova (upper body)

This Y6 can be confusing.

Cordova tops in the “1965” Tempest Series cars were only offered in Black or Beige.
Other years used a different Vinyl code and or color.

The ‘65 upper body in Black vinyl is signified with a “6” from the BAL plant.
The ‘65 upper body in Black vinyl at the other plants used the number “2” code.

To make things more confusing my PHS “Car Billing History Card” shows the typical Y2A = Mayfair Maize / Black / A, Black wheels.

I found a treasure about three years ago when I removed the rear lower cushion.
Stuffed in the spring was a very important paper.
It matches up to the Data Plate and offers more information on the options.

All the dates (green circles) throughout this car, shown on ‘64 calendar range from Aug. 8, 1964 through Sept. 17, 1964.

This car was in the “Strike Zone”.

Cool Stuff.

[cruiserofland]

What an absolutely stunner and great family story!

[m22mike]

WOW !

[grantprix]

Chris... I'm so glad to see that you've finally shared "Cream Puff" here for all to enjoy. A great story and beautiful survivor car like this needs to be seen. You my friend are the perfect caretaker for Cordelia's GTO!!

Grant

[60sStuff]

389 CI / 335 HP / Carter AFB

A few odd things under the hood as one would expect.
Easily resolved over time.

Valve covers on wrong sides.
Red heater hoses. Fit-All radiator hoses.
There was an alarm horn and switch before I tossed them.
The large fan guard had what looked like numbers etched into the top through the paint.
Also looks like someone did some touch-up with a black rattle can.

I removed most everything down to the bare engine.
I slid a large 4’x4’ tray underneath the engine and emptied a case of GUNK over a few days and I began to see more of that ‘65 blue paint.
I didn’t expect to see the OK-5 on the cylinder head, but there it was, cool.

The after clean photo with the 4 red arrows points to a few of the early items used for about the first 4-5 months of ‘65 production.

RH View
1) Red positive battery cable
2) Fan guard “without” the turn down corner. Later ‘65 had this single corner turned down to give more clearance for the upper radiator hose.
3) Steel plug at top RH corner of intake manifold.
4) Heater hose bracket was a silver cadmium. Later brackets were all black paint.

LH View, other early components.
5) Power steering pulley was an open cast iron.
6) Aluminum fuel line with 4 bends. Later ‘65 had 5 bends.

Born with plug wires (3-Q-64). They are original to this car and in perfect condition.

I was able to locate NOS upper and lower radiator hoses with the correct factory yellow ink with part numbers and alignment lines.

The long heater hose with 3 raised lines was removed about 45 years ago from a low mile wrecked Lemans. I finally found a car for it, LOL.
I spent decades in wrecking yards accumulating OEM goodies.

Voltage regulator and master cylinder with their factory coding were saved, which I had rebuilt and reinstalled.

Check the blue paint on the OEM dated fan clutch.

Chrome valve covers, twist AC oil cap and air cleaner lid are factory.
A gentle bronze wool and polish brought them back.

PS, Notice the blue overspray around the bottom edge of covers = Factory.

I’m tired.

[Seahawks]

WOW just WOW

[Astock]

It takes many, many years of vigilance and steadfast resolve for a car to end up that nice.

Damn, what a woman!