1965 Pontiac Models Described in Detail
Pontiac Brand Home
General Year Information
Full Size Cars
Styling changes for full-sized 1965 Pontiacs included larger bodies; twin air-slot grilles; vertically stacked barrel-shaped headlamps, which were visored by cut-back front fenders; V-shaped hoods with a prominent center bulge, curved side glass and body side symetrical venturi contours with fin shaped creases running along the lower sides.
Wheelbase increased on all models: Grand Prix, Catalina and Safari were now at 121.0″ and Bonneville and Star Chief were now 124.0″.
The Series numbers were now 3-digit and were changed as follows:
- 252 = Catalina
- 256 = Star Chief
- 262 = Bonneville
- 266 = Grand Prix
The Catalina 2+2 option was available on style numbers 25237 (Sport Coupe) and 25267 (Convertible) with special identification, door panels, bucket seats with a center console, and prominent “2+2″exterior badging.
The Ventura trim package was again available as an interior decor option ftor Catalina models 25239 (4-door hardtop), 25247 (Sport Coupe) and 25267 (Convertible). It was an interior triim package with front bucket seats and matching door trim.
Tempest Models
Design was again changed for the Tempest lines for 1965. Vertically stacked headlamps with a similar look to the big brother full-size line, larger wheel openings, crisper side body sculpturing and more deeply recessed grilles. The car came off with an entirely different look from the previous year.
Tempest Series Nnumbers also changed:
- 233 = Base Tempest
- 235 = Tempest Custom
- 237 = LeMans and LeMans GTO
Chassis Information
- Wheelbase: (All Pontiac Safaris) 121 inches; (Series 252 and 266 passenger cars) 121 inches; (Series 256 and 262 passenger cars) 124 inches: (All Tempests) 115 inches.
- Overall length: (All Pontiac Safaris) 217.9 inches: (Series 252 and 266 passenger cars) 214.6 inches: (Series 256 and 262 passenger cars) 221.7 inches; (Tempest Safaris) 204.4 inches; (Tempest passenger cars) 206.2 inches.
- Front tread: (Pontiacs) 62.5 inches: (Tempest) 58 inches.
- Rear tread: (Pontlacs) 64 Inches. (Tempest) 58 inches.
- Standard tires: (Bonneville and Safari) 8.25 x 14 (Other Full Size) 8.00 x 14 (Tempest Safari) 6.95 x 14 (GTO) 7.75 x 14 (Tempest Custom) 6.50 x 14. (Tempest) 6.00 x 15.
Models Offered
SERIES 233
There were three lines in this series: 4-door sedan, 2-door sport coupe, and Safari wagon. Base models in the 233 Serles were identified by the absence of upper beltline moldings and plainer interior trims. Vinyl rubber floor mats were used.
Standard equipment included heater and defroster, electric wipers, seat belts. turn signals and five black tubeless tires. Safari station wagons came with 7.35 x 14 oversized tires as regular equipment. Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges displaying “326”.
SERIES 237
Tempest Customs had the same general styling features as base Tempests, and had bright upper beltline moldings to accent the venturi shaped body styling. Standard extras included carpeting and Deluxe steering wheel. The Custom convertible had courtesy lamps.
Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges displaying “326”.
Series 237
Special identifying features seen on the Tempest LeMans models included grilled-over taillamps. “LeMans” on front fender nameplates, “LeMans” in block lettering on the sides of rear fenders and simulated louvers behind front wheel cutouts on two-door models. All features found on Tempest Customs were standard equipment, as well as vinyl interior trim, custom foam front seat cushions, front bucket seats on two-door styles and power-operated folding tops on LeMans convertibles.
Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges displaying “326”.
The GTO option was part of the LeMans Series.
Series 233
The GTO was an option on the Series 233 Tempest LeMans Series. It was available on Models 2227 (Sports Coupe) 2237 (Hardtop Coupe) and 2267 (Convertible). It was not available on the Safari. The GTO was not yet a separate series, merely an option group. Cars equipped with the GTO option had as standard 389 CID V-8 power.
Special identification features on GTOs replaced some items seen on LeMans Tempests. This included GTO lettering on the grille, rear fender sides and deck lid, a single hood scoop and elongated V-shaped GTO badges behind the front wheel openings.
SERIES 252
Catalina models had thin moldings along the lower body crease, V-shaped front fender badges and “Catalina” on the rear fenders in script.
Coupes and convertibles with the optional 2+2 Sports package came standard with a 421 CID V-8 and were trimmed with “421” engine badges on front fenders, as well as “2+2 on rear fenders and deck lid. They also had simulated louvers behind the front wheel cutouts. Catalina models with the Ventura package also had bucket seats and special interior trim. Safaris came standard with oversized 8.55 x 14 tires. The nine-passenger Safari had a power tailgate window.
Standard equipment for all Catalinas included turn signals, oil filter; cigarette lighter, front foam seat cushions, sun visors, heater and defroster, electric windshield wipers, front seat belts, and five tubeless blackwall tires.
NOTE: Of the total of 271,058 Catalinas built, 14,817 had synchromesh and 256,241 had Hydramatic transmissions. Included in those total build numbers were 11,521 with the 2+2 (code W51) option package. Of these, 5,316 had synchomesh and 6,205 had Hydramatic. No body style breakouts are available for the 2+2 option. There is no record of the number of Venturas produced.
Series 256
External trimming on Star Chief included stylized stars on the rear roof pillar, “Star Chief” in script on the rear fenders and wider chrome moldings along the body crease. All features found in Catalinas were standard equipmen. Additions included Deluxe wheel discs and steering wheel, electric clock, dual-speed wipers and more plush upholstery.
Of the total of 31.315 Star Chief models built, only 97 had synchromesh and the remaining were fitted with 31,214 had Hydramatic transmissions.
Series 262
Bonneville identification included “Bonneville” in lettering on the left-hand side of the hood and on the rear fenders, as well as elongated V-shaped badges behind front wheel cutouts, and wide stainless steel accent panels along the lower body under the fedder crease.
Standard equipment included everything found on Star Chief models plus padded instrument panel, front and rear arm rests, padded assist grip, courtesy lamps and cloth and vinyl upholstery combinations. An unrecorded number of four-door hardtops had the “Brougham” option package that included “Ponchartrain” cloth and Morroklde upholstery, a cordova top and “Brougham by Fisher” roof pillar badges. All Bonneville models has rear fender skirts.
A total of 134,663 Bonneville and Bonneville station wagons were built. Of these, only 1,449 had synchromesh and 133,214 had Hydramatlc transmissions. 643 of the 124″ Bonneville chassis were provided to professional car makers.
Series 266
The Grand Prix hardtop sports coupe was designed to be distinctive from all other all 1965 full-sized Pontiacs. It had an airslot grille with a unique, vertically divided, aluminized insert incorporating rectangular parking lamps. The fender crease along the lower body was trimmed with a wide stainless steel molding. The letters “GP” appeared on the lefthand lip of the hood and “Grand Prix” in lettering appeared on the front fenders behind the wheel opening. Further identification was placed on the sides of the rear fenders in the form of a GP only badge. The Grand Prix wore fender skirts like the Bonneville models.
Standard equipment included all features found on Bonneville plus monotone Morrokide upholstery. Buyers had a choice of special front bench seats or bucket seats with a console and tachometer. A glove box lamp was also included.
A total of 57,881 Grand Prix models were built. Of these, 1.973 had synchromesh and 55,908 had Hydramatics.
Engines
- 140 HP
- 250 HP Tempest
- 256 HP SMT
- 256 HP AMT
- 285 HP Tempest HO
- 290 HP
- 325 HP AMT
- 333 HP SMT
- 335 HP GTO
- 338 HP
- 338 HP 421 CID
- 360 HP GTO
- 356 HP 421 CID
- 376 HP 421 CID HO
- NOTES
Tempest Base I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 215 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 3.75 x 3.25 inches. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 140 @ 4200 RPM. Torque: 206 @ 2200 RPM. Seven main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 252°, Exhaust 252°, Overlap 38°, Lift 0.334″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model 7025167 (Synchromesh) 7025168 (Automatic).
Tempest Base V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 194.5 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.06″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 333 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (synchromesh) 7025071 (automatic) 7025062.
Star Chief and Catalina Base V-8 : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 256 @ 4600. Torque: 388 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel Model 7025066.
Star Chief and Catalina Base V-8 : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 256 @ 4600. Torque: 388 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel Model 7025060.
Tempest Optional V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 326 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″ Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 285 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 359 @ 2900 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel (synchromesh) 3899S, (automatic) 3900S.
All Base High Compression V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 283 @ 4400. Torque: 418 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.406″ Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7025066.
Bonneville & Grand Prix V-8 – Hydramatic Transmission (Optional Star Chief & Catalina): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4800. Torque: 429 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift 0.406″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3896S .
Bonneville & Grand Prix V-8 – Standard Transmission (Optional Star Chief & Catalina) : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 333 @ 5000. Torque: 429 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.4006″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 3895S.
335 Horsepower V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 428 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″. Carburetor: Cartet AFB Model 3899S (Synchromesh) 3900S (Automatic).
Optional 330 Horsepower V-8 – All Models, All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 330 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 430 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″ (intake) 0.408″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7024178 (center Syncromesh) 7025179 (center automatic) 7025173, (rear synchromesh) 7025179, rear automatic) 7024179.
Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 338 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 433 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″ (intake), 0.408″ (exhaust). Carburetor: 4-barrel Carter Model 3895S (synchromesh), 3898S (automatic).
Optional 360 Horsepower V-8 – All Models , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 424 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift 0.406″ (intake) 0.408″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7024178, (center Syncromesh) 7025175, (center Hydramatic) 7025177, (rear) 7024179.
Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 356 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 459 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″ (intake), 0.408″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7024078 (center syncromesh) 7025075 (center automatic) 7025074, (rear synchromesh) 7025079, (rear automatic) 7024079.
Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 376 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 461 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift 0.409″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7024078 (center syncromesh) 7025075 (center automatic) 7025074, (rear synchromesh) 7025079, (rear automatic) 7024079.
Engine Options and Availability
- All Engine Options Listed as Engine Packages in the Engine Section Above.
Power Train Options
Full Size
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Turbo-Hydramatic transmission and four-speed manual transmission were $231 extra.
- Heavy-duty clutch was $9 extra on Catalinas with certain engines.
- Safe-T-Track differential was $43 extra.
- Dual exhausts were $31 extra, but standard on Grand Prix.
- The two-barrel premium fuel version of the 389 CID V-8 was $21 extra in Catalinas and Star Chief with three-speed manual trnsmission.
- The four-barrel V-8 with heavy-duty clutch was $44 extra for Catalinas and Star Chiefs.
- The 389 CID Tri-Power V-8 with 10.75:1 compression and 338 horsepower at 4800 RPM was $134-174 extra depending on model and transmission.
- The four-barrel 421 CID V-8 with 10.5:1 compression and 338 horsepower at 4600 RPM was $108-174 extra depending on model. It was standard in cars w th the 2+2 Sports Option.
- The 421 CID Tri-Power V-8 with 10.75:1 compression and 356 horsepower at 4800 R.P.M. was $241-307 extra depending upon model.
- The 421 HO Tri-Power V-8 with 10.75:1 compression and 376 horsepower at 5500 RPM was $344-410 extra depending on model.
- Transistor ignition was $75 extra on air-conditioned cars and $65 extra on others.
- A transistorized regulator was $11 extra.
- Various rear axle ratios were available.
Tempest
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- Four-speed manual transmiss on was $188 extra.
- Two-speed automatic transmission with six-cylinder $188 extra.
- Two-speed automatic transmission with V-8s $199 extra.
- Transistor ignition was $11 extra.
- Dual exhausts were standard with the GTO option – and $31 extra on Tempest.
- Safe-T-Track differential was $38 extra.
- A two-barrel 326 CID V-8 with 9.2 compression and 250 horsepower at 4600 RPM was $108 extra.
- A four-barrel 326 CID V-8 with 10.5:1 compression and 285 horsepower at 5500 RPM was $173 extra.
- A four-barrel 389 CID V-8 with 335 horsepower at 5000 RPM was standard with the GTO option – not available in other Tempests.
- The Tri-Power 389 CID V-8 with 10.75:1 compression and 360 horsepower at 5200 R.P.M. was $116 extra – GTOs only.
- A variety of rear axle ratios were available
Body Paint Color Codes
Click the Paint Name for Paint Mix Codes
Significant Options – Full Size
- Air-conditioning ($430).
- Aluminum hubs and drums ($120-138)
- Bonneville Brougham option for Style Number 26239 ($161).
- Bucket seats (front) for Bonneville style numbers 26237 and 26267 ($116).
- Bucket seats (front) for Catalina two-door hardtop and convertible with special trims ($204).
- Power tilt bucket seats L.H. ($71).
- Console ($108). Remote control deck lid ($11).
- Cordova top ($97-108).
- Safari cordova top ($135).
- Electro Cruise and fuel warning ($96).
- Instrument gauge cluster ($21-38)
- Safair luggage carrier ($86).
- Glareproof tilt mirror ($4).
- Remote control rearview mirror ($12).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power door locks ($46-70).
- Six-way power seat ($97).
- Power windows ($106).
- AM/FM manual radio ($151).
- Pushbutton AM radio ($89).
- Split-back Safari seat $38).
- Super-Lift shock absorbers ($40).
- Sports option 2+2 package for Style Number 25237 ($419).
- Sports option 2+2 package for Style Number 25267 ($397).
- Tachometer, except on cars with four-speed and console ($54).
- Tinted glass ($43).
- Tinted windshield ($29).
- Ventura trim package for Style Numbers 25237, 25239 and 25269 ($118).
- Wire wheel discs ($20-71).
Significant Options – Tempest
- Air-conditioner ($346).
- Carpets ($19).
- Cordova tops ($72-86).
- Electric clock ($19).
- GTO option for Style Numbers 23727, 23737, 23767 ($296).
- Handling & Ride package ($16).
- Parking brake signal ($3).
- Safair luggage carrier ($65).
- Panel cluster and tachometer – Rally Gauges ($86).
- Tilt steering with power assist only ($43).
- Power steering ($97).
- Power brakes ($43).
- AM/FM pushbutton radio ($137).
- Remote control deck lid ($11).
- Safeguard speedometer ($16).
- Super-Lift shock absorbers ($40).
- Custom sports steering wheel ($39-43).
- Two-speed wipers and washers ($17)
- Custom wheel discs ($20-37).
- Rally wheels ($36-53).
- Wire wheel discs ($54-71).
Eric White Digital Library
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Nailhead Rods
The Nailhead rods are forged, not cast.
Buick Nailhead
One must be real careful when recutting the seats as the water jacket is REAL close.
