1965 Pontiac GTO - 1 Owner - Show Car - WS 389 Tri Power 4 speed - 27,000 Miles

1965 Pontiac GTO Additional Info:

Hello GTO fans worldwide .This is a documented 27,000 original miles 1965 GTO with factory "WS" 389 Tri Power, 4 Speed, 3.55 Posi.What you are looking at is more than likely one of the best preserved GTO show cars in automotive history, and the story behind the original owner is as amazing as the car. The documentation that you are about to see and read can't be matched by the majority of other Muscle Cars out there.Fred Strader was a life long performance buf, and his biggest love was Pontiacs. He grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, and that midwest region was hot for Pontiacs in the late 1950, all the way through the 1960s. When the GTO was introduced in 1964 it peaked the interest of Fred Strade, and when Pontiac announced the "new body style for '65" he knew he had to have one.Shortly before Christmas time of 1964 Fred Strader went to Ikemire Pontiac in Robinson, Illinois and special ordered a 1965 GTO. Code "WS" 389 Tri Power, Muncie 4 speed, and 3.55 Limited Slip differential (Posi Traction) were the first thing to check off the list. The car was built at the Kansas Cit, Missouri plant, and was ordered in Starlight Black, Black bucket seat interior, but knowing Mag Wheels would come rather quickly after taking possession of the GTO, no special hub caps or Rally wheels were ordered. So the standard issued poverty "dog dish" hub caps came with the car.Fred Strader took delivery of the car in February 26th, 1965. Not long after, he returned to the dealership and ordered a steel Ram Air Tri Power Pan and Ram Air hood scoop.*IMPORTANT* Believe this or not, Fred Strader knew the importance of the car, what his future plans would be, and that he would own this special car for as long as he lived. Because of this, the car has never been wet. Let me state this one more time. This GTO has NEVER been wet. It has never been washed. I realize that this seems hard to believe, but in order to fully comprehend this, you must of known Fred Strader. While in Illinois, the car was put away every winter in a garage, and carefully covered up.THE GOLDEN GOAT era:In late 1966 the decision was made to carefully take the car apart and turn it in to a show car. Epitomizing the true essence of the 1960s, the transformation began with an expensive metalflake paint job. The outcome was an astonishing car that turned heads where ever it was displayed. 52 coats of Mari Gold "Tiger Gold" lacquer. It is extremely important to note that because of the extensive care taken over the years, the paint looks like it was sprayed last week. Its shine is as brilliant as the day it debuted. There are no lacquer cracks anywhere, and the paint and clear has such depth that it looks like you can jump in and swim in it! The car rides on Chrome Reversed Wheels mounted on vintage M & H Slicks. To continue the customizing, the interior was redone. A set of 1965 GTO bucket seats were incorporated in the rear. A custom made pad rests between the rear seats. Black "Tuck & Roll" covers the top of the dash, and a custom rear package tray was added. The trunk is fully customized with black carpet, and Tuck & Roll panels mounted on the underside of the trunk lid. The last addition to the interior was installing a 1967 GTO floor console and grab bar. The engine was painted black to accent the Tiger Gold paint, and the hood hinges, Ram Air pan, alternator, fan shroud, alternator bracket, and pulleys were chromed. The air cleaners and valve covers were also re-chromed. Lastly, a set of Crager mags were installed. We'll get to Crager in a bit. The car was named "The Golden Goat" and shown throughout the 1960s, at Autorama's and Motorama's all over the midwest. It placed Awards where ever it went !Numbers Matching:There are certain phrases that are overused in the automotive world, but I can honestly state that the drivetrain in this 1965 GTO are numbers matching. The Block, Heads, Intake manifold, Carburetors, Muncie 4 Speed, Driveshaft, and Rear End are all original to the car.CALIFORNIA YEARS:In 1969 Fred Strader moved to sunny Huntington Beach, California. He brought the GTO with him, and cruised it periodically along Pacific Coast Highway, as well as Hot Rod hangouts in Southern California. Never putting a lot of miles on the car, and still continuing to keep it garaged . Fred and his brother Chuck owned and operated Bell Auto Parts throughout the 1970s, and until the late 1980s. In case you're wondering, this is the same company that manufactured Helmets, Gloves, Fire resistant racing suits, High Performance engine accessories, and more. Later, they teamed up with Roy Richter of Crager Mag Wheels. It was Fred's brother Chuck that designed the "S/S" center cap for the Crager Mag.Recent Years:I am selling this car for my best friend, and because of my vast knowledge and background with GTO', he fully trusts me to handle the sale of this unique GTO. My friend manages a fleet department for Orange County, Californi, and this is where he met and instantly became dear friends with Fred Strader. Mr. Strader worked the parts counter for the same division until he retired. It was during this time that my friend acquired the GTO.DOCUMENTAION:This car comes with the original Protecto Plate, Owners manual, original California Title "Pink Slip, a PHS (Pontiac Historical Services) copy of build shee, Dealer Window Sticker ( Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price paper , an envelope and Promissory Note from First National Bank - dated February 26, 1965 for the loan of the car, and lastly a copy of Popular Cars - May 1984, where the car graced the cover of the magazine. *This car is flawless. The stainless trim shines like the day it was new. The chrome bumpers look like they were plated yesterday. The door rubber looks new and is soft to the touch. The emblems, carpet, upholstery are like everything else on the car.Please ask all questions prior to bidding and/or buying. All sales are final. There are no returns, exchanges, or warranties. I will gladly ship this car anywhere in the world. I know of two reputable and reasonable Auto Shipping Companies. Buyer pays for shipping and I will see to it that the car arrives in a safe and prompt manner. Feel free to contact me anytime Day or Evening. Thank you and have a wonderful day. Alex 909-437-2068.