1965 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Resources

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1965 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Poster
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• Pontiac Tempest
• Pontiac Tempest Custom
• Pontiac LeMans
• Pontiac GTO

1965 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts – Body Paint Color Codes

Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:

1965 Pontiac Mid Size

1965 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications

General Year Information – 1965 Pontiac Mid-Size Cars

Tempest/LeMans
Engine offerings for the 1965 Tempest were the same as 1964, except the 326 HO was uprated to 285 HP. The Tempest model lineup, including the GTO, was restyled for the 1965 model year, adding 3.1 inches to the overall length while retaining the same wheelbase and interior dimensions. It now had Pontiac’s characteristic vertically stacked quad headlights as a signature feature. Overall weight was increased by about 100 pounds. A two-door hardtop coupe was added to the Tempest Custom line, while the LeMans got a four-door sedan with a plush interior done in Preston Cloth trim similar to the full-sized Bonneville Brougham.

Series numbers changed this year – 233 = Tempest (base), 235 = Tempest Custom, 237 = LeMans and LeMans GTO

Production was solid with Tempest at 39,525, Tempest Custom with 84,653, and LeMans producing 107,553.

GTO Option
Like the tempest/LeMans line, the GTO received Pontiac’s characteristic vertically stacked quad headlights as a signature feature. Heavy-duty shocks were standard, as was a stronger front anti-sway bar. The dashboard design was changed, and an optional rally gauge cluster added a more legible tachometer and oil pressure gauge. The restyled car had a new simulated hood scoop. A dealer-installed option consisted of a metal under hood pan and gaskets mated to an opened hood scoop, making a true cold air intake. The scoop was low, and its effectiveness was questionable, as it was only likely to pick up boundary layer air, but it did allow an enhanced engine sound. The black grille was new.

The 389 CID engines received revised cylinder heads with re-cored intake passages and higher-rise ports and intake manifolds, improving airflow to the engine. Rated power increased to 335 HP for the base four-barrel engine, and the Tri-Power engine was now rated 360 HP. The S Code Tri-Power engine had slightly less peak torque rating than the base engine 424 lb⋅ft, as compared to 431 lb⋅ft. Transmission and axle ratio choices remained the same. The three-speed manual was standard, while two four-speed manual transmissions (wide or close ratio) and a two-speed automatic transmission were optional. An additional option was a breakerless transistor ignition. Significantly, the brake lining area increased by nearly 15%.

Sales of the GTO more than doubled to 75,352.

1965 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrain Options

• • Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
  • Heavy-duty three-speed manual gear box was optional on all 326 CID equipped cars and the GTO.
  • Automatic transmission was optional. 
  • Four-speed manual transmission was optional.
  • Close-ratio 4-speed manual box was optional on the GTO.
  • 140 HP 215 CID I-6 standard In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans. Not available GTO option.
  • 250 HP 326 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans. Not available GTO option.
  • 280 HP 326 CID V-8 optional In Tempest, Tempest Custom and Tempest  LeMans. Not available GTO option.
  • 335 HP 389 CID V-8 exclusive to the GTO.
  • 360 HP 389 CID V-8 Tri-Power was optional and exclusive on the GTO.

1965 Pontiac Mid-Size Car Facts – Significant Options & Accessories

• • Air-conditioner ($349).
  • Bucket seats ($145).
  • Carpets ($19).
  • Cordova tops ($72-86).
  • Custom sports steering wheel ($39-43).
  • Deluxe steering wheel with ring ($15).
  • Electric clock ($19).
  • GTO option.
  • Handling & Ride package ($16).
  • LeMans console shift ($48).
  • Padded dash ($16).
  • Panel cluster and tachometer Rally Gage ($86).
  • Parking brake signal ($3).
  • Power brakes ($43).
  • Power convertible top ($54).
  • Power steering ($97).
  • Power tailgate window ($54).
  • Power tilt bucket seat L.H. ($67).
  • Push button radio ($62).
  • Push button radio – AM/FM ($137).
  • Rally wheels ($36-53).
  • Remote control deck lid ($11).
  • Safari luggage carrier ($65).
  • Safeguard speedometer ($16).
  • Super-Life shock absorbers ($40).
  • Tachometer ($54).
  • Tilt steering wheel with power assist only ($43).
  • Two-speed wipers and washers ($17)
  • Wheel discs ($20-37).
  • White wall tires ($39).
  • Wire wheel discs ($54-71).