Jay Leno takes a spin in the rare 1965 Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat, a muscle car icon with dealer-tuned performance.
Jay Leno, a passionate car enthusiast and historian, recently turned his spotlight on a legendary American muscle car: the 1965 Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat. Featured in his latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the car combines the raw power of Pontiac’s 389 V8 engine with exclusive performance upgrades from Royal Pontiac, making it one of the most celebrated muscle cars of its time.
The Pontiac GTO, widely credited with sparking the muscle car boom of the 1960s, became an instant icon upon its debut in 1964. By 1965, demand had soared, with nearly 75,000 units sold. Among these, the rare Royal Bobcat edition stands out for its dealer-installed performance enhancements, including Tri-Power carburation, advanced tuning, and upgraded ignition systems. These modifications pushed the factory 360 horsepower to an estimated 400 horsepower, catapulting the GTO into what many consider “supercar” territory for the era.
The featured Royal Bobcat, owned by Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Jordan "Joker" Smith, boasts an illustrious history. Once part of Pontiac legend Jim Wangers’ personal collection, the car represents the pinnacle of muscle car heritage. Wangers, often called the "Godfather of the GTO," played a significant role in marketing the GTO and solidifying its status as an American icon.
Smith’s Bobcat is equipped with exclusive features like Royal Bobcat badging, a functional hood scoop with ram-air capabilities, and Doug’s headers. The car’s 4-speed manual transmission, paired with a Hurst shifter, ensures an engaging driving experience reminiscent of the golden age of muscle cars.
Today, the 1965 Pontiac GTO Royal Bobcat is a sought-after collector’s item, with auction prices for well-preserved examples reaching $100,000 or more. As Leno puts it, “This was the car that made fast cars fun and attainable.” Despite modern advancements, the visceral connection offered by the GTO remains unparalleled, making it a timeless classic.
Through his exploration of this rare Pontiac, Jay Leno takes us on a nostalgic journey, celebrating a car that forever changed the American automotive landscape.
