1965 · Pontiac · United States
1965 Pontiac Grand Prix: A New 121-Inch Body and Seven Engines
New 121-inch body and a 333 hp standard 389; 57,881 built.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
This record's own dek states that 1965 brought a new 121-inch body and a 333-hp standard 389, with 57,881 built. This record's own overview repeats that on this new full-size body the Grand Prix used a 333-hp (manual) or 325-hp (automatic) four-barrel 389 as standard, with bucket seats, console and tachometer or a special bench seat as the buyer's choice, and the compiled table recording 57,881 built at $3,426.1,2
This record's own engines section carries seven entries across two sources: the fact sheet's own standard 389 four-barrel at 325 hp with automatic or 333 hp with manual, both at 429 lb-ft; an optional 421 four-barrel at 338 hp and 459 lb-ft; an optional 421 Tri-Power at 356 hp and 459 lb-ft; and the 421 HO Tri-Power at 376 hp and 461 lb-ft. The factory AMA sheet adds two more: a 389 two-barrel regular-fuel engine at 256 hp and 388 lb-ft, available only with Turbo Hydra-Matic and a 2.56:1 axle (2.73 with air conditioning), and a 389 three-two-barrel Tri-Power at 338 hp and 433 lb-ft, available across four full-size series including the Grand Prix's own series 266.1,3
This record's own transmissions section lists a standard three-speed manual with an optional four-speed manual and an optional Turbo Hydra-Matic 400. This record's own options section, drawn from the full-size line without item-by-item Grand Prix marking, itemizes air conditioning at $430, aluminum hubs and brake drums for two-door models at $120, a console at $108 (with this record's own note that the Grand Prix fact-sheet text says bucket seats came with a console and tachometer), a Cordova top at $97, Electro-Cruise and fuel warning at $96, an instrument gauge cluster from $21 to $38, a glare-proof tilt mirror at $4, a remote outside mirror at $12, power brakes at $43, power door locks from $46 to $70, a six-way power seat at $97, a power tilt bucket seat at $71, power windows at $106, an AM/FM radio at $151, a push-button AM radio at $89, a remote deck lid release at $11, Super-Lift shocks at $40, a tachometer at $54 (standard on cars ordered with four-speed and console), tinted glass at $43, a tinted windshield at $29, and wire wheel discs at $20.1
This record's own specifications section gives a 121.0-inch wheelbase, 214.6-inch overall length, and 53.9-inch overall height for the Grand Prix, with a compiled shipping weight of 4,282 pounds that this record's own conflicts section flags against the AMA sheet's 3,909 pounds, noting the compiled figure equals the AMA shipping weight of a different Bonneville body style and is probably a transcription slip. The AMA sheet also gives an estimated curb weight of 4,110 pounds for the standard Grand Prix Sports Coupe 26657, which this record's own conflicts section distinguishes from Motor Trend's own 4,360-pound figure for its heavily optioned test car rather than treating the two as contradictory. This record's own specifications section further carries an 18.9-cubic-foot luggage capacity, a standard clock (optional on Catalina only), acrylic lacquer paint, and transmission ratios of 2.42/1.61/1.00 three-speed, 2.56/1.91/1.48/1.00 four-speed, and 2.48/1.48/1.00 Turbo Hydra-Matic for the full-size line.1,2,3,4
This record's own performance section carries a single Motor Trend test, a Grand Prix sport coupe with the 325-hp 389, Turbo Hydra-Matic, a 3.08:1 axle, air conditioning, and power steering, brakes, windows and antenna, two aboard with 2,300 miles on the odometer: 3.0 seconds to 30 mph, 5.3 to 45, 8.3 to 60, a 16.6-second quarter mile at 84 mph, a 40-60 mph passing time of 4.9 seconds over 359 feet, a 202-foot stop from 60 mph, and 11.9 mpg averaged over a 993-mile test ranging from 10.5 to 14.6 mpg. This record's own prices section gives that car a base price of $3,498 and an as-tested price of $4,868.78, a base-price gap from the compiled $3,426 figure that this record's own conflicts section attributes to items or charges the compiled factory price may not include.4,2
