1966 Pontiac GTO
Hardtop Born of the brainchild of John DeLorean, the initial concept was to upgrade the Tempest, morphing it into an early version of the muscle car, which was the up-and-coming trend in a niche market of buyers who were hungry to go fast. Internally, it was initially called the "Grand Tempest Option", one of many automobiles in the Pontiac line up with a 'Grand' in it. Despite these things, the GTO is one of the fastest cars ever manufactured by Pontiac. In 1966, GTO became a separate model and no longer just an option package.
For consignment, a stunning example of a '66, fully restored in 2017 and sporting a paint and interior combination we think will facilitate a quick sale, (although there's no predicting timelines at Classic Auto Mall). The legendary grandfather of the muscle car era is an epic classic car, and this one is particularly nice.
Exterior
Sprayed skillfully with Burgundy Poly two-stage paint, this wine-colored beauty shines like chianti in crystal. Vertical headlights frame the grille which forms two wing-shaped openings, tapering the tell-tale Pontiac nose which is topped with the Pontiac arrowhead logo on the hood. Inset marker lights and a chrome bumper complete the face. Behind that, the rounded hood scoop which mirrors the twin openings in the grille, sits proudly above the hood. The roofline flows to the back forming flying buttresses behind the rear window. The car has a long, flowing body with the hood, trunk, and roof about equal in size, beautifully proportioned. The rear taillights are epic in the '66 looking like squinting afterburners and the dual exhaust completes the symmetrical treat for the eyes. The American Racing Magnum 500 wheels look amazing and the redline tires absolutely complement the color of the car.
Interior
Parchment colored door panels greet you with tuck-and-rolled pleated inserts; above the armrest is the GTO crest " how many cars have the model name on the door panel? Not many! Painted white caps top the door interiors. Bucket seats, also in parchment, copy the pleated pattern in horizontal lines and this continues to the back bench. It's in the back where you'll find side-mounted armrests complete with ash trays for each side and window cranks. Low pile black carpet contrasts sharply with the white seats and doors but matches the color of the dash pad and surround. A wood steering wheel is the gateway to the wood applique dashboard with four symmetrical gauges in a horizontal line. This car has a column shifter, (automatic), and a modernized AM/FM/Cassette radio. The passenger's view includes a painted black dash and glovebox along with a grab handle. The perforated white headline is in excellent condition.
Drivetrain
The correct and most likely original 389ci V8 is under the hood, and was rated at 335 horsepower. A two-speed ST300 automatic transmission transfers power to the rear where it is met with 3.23 gears in a 10-bolt axle. Power drums reign in the 335 horses and bring this sport coupe to a stop.
Undercarriage
If not for some dust, the underside looks like it just came out of restoration. No joke...it's super clean under here. Only the exhaust pipes show hints of discoloration. As dad would say, "you could eat off of this undercarriage!". Independent coil spring suspension can be seen up front while 4-link and coils support the back. A gleaming chrome rear diff cover is in place capping off an unbelievable underside. If you buy this car, might we suggest trailering it home? You gotta show this to your car buddies as is!!
Drivability
Ah, the sweet sound of the big 389 cubes and dual exhaust...it never grows old...even in a facility with over 1,000 cars. Just something special about a GTO. The car not only sounds great, but runs very well with healthy acceleration and plenty of stopping power. We note the horn was not operational. This car is for straight lines, not auto-crossing so the yaw in turns didn't bother us too much. Why should it? We're driving a beautiful GTO and the experience was thrilling. Imagine having that option every day!
This is a primal connection to muscle car origins and it's a shining example. The seas part for this car when it shows up at car shows because it is the O.G, the G.O.A.T....and everyone knows it. You can bring your Mopar and your Chevy, but all hail the King...Gran Tourismo Omologato!
242176B132810
2-Pontiac
42-GTO
17-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
132810-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
04C-3rd Week April
ST 66 24217-1966 GTO 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY BAL7081-Baltimore Body #
TR 224-Parchment Vinyl Buckets
PNT NW-Burgundy