Vehicle Description
1966 Pontiac GTO
HardtopBorn of the brainchild of John DeLorean, the initial concept
was to upgrade the Tempest, morphing it into an early version of
the muscle car, which was the up-and-coming trend in a niche market
of buyers who were hungry to go fast. Internally, it was initially
called the "Grand Tempest Option", one of many automobiles in the
Pontiac line up with a 'Grand' in it. Despite these things, the GTO
is one of the fastest cars ever manufactured by Pontiac.In 1966,
GTO became a separate model and no longer just an option
package.
For consignment, a stunning example of a '66, fully restored in
2017 and sporting a paint and interior combination we think will
facilitate a quick sale, (although there's no predicting timelines
at Classic Auto Mall). The legendary grandfather of the muscle car
era is an epic classic car, and this one is particularly nice.
Exterior
Sprayed skillfully with Burgundy Poly two-stage paint, this
wine-colored beauty shines like chianti in crystal. Vertical
headlights frame the grille which forms two wing-shaped openings,
tapering the tell-tale Pontiac nose which is topped with the
Pontiac arrowhead logo on the hood. Inset marker lights and a
chrome bumper complete the face. Behind that, the rounded hood
scoop which mirrors the twin openings in the grille, sits proudly
above the hood. The roofline flows to the back forming flying
buttresses behind the rear window. The car has a long, flowing body
with the hood, trunk, and roof about equal in size, beautifully
proportioned. The rear taillights are epic in the '66 looking like
squinting afterburners and the dual exhaust completes the
symmetrical treat for the eyes. The American Racing Magnum 500
wheels look amazing and the redline tires absolutely complement the
color of the car.
Interior
Parchment colored door panels greet you with tuck-and-rolled
pleated inserts; above the armrest is the GTO crest - how many cars
have the model name on the door panel? Not many! Painted white caps
top the door interiors. Bucket seats, also in parchment, copy the
pleated pattern in horizontal lines and this continues to the back
bench. It's in the back where you'll find side-mounted armrests
complete with ash trays for each side and window cranks. Low pile
black carpet contrasts sharply with the white seats and doors but
matches the color of the dash pad and surround. A wood steering
wheel is the gateway to the wood applique dashboard with four
symmetrical gauges in a horizontal line. This car has a column
shifter, (automatic), and a modernized AM/FM/Cassette radio. The
passenger's view includes a painted black dash and glovebox along
with a grab handle. The perforated white headline is in excellent
condition.
Drivetrain
The correct and most likely original 389ci V8 is under the hood,
and was rated at 335 horsepower. A two-speed ST300 automatic
transmission transfers power to the rear where it is met with 3.23
gears in a 10-bolt axle. Power drums reign in the 335 horses and
bring this sport coupe to a stop.
Undercarriage
If not for some dust, the underside looks like it just came out of
restoration. No joke...it's super clean under here. Only the
exhaust pipes show hints of discoloration. As dad would say, "you
could eat off of this undercarriage!". Independent coil spring
suspension can be seen up front while 4-link and coils support the
back. A gleaming chrome rear diff cover is in place capping off an
unbelievable underside. If you buy this car, might we suggest
trailering it home? You gotta show this to your car buddies as
is!!
Drivability
Ah, the sweet sound of the big 389 cubes and dual exhaust...it
never grows old...even in a facility with over 1,000 cars. Just
something special about a GTO. The car not only sounds great, but
runs very well with healthy acceleration and plenty of stopping
power. We note the horn was not operational. This car is for
straight lines, not auto-crossing so the yaw in turns didn't bother
us too much. Why should it? We're driving a beautiful GTO and the
experience was thrilling. Imagine having that option every day!
This is a primal connection to muscle car origins and it's a
shining example. The seas part for this car when it shows up at car
shows because it is the O.G, the G.O.A.T....and everyone knows it.
You can bring your Mopar and your Chevy, but all hail the
King...Gran Tourismo Omologato!
242176B132810
2-Pontiac
42-GTO
17-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
132810-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
04C-3rd Week April
ST 66 24217-1966 GTO 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY BAL7081-Baltimore Body #
TR 224-Parchment Vinyl Buckets
PNT NW-Burgundy Poly & Platinum
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!