Inventory Listing

Authentic code P Iris Mist/code 218 Parchment convertible. Bare metal respray, new interior and top, built 400 cubic inch V8. An affordable ’65 GTO convertible that lives up to the hype!

This 1965 Pontiac GTO convertible represents what many consider the pinnacle of early GTO styling. The stacked headlights were new and while the GTO was still just an option package on the Tempest/Lemans, it was still a striking presence on the street. Making this one even more appealing is the ultra-rare code P Iris Mist paint, which is this car’s original color and one of the most highly-sought hues of the period. It was fully restored, stripped to bare metal, all the demons excised from its skin, and rebuilt from there using an exact match to the factory formula, but now rendered in two-stage urethane for far superior durability. Iris Mist is a great color, not at all brash, and depending on the light it moves from a soft lavender to almost charcoal gray making for a most attractive piece of muscle. Most of the chrome and stainless trim on this car is original and in good condition, with straight, shiny bumpers, great headlight surrounds, and a grille that isn’t damaged or cracked. You’ll note that the taillights are showing some light pitting but it’s only noticeable up close and the overall effect is still very appealing.

The interior is also the best possible choice for Iris Mist, code 218-B Parchment buckets, which is this car’s original combination. All the soft parts were restored while the body was apart, so there are new seat covers, reproduction door panels, and fresh carpets over a super solid floor. The car offers basic instrumentation that covers speed and fuel level, which is how many GTOs were equipped despite what you see on the show fields today, and everything is fully functional, albeit in original condition so there’s a little fading on the gauge faces. A modern AM/FM/cassette stereo head unit is fitted in the dash and there’s a new white power top overhead that folds easily and fits very well, with a matching Parchment boot in the trunk. And speaking of the trunk, it is nicely finished with correct spatter paint, a mat set, and a full-sized spare tire.

The original engine was a 389, but it was lost to the sands of time so in its place is a 1970 vintage Pontiac 400. Rebuilt just a few thousand miles ago and offering a big cam and ported heads, it’s a very strong runner. Detailing makes the illusion pretty convincing, with a correct 1965 air cleaner atop the big Edelbrock carburetor, matching chrome valve covers, and a few other sparkly details that make the engine bay look great. There’s also an Edelbrock intake manifold that was painted to match the engine, so it blends in and helps with the OEM look. Inner fenders and the firewall are painted satin black to frame the Pontiac Turquoise engine and long-tube headers feed a cackling Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds truly spectacular. If you want a GTO experience that lives up to the hype, this cool ragtop certainly delivers.

The original 2-speed PowerGlide was dumped during the restoration, and in its place there’s a stout TH400 3-speed automatic that never misses a shift and shrugs off the big torque coming out of the 400. We believe there are 4.10 gears in the 12-bolt rear end, so it’s shockingly quick off the line and has a great V8 purr at cruising speed. Floors are absolutely spotless, the frame is clean and straight, and with power steering and brakes, it’s quite easy to drive around town with little effort. Later Pontiac Rally II wheels are fitted, and if you look closely, you’ll note they’ve been color-matched to the Iris Mist bodywork, and they wear recent 215/70/15 Goodyear Eagle radials.

There’s a lot of money wrapped up in this car’s restoration, but it’s was built for the road. It runs and drives extremely well, and if you like the color, I guarantee you’ll love the ride. Very reasonably priced for a ’65 GTO convertible, particularly in such a rare color, this is pure weekend fun that has no interest in being a trailer queen.