Vehicle Description
Very clean one owner Florida car. One repaint in original Fontaine
Blue. Original 389 cubic inch V8, rare column-shifted automatic
transmission, factory A/C. Runs and drives very well, solid
undercarriage, ready to have some fun like it's 1966 again!That's
right, you're reading that correctly: this is a one-owner car that
has spent the entirety of its life in Florida. The original owner
purchased it for his wife in 1966 and it remained with them for
more than 55 years. It's kind of unusual with its column-shifted
automatic transmission, but we find that little footnote to be part
of this car's appeal-when was the last time you saw one configured
like this? As a lifetime Florida car, major rot is a non-issue and
it was treated to a fairly nice repaint a few years ago in the
original Fontaine Blue, an attractive icy blue that works well with
the GTO's grown-up image. The redesigned 1966 models featured those
graceful quarter panels and flying buttress C-pillars, along with a
modest hood scoop to make it stand out without being too noisy
about it. As a result of its long-term ownership in a warm climate,
it has never been fully disassembled so the doors and hood fit
well, the trunk closes without a heavy slam, and even the
original-style pinstripe was replicated. The chrome and stainless
trim is original and in good condition, although given that it's
now 56 years old, it's not perfect. Nevertheless, this is a
great-looking car from any angle.The black interior shows quite
well despite living in the Florida heat. The driver's bucket has
some wear on the outer bolster, but we have new front seat covers
on order (they're on national backorder, apparently) that will be
included with the sale of the car. The carpets may have been
replaced at some point because they're in such nice shape and we
believe the dash pad has been replaced-not surprising given how the
originals handle the sun. The dash, complete with woodgrained
fascia, is in reasonably good shape but is showing some age as are
the gauges, but someone has thoughtfully added some auxiliary
gauges down low. Everything works except the clock, which is a nice
feature, and someone has recently serviced the A/C system because
it now uses R134a refrigerant for easy maintenance. The back seat
is in remarkably good condition with almost zero evidence of use
and that's undoubtedly the original headliner overhead. The trunk
is bare, but you can easily see that there's no rust or other
issues and reproduction mats are inexpensive and easy to find.The
engine is the original YS-coded 389 cubic inch V8, which is correct
for a GTO paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. It's rated
at 335 horsepower with a single 4-barrel carburetor and is properly
detailed with Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel, chrome valve covers,
and that distinctive GTO air cleaner. Power steering is a nice
addition, although it's worth noting that it was installed by the
dealer after the original owner found his wife had difficulty
managing the car with manual steering. It starts easily with a nice
bark from the dual exhaust and drives quite well-original cars just
seem to work better. The 2-speed automatic transmission is a good
match to the 389, whose torque makes downshifts all but
unnecessary, and it remains a quick car even in today's world. Look
closely underneath and you'll see excellent original floors, a
newer exhaust system, and a set of air shocks out back to help keep
things level no matter what (or who) you're carrying. Rally II
wheels look great on the vintage Goat and carry fat 225/70/14
white-letter radials.This is a GTO that's not trying too hard to be
something it's not. It has a solid pedigree, has lived in a warm
climate all its life, and drives quite well, all at a reasonable
price. There are more expensive cars but this Goat's honesty has
won us over and it doesn't ask for much beyond gas and oil. For a
vintage hobby car, that's about as good as it gets. Call
today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or
professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to
purchase.