This record's own identification section gives the Grand Prix as series 266, body 26657, a five-passenger two-door sport coupe. This record's own interiors section carries a single entry describing monotone Morrokide with a choice of a special front bench seat or bucket seats with console and tachometer, and this record's own keyFacts section restates the 57,881 production total, cross-sourced to both the production compilation and MuscleCarClub.com's own second-generation production figures.2,1,5
Fact sheet · 1965 · United States
The numbers
1965 Pontiac Grand Prix — New 121-inch body and a 333 hp standard 389; 57,881 built.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix 2-door sport coupe2,1,5 Grand Prix · 2-door sport coupe · not stated by source Standard Catalog lineage. | 57,881 | built, model-year | Reported |
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix 2-door sport coupe2 | $3,426 | factory price as compiled, 1965 model year |
| Motor Trend test car, base price4 | $3,498 | base price as printed by the magazine, 1965-02 |
| Motor Trend test car, as tested4 | $4,868.78 | price as tested, plus tax and license, 1965-02 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 389 4-bbl1 389 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.5:1 | 325 hp @ 4,800, 429 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | Grand Prix standard, automatic | Not yet sourced |
| 389 4-bbl1 389 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.5:1 | 333 hp @ 5,000, 429 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | Grand Prix standard, manual | Not yet sourced |
| 421 4-bbl1 421 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.5:1 | 338 hp @ 4,600, 459 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | optional | Not yet sourced |
| 421 Tri-Power1 421 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 356 hp @ 4,800, 459 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | optional all models | Not yet sourced |
| 421 HO Tri-Power1 421 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 376 hp @ 5,000, 461 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | optional all models | Not yet sourced |
| 389 2-bbl regular fuel (Turbo Hydra-Matic only)3 389 cu in · 2-barrel, 8.6:1 | 256 hp @ 4,600, 388 lb-ft @ 2,400 (SAE gross (AMA published maximum bhp)) | optional for series 266 with Turbo Hydra-Matic; 2.56:1 axle (2.73 with air conditioning) | Not yet sourced |
| 389 3-2 barrel (Tri-Power)3 389 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 338 hp @ 4,800, 433 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross (AMA published maximum bhp)) | optional series 252, 256, 262 and 266; 3.23 axle with synchromesh, 3.08 with Turbo Hydra-Matic | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| Three-speed manual1 | standard | Not yet sourced |
| Four-speed manual1 | optional | Not yet sourced |
| Turbo Hydra-Matic 4001 | optional | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Air conditioning1 | $430 | Not yet sourced |
|
Aluminum hubs and brake drums, 2-door models1 | $120 | Not yet sourced |
|
Console1 | $108 | Not yet sourced |
|
Cordova top, coupes1 | $97 | Not yet sourced |
|
Electro-Cruise and fuel warning1 | $96 | Not yet sourced |
|
Instrument gauge cluster1 | $21 | Not yet sourced |
|
Mirror, rear view glare-proof tilt1 | $4 | Not yet sourced |
|
Mirror, remote control outside rear view1 | $12 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power brakes1 | $43 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power door locks1 | $46 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power seat, six-way1 | $97 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power tilt bucket seat, left-hand1 | $71 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power windows1 | $106 | Not yet sourced |
|
Radio, manual AM/FM1 | $151 | Not yet sourced |
|
Radio, push-button AM1 | $89 | Not yet sourced |
|
Remote control deck lid1 | $11 | Not yet sourced |
|
