GTO Production Numbers
What can you say about the GreaT One? Pontiac chief engineer John DeLorean and ad agency executive Jim Wangers almost single handedly started the muscle car craze. They took an intermediate car and blessed it with a big (389ci) V-8. Aside from brakes (!) the car had all the performance goodies.
In a year or two every car company had followed suit, but no offering matched the combination of the style, performance, and mystique of the GTO.
In its relatively short (11 model year) life span, the GTO managed to change its shape almost every model year. As a result, there's a GTO for all tastes.
As for those three letters, GTO stands literally for (in Italian) Gran Turismo Omologato or Homologated Grand Touring. It was a reference to a European racing class based on production vehicles. At the time Pontiac had a trend of naming their vehicles in this manner: Bonneville, Grand Prix, and LeMans were all from that era.
Production Figures
This was the first year for the GTO. In the beginning the GTO was simply an option package on the LeMans. Outside, the car was identified front and rear with GTO lettering. The front fenders wore the triangular GTO 6.5 litre badge. The only other cue was the set of non-functional hood scoops.
The interior also received GTO identification. The important changes were all mechanical. In place of the weaker engines available in the LeMans, the GTO carried a 389 ci V8 with 4bbl. It was rated at 325 horsepower. Optional was the 348 horsepower tri-power motor.
Style Numbers
Engine Block Codes
Exterior Colors
65 GTO
Style Numbers
Engine Block Codes
Exterior Colors
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