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Car Of The Day: May 11, 2008; ERTL American Muscle '65 Pontiac GTO
Topic Started: May 10 2008, 10:25 PM (756 Views)
Lovemy1971Camaro
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Speed Junkie
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Today's car of the day is ERTL American Muscle's 1965 Pontiac GTO.

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Wikipedia
 
The Tempest line, including the GTO, was restyled for the 1965 model year, adding 3.1 inches (79 mm) (7.9 cm) to the overall length while retaining the same wheelbase and interior dimensions. It sported Pontiac's characteristic vertically stacked quad headlights. Overall weight increased about 100 pounds (45 kg). Brake lining area increased nearly 15%. The dashboard design was improved, and an optional rally gauge cluster ($86.08) added a more legible tachometer and oil pressure gauge.

The 389 engine had revised cylinder heads with re-cored intake passages, improving breathing. Rated power increased to 335 hp (250 kW) @ 5,000 rpm for the base 4—barrel engine; the Tri-Power was rated 360 hp ((268 kW) @ 5,200 rpm. The Tri-Power engine had slightly less torque than the base engine, 424 [[Foot-pound force|ft·lbf]] (574 N·m) @ 3,600 rpm versus 431 ft·lbf (584 N·m) @ 3,200 rpm. Transmission and axle ratio choices remained the same.

The restyled GTO had a new simulated hood scoop. A rare, dealer-installed option was a metal underhood pan and gaskets that allowed the scoop to be opened, transforming a cosmetic device into a functional cold air intake. The scoop was low enough that its effectiveness was questionable (it was unlikely to pick up anything but boundary layer air), but it at least admitted cooler, denser air, and allowed more of the engine's formidable roar to escape.

Car Life tested a 1965 GTO with Tri-Power and what they considered the most desirable options (close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, power steering, metallic brakes, rally wheels, 4.11 limited-slip differential, and Rally Gauge Cluster), with a total sticker price of US$3,643.79. With two testers and equipment aboard, they recorded 0-60 miles per hour (0-97 km/h) in 5.8 seconds, the standing quarter mile in 14.5 seconds with a trap speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h), and an observed top speed of 114 miles per hour (182.4 km/h) at the engine's 6,000 rpm redline. Even Motor Trend's four-barrel test car, a heavier convertible handicapped by the two-speed automatic transmission and the lack of a limited slip differential, ran 0-60 mph in 7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 16.1 seconds at 89 miles per hour (142.4 km/h).

Major criticisms of the GTO continued to center on its slow steering (ratio of 17.5:1, four turns lock-to-lock) and mediocre brakes. Car Life was satisfied with the metallic brakes on its GTO, but Motor Trend and Road Test found the standard drums with organic linings to be alarmingly inadequate in high-speed driving.

Sales of the GTO, abetted by a formidable marketing and promotional campaign that included songs and various merchandise, more than doubled to 75,342. It was already spawning many imitators, both within other GM divisions and its competitors.


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For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Pontiac GTO

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Opening doors and trunk! This is the reason why the ERTL American Muscle castings lose something when transitioned into the Johnny Lightning line. This is a beautiful example of the real GTO. Thankfully this model has not made the transition to the JL line...

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GTO...the original muscle car? The debate may never end...

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davidj94
Out hunting for JL
Great opening features & just the right color for that model, too!
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ivantt
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New casting? Quick! Take it apart!
I owned a full size '65 GTO, but I never did find one of these Ertl castings. I hope JL doesn't mess with the casting from the way it looks in your photos.

While there were big engined cars before the GTO, and upgraded power packages, I think the GTO was given the title of "Original Muscle Car" because they stuffed a large engine not really designed for a smaller car, and you could get it as an option in any version, not just the top of the line body and trim package. It's well known that the car was intentionally MARKETED as a sort of a "create your own monster" with the GTO option.

But I think it was THIS car that started the rapid stampede by all automakers to now have to offer and MARKET high HP smaller cars, and at an average family price range. :)
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craftymore
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Support your local demo derby.

Very enjoyable looking ERTL model in small scale. Thanks for sharing!

Sir Crafty
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Swifty
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The Mustang II is a Mustang too!
Sadly, these photos were taken in a hotel room late at night. I tried editing these photos when I re-uploaded them. They came out even worse...

Anyone who wants to take a crack at fixing these images for this week, by all means, have at it. This is the worst of the bunch.


EDIT by Dean-o-mite: A new set of pictures for the 10th Anniversary:

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juantoo3
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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No time for full replacement, but here is a little something from the database...
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Pegers
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Pony Car
nice casting.
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corvairjim
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Fullsize
What a great little Goat. LOTS of detail for 1:64.
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