Vehicle Description
1966 Pontiac GTO
It was inspired by the Ferrari 250 GTO, and since Ferrari had not
patented the name in North America, it was free to use. Although
many believe that GTO stands for Gran Turismo Omologato, ("grand
tourer homologated"), Pontiac enthusiasts contend it stands for
"Pontiac Grand Tempest Option".
This snazzy GTO has undergone a prior paint and bodywork redux,
with a non-original engine, (although it is from a full-size car
built in 1965/1966), and 2-speed transmission. With its wonderful
dark blue and parchment exterior and blue interior, add in
documentation, a build sheet, power steering, and A/C and it's hard
not to take a second glance at this iridescent beauty.
Exterior
This writer's favorite version of the venerable GTO, the Pontiac
division got it all right this year. Stacked dual headlights framed
with pristine mirror-like bezels flank the iconic split grille with
signal lights and GTO badging, and a lower bumper with nary a mark
or dimple on it. Looking down the line towards the rear we can see
only straight steel, well minded gaps, and miles of Nightwatch Blue
paint covering broken up by a lower stainless rocker cover and
wheel arch moldings, plus again with the GTO badge up front next to
the wheel well. A long straight scooped hood backs up to clean
glass all around all framed by shiny polished trim. Moving to the
back a long laser straight trunk lid curves downward to the
threesome of horizontal thin rear taillight clusters, and more
gorgeous framing of chromed trim and a snappy rear bumper. Lest we
forget, a vinyl top in parchment covers the roof and you've gotta
love those flying buttress B pillars that frame the rear glass deep
set within them. A few chips are noted on the beaked nose, and
also, bubbling appears on the lower section of the passengers door
and should be addressed before they become worse. 14-inch Pontiac
Rally 2 wheels are all around and sport like new BF Goodrich
rubber.
Interior
You can take this interior to the bank in blue...the vinyl is just
beautifully preserved and pristine. Door panels, front buckets and
rear bench are like new. A ribbed chrome topper covers the center
console which races through the front buckets making room for the
shifter and goes forward hiding under the original dash. More
perfect wood applique for the gauge cluster, and center panel which
houses the airflow levers and the factory installed AM radio. To
add more wood, an aftermarket wood rimmed steering wheel fronts the
applique. A trio of aftermarket gauges hanging under the dash
provides more driver input as to the vitals of when this car is off
and running. Blue carpet floods the floors along with rubber
Pontiac embossed mats, a crack free padded dash top in blue and a
nice blue headliner floats above all this interior beauty.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a snazzy 389ci mill circa 1966/66 and carrying a
YC stamping code. A metallic light blue painted block and intake
with chromed valve covers, and air cleaner housing rounds out the
wonderfully restored engine bay. Hoses are all supple and shiny,
and only very minor corrosion is seen on any parts. A single
carburetor is on top and a correct 2-speed Powerglide automatic
transmission with a 10-bolt 3.08 conventional rear make this runner
have the ability to get down the road in two shakes of a lamb's
tail.
Undercarriage
Up on our lift we literally could turn this car upside down and run
it around and everyone would be just as impressed with first and
finish under here as well as you would be for the topside. Merely
surface rust on the untreated components, sexy dual exhaust, (yes
exhaust can be sexy to a car guy!), snakes rearward via Flowmaster
mufflers, all the while running past perfect black floor pans and
frame. Power drum brakes are all around and we see an independent
coil spring front suspension along with a 4 link and coil spring
rear set up. All looking good for this Poncho.
Drive-Ability
Our muscle car aficionado took the wheel and gave a 3 thumbs up to
this car as to its drive-ability. It lit right up, idled smoothly,
and took off like a bolt of lightning. He reported it handled well,
came to a quick stop, and was comfortable to drive. This goat will
"butt" in at any chance it gets, and no issues crept up during his
drive.
This goat has had a good life, spending its time garaged, and used
but then put away nicely. Good exterior paint retaining its shine
but with a few flaws, a super engine, 4-barrel carb, a 2-speed
Powerglide, and most importantly PHS documentation. We now have a
whole different animal in our Hallowed Halls of Classic Auto
Mall.
VIN DECODE
242176B112779
2-Pontiac
42-GTO
17-2 Door Hardtop Coupe
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
112779-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
11D-4th Week November Build
ST 66 24217-1966 GTO Hardtop Coupe
BDY BAL2296-Baltimore Body #
TR 219-Blue Vinyl Buckets
PNT E1-Nightwatch Blue, Ivory Top
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.