Featured here is a 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix, one of the highly popular classic automobiles from the power packed 1960’s. The Grand Prix packs a lot of power which is something Pontiac has always been noted for.
The Pontiac Grand Prix, which was introduced with the 1962 model, was based on the Catalina model. The Grand Prix was a sportier looking Catalina with a luxurious interior.
The first generation Grand Prix ran from 1962 through the 1968 model year. First generation models were full size vehicles and became mid sized starting with the second to the fifth generation for the sedan and to the sixth generation for the coupe.
1965 Pontiac Grand Prix Styling
Both the 1965 and 1966 Grand Prix (few changes from 65 to 66) are noted for it’s flowing appearance, kicked up rear fenders and quad headlights. The 1964 models had much more straight lined styling. Interiors were also restyled with an all new instrument panel. The 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix was also a weightier car with a longer wheelbase and the 65 models in general used chrome sparingly which you can readily see with our featured model. You will also note that the 65 model used plenty of sheet metal.
Another thing the second generation had going for it was it’s power. Engines for the 1965 Grand Prix included a 389 and 421 cubic inch V-8 with varying configurations and horsepower output.
Pontiac Tri-Power
On select models from 1957 through 1966 General Motors offered Pontiac’s Tri-Power induction system. This turned out to be a popular addition to the muscle car era that included a factory triple-carburetor system. These were three Rochester two-barrel carburetors. This was offered on 347, 370, 389, and 421 cubic inch engines.
Rather than having a fuel injection system which was considered pricey, GM added carburetors to beef up performance. Hot rodders had been doing this for some time and Pontiac decided to do the same. The entire Tri-Power addition cost about $100. Performance was similar to the fuel injection set up but cost much less.
Three carburetors under the hood packed plenty of punch and gave Pontiac a great marketing advantage in an era of muscle cars.
1965 Pontiac Grand Prix Specifications
Engines offered with the 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix included a 389 and 421 cubic inch V-8. There were several performance configurations offered as mentioned above. These included a 389 four barrel and a 389 Tri-Power engine. Also, a 421 with a four barrel carburetor, a 421 with Tri-Power and a 421 HO Tri-Power that delivered 375 HP. The HO stood for “high output”. Horsepower for the 1965 Pontiac V-8’s ranged from 256 to 375 HP.
Available transmissions included three and four speed manuals along with a three speed Hydra-Matic automatic.
Dimensions include a 121.0 inch wheelbase, 214.6 inch outside overall length, 79.6 inch width and 53.9 inch height. Curb weight 4,680 lbs.
1965 Pontiac Grand Prix production stood at 57,881 vehicles. Grand Prix models with automatic transmissions accounted for only 4 percent of that total. Total Pontiac production for the 1965 model year was 802,000 vehicles.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
Reference material for this article includes..The Life and Death of Pontiac by Tony and Michele Hamer…Grand Prix : Pontiac’s Luxury Performance Car by Don Keefe…Pontiac: The Performance Years by Martyn L. Schorr…Pontiac Registry.
1965 Pontiac Grand Prix Collector Car
Mid 1960’s automobiles for the most part make great collectible cars and the Pontiac Grand Prix is certainly one of them. The 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix came on the scene looking bigger and bolder. The top performance model was the 421 HO with three two-barrel carburetors. Although this was the top Grand Prix engine for 1965, the other available engines as mentioned before are no laggards.
The Pontiac Grand Prix is known to be a mixture of luxury and power. Competitors in this field would have included the Ford Toronado, Thunderbird and Buick Riviera. Collectors today would be looking for a well equipped model with plenty of power.
Current pricing for the 1965 Grand Prix is moderate and can be an affordable start to one’s classic car collection. The asking price range is wide reflecting the car’s overall condition, mileage, originality, degree of restoration and engine. The range may be a high of over $30,000 with the average asking price between $16,500 and $21,000. These include examples in good to excellent condition. Project models would be under $7,000-$10,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)