Super-Lift shock absorbers1 | $40 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tachometer1 | $54 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tinted glass1 | $43 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tinted windshield1 | $29 | Not yet sourced |
|
Wire wheel discs1 | $20 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Starlight Black1 | Not yet sourced |
B |
Blue Charcoal1 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Cameo Ivory1 | Not yet sourced |
D |
Fontaine Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
E |
Nightwatch Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Palmetto Green1 | Not yet sourced |
K |
Reef Turquoise1 | Not yet sourced |
L |
Teal Turquoise1 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Burgundy Red1 | Not yet sourced |
P |
Iris Mist1 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Montero Red1 | Not yet sourced |
T |
Capri Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Mission Beige1 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Bluemist Slate1 | Not yet sourced |
Y |
Mayfair Maize1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
Monotone Morrokide; choice of special front bench seat or bucket seats with console and tachometer1 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase1 | 121 in | Grand Prix |
| Overall length1 | 214.6 in | Grand Prix |
| Overall height1 | 53.9 in | Grand Prix |
| Shipping weight2 | 4,282 lb | Grand Prix |
| Overall width1,4 | 79.6 in | 1965 full-size Pontiac |
| Front track1 | 63 in | 1965 full-size Pontiac |
| Rear track1 | 64 in | 1965 full-size Pontiac |
| Standard tires1 | 8.25 x 14 (8.55 x 14 with air conditioning) | 1965 full-size Pontiac |
| Curb weight (AMA estimated)3 | 4,110 lb | Grand Prix Sports Coupe 26657 |
| Shipping weight (AMA, licensing weight)3 | 3,909 lb | Grand Prix Sports Coupe 26657; Turbo Hydra-Matic adds 45 lb |
| Usable luggage capacity3 | 18.9 cu ft | Grand Prix 26657 |
| Standard power team3 | 389 4-bbl 10.5:1, 333 hp @ 5,000 / 429 lb-ft @ 3,200 with 3-speed synchromesh, axle 3.23 (3.42 optional; 3.42 used with the optional 4-speed) | Grand Prix series 266 |
| Axle ratios with Turbo Hydra-Matic (325 hp)3 | 3.08 (standard), 2.73, 3.23 :1 | Grand Prix series 266, 389 4-bbl 325 hp |
| Transmission ratios1 | 3-speed 2.42/1.61/1.00; 4-speed 2.56/1.91/1.48/1.00; Turbo Hydra-Matic 2.48/1.48/1.00 :1 | 1965 full-size Pontiac |
| Clock3 | Standard (optional on Catalina only) | Grand Prix |
| Paint finish3 | Acrylic lacquer | 1965 full-size Pontiac |
Period road tests
| Test | Car tested | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Trend, 1965-0240-30 mph | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboardodometer 2,300 miles at start of test | 3 s |
| Motor Trend, 1965-0240-45 mph | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboard | 5.3 s |
| Motor Trend, 1965-0240-60 mph | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboard | 8.3 s |
| Motor Trend, 1965-024standing quarter mile, elapsed time | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboard84 mph | 16.6 s |
| Motor Trend, 1965-024standing quarter mile, trap speed | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboard | 84 mph |
| Motor Trend, 1965-024passing 40-60 mph | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboard359 ft | 4.9 s |
| Motor Trend, 1965-024stopping distance from 60 mph | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboard45.5 ft from 30 mph | 202 ft |
| Motor Trend, 1965-024fuel economy, 993-mile test average | Grand Prix sport coupe, 389 4-bbl (325 hp), Turbo Hydra-Matic, 3.08:1, air conditioning, power steering/brakes/windows/antenna, 8.55 x 14; 2 aboardrange 10.5 to 14.6 mpg | 11.9 mpg |
A road test result belongs to the one car that was tested, with its engine, gearing, tires, and conditions. It is not a figure for every car of the year.
Identification
- Series and body
- Series 266, body 26657, 2-door sport coupe, 5-passenger.2
Where the sources disagree
1965 Grand Prix shipping weight
The factory AMA figure (issued 1964-09-01) leads. The compiled table's 4,282 lb equals the AMA shipping weight of the Bonneville Custom Safari 26235 and is probably a transcription slip; both are shown.
