Vehicle Description
Leading into the third year of sales, the GTO continued to find
sales soaring in popularity. Because of this, GM finally gave the
GTO its own model line versus being a performance package option
for the Lemans model series. Also in 1966, Pontiac was already
developing a new engine for the 1967 production year making this
the last of the 389ci V8 examples ever made! Moreover, it would be
the last GTO available with a tri-power carburetion option for the
horsepower hungry buyers! The stacked headlights, new aggressive
grill and louvered taillights made these cars as sinister as they
are iconic to muscle car collectors!
This gorgeous 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible is finished in
Candlelite Cream over 223- Black vinyl bucket seat interior with
matching Black top! Powered by its original YS-coded 389ci-4bbl V8
(unit #341332) mated to an automatic transmission and factory 3.08
Safe-T-Track rear end! It comes heavily optioned with factory
features to include air conditioning, correct 14" Rally I wheels
with Firestone Deluxe Champion 7/8" whitewall tires measuring
7.75-14, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power
driver's seat, center console, pushbutton AM radio, outside remote
mirror, tinted windshield, under hood lamp, trunk lamp, day/night
rearview mirror, and door edge guards!
According to the PHS documentation, this special GTO Convertible
sold new from Lou Fusz Pontiac in early spring 1966 to its original
owner, Audrey Schwartz, located right here in St. Louis, MO. It
would stay in her careful possession until May 1986 when it would
sell to its second, and only other owner, William Meyer of Hamel,
IL who added it to his small, curated muscle car collection. It
would receive a repaint from Martinique Bronze to its current
Candlelite Cream color to match with his 1966 GTO Hardtop & Coupe
models, along with a new convertible top. The interior appears to
be original and remains in excellent condition considering its age.
An upgraded 1969 date-coded 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic
was selected to replace the factory 2-speed Powerglide automatic
this GTO was born with to better optimize cruising speeds.
The body is remarkable solid and rust free throughout. We found all
panel fitment and gaps matching factory expectations with
everything opening and closing with perfect ease! The
professionally refinished exterior paint remains very sharp in
presentation including a hand painted black pinstripe along the
body. The original side window glass remains intact, with a new
windshield in place of the original with fresh weather seals
throughout. The dash instrumentation is all functional with the
exception to the original clock. And subtle details such as the
factory style T3 headlamps should not be overlooked when trying to
retain a factory style presentation. With the former owner's
unfortunate passing in January 2023, this wonderful GTO is now
being offered again for the first time in 37 years.
The St. Louis Car Museum took possession from his estate in July
2023 and provided it a long overdue servicing to bring it back to
confident roadworthiness again. This involved new tires provided by
Coker Classic, an entirely new exhaust system from Waldrons; new
a/c compressor with R134a retrofit and new high line hose; new
spark plugs, plug wires, car, and rotor; rebuilt original 1966
Carter AFB carburetor; new convertible top pump with fresh fluid;
flushed heater core with new coolant hoses; a brake rebuild with
new master cylinder, rear hardlines, front & rear hoses, and all
new brake fluid; fresh engine oil/filter along with differential
fluids. The transmission would receive a new filter, pan gasket,
and fluids as well. New rear air shocks, fresh battery, air filter,
and overall engine tune would satisfy her readiness for the
road!
It continues to start and run with ease, performing wonderfully as
a genuine street cruiser! It will come with the Pontiac Historical
Services documentation and ownership records since new! This
includes the original owner's manual, Protect-O-plate, original
voided Missouri tile, copy of the past owner's Illinois title,
convertible top instruction booklet, two sets of keys, and our
recent service records. This is a very unique opportunity for any
GTO collector! Please call with any additional questions or to
schedule arrangements to view this car in person! Thanks for
looking!
