Vehicle Description
Not many cars get enthusiasts excited like the Pontiac GTO. This
1966 hardtop, for example, offers all the right parts: 389
Tri-Power engine, a 4-speed gearbox, and a fantastic color
combination. No modifications, just a really nice Goat that
commands respect everywhere it goes.
Refinished in what is essentially Montero Red color, a bright
upgrade over the original Starlight Black this car was born with,
this GTO looks the way Pontiac designers intended: sporty yet
refined. The stacked headlights are a slam-dunk in terms of styling
and among Pontiac faithful, they're highly-sought. Add in a subtle
hood scoop and you get a car that has the goods but doesn't feel
the need to advertise. The good news is that when the car was
restored, they took their time and get the bodywork straight first,
then laid down a few coats of that luscious red paint. The result
is a straight, shiny GTO that shows very well despite being driven
and enjoyed a bit since it was completed. There's still plenty of
chrome on the car (remember, this is the pre-Endura GTO) and things
like the bumpers, rocker panel moldings, and grille surrounds are
in excellent condition. It also features a lot of fresh
weather-stripping so it seals up well and squeaks and rattles
inside are minimized, making it feel tight and solid on the
road.
Pontiac nailed the interior of the GTO in every way: comfortable,
sporting, and refined, with just a hint of European sophistication.
It is the black interior that makes the GTO an adult's sports car,
and the bucket seats, no-nonsense shifter, and wood-rimmed steering
wheel all work towards that end. The seat covers look recent, the
carpets were likely replaced when the car was restored, and the
original steering wheel positively glows from within the black
interior. The round gauges are definitely meant to evoke the finest
sports cars from the Continent, and include a speedometer, clock,
and secondary gauges to monitor the engine at a glance, all inside
a warm woodgrain panel. The 4-speed sticks out of the factory
console, which is kind of a cool contrast to the otherwise highly
evolved interior, and for entertainment, there's a newer digital
AM/FM radio in the dash that fits rather well. Vinyl floor mats
have been recently fitted to protect the plush carpets below, and
the headliner above is nice and taut. The trunk has plenty of room
for all your car show goodies, and it's been covered in trunk
spackle paint to protect it for years to come.
The legendary 389/290 cubic inch Pontiac V8 makes big horsepower
and torque, particularly thanks to the three two-barrel carbs
living up top. With correct mini air cleaners, shiny valve covers,
and Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block itself, it's quite nicely
done under the hood. We can't spot any deviations from stock
really, although the YC block is not original to the car. Either
way, everything look just like it should, so even the snobby
purists would be proud. Stock cast iron exhaust manifolds and a
newer Flowmaster exhaust system give it a spectacular baritone
sound and you'll note that while the body was being restored, even
the floors were coated with spray-on protectant, giving it a nicely
finished look underneath. It's no longer a razor-sharp, blue-ribbon
winner, but it's really nice and shows you that the restoration was
a high-quality one. Stock Rally wheels look suitably industrial and
carry fat 215/70/15 redline radials for a perfect look.
If you want a great-driving GTO that has the right look, then this
is a fantastic choice. Complete with PHS documents, a factory
buildsheet, dealer invoice, an original bill of sale, a
reproduction sticker and several manuals and maintenance records,
it's still as appealing a combination today as it was in 1966. Call
today!