1965 Grand Prix base price
Show both with their bases; the magazine's base price may include items or charges the compiled factory price does not.
1965 Grand Prix curb weight
- 4,110 lb (AMA estimated curb weight, standard equipment)3
- 4,360 lb (manufacturer figure printed for the air-conditioned, automatic test car)4
Different scopes rather than a true contradiction: the magazine figure covers a heavily optioned car (Turbo Hydra-Matic, air conditioning and power accessories add weight per AMA p. 23). Both shown.
Identification
Read a 1965 Pontiac VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1965
- Buick Riviera The Gran Sport arrived with the dual-quad Super Wildcat 425 and a 3.42 axle; 3,354 of 34,586 Rivieras had it.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX Buick's first Gran Sport was a Skylark option with the 401 'Wildcat' V-8 rated at 325 hp; a production tabulation counts 15,780.
- Buick Wildcat Second-generation B-body Wildcat on a 126-inch wheelbase in standard, Deluxe and Custom series; the 1965 total is disputed between published lineages.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The Malibu SS continued with 327 options, and late in the year RPO Z16 put a 375 hp 396 into 201 Chevelles.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova The 327 V8 appears in the source engine table; several body-style counts are unavailable. Enthusiast-compiled production: 122,800 cars; Super Sport 9,100.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS No factory Super Sport El Camino is documented for this year; the record carries the host El Camino production as context.
- Chevrolet Impala SS The record Super Sport year: 243,114 built, as the 409 gave way to the 396 mid-year.
- Chrysler 300 letter series The last letter car: a slab-sided restyle on a 124-inch wheelbase, one 360 hp 413, no cross-ram, and an illuminated grille medallion; 2,405 hardtops and 440 convertibles.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The 1965 performance Coronets were competition-only Race Hemi lightweights, not showroom muscle cars, and even their number is published two ways.
- Ford Fairlane A restyled small-block Fairlane whose performance ceiling was the 271-hp K-code 289 High Performance V8, offered with the Sports Coupe.
- Ford Falcon Sprint The last Sprint moved to the 289 V8 and a new V8 front suspension; the club records 2,806 hardtops and 300 convertibles.
- Ford Galaxie A new full-size body with the LTD added above the Galaxie 500 XL; the 427 continued in Q-code (410 hp) and R-code (425 hp) form.
- Ford Thunderbird A mild update of the 1964 body kept the 300-hp 390 as the standard engine; production fell to 74,972.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The Cyclone was the performance Comet hardtop: vinyl roof, chrome wheels, bucket seats and console, tachometer and a 225-hp 289 as standard.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The last year of the first Marauder generation: 74,590 Marauder-roof cars across Monterey, Montclair and Park Lane, per mercurystuff.com.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 package moved to a 400 cu in V-8 rated at 345 hp, the name was reread as 400 cubes, 4-barrel, 2 exhausts, and production rose to 25,003.
- Oldsmobile Starfire A 425 V-8, Turbo Hydra-Matic and a rarely ordered four-speed; 15,260 built.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda The first full-year Barracuda introduced the Formula S package and the 235-hp 273 Commando, and production reached 64,596.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite The Belvedere became Plymouth's intermediate line, with the bucket-seat, V-8-only Satellite hardtop and convertible at the top and the 426 Street wedge as its hottest regular-production engine.
- Pontiac Catalina 2+2 and Super Duty The 2+2 gained a standard 338 hp 421 and reached 11,521 cars, its best year.
- Pontiac GTO Ratings up to 335 and 360 hp, and GTO production more than doubling to 75,352.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans The LeMans adds a four-door sedan and the four-barrel 326 is rated at 285 hp.
- Rambler and AMC Marlin AMC's six-passenger fastback, introduced in February 1965. Its best year was 10,327 cars.