389 Tri-Power & 4 Spd Manual! Very Sharp Paint, Clean Interior, PHS, Build Sheet

1966 Pontiac GTO 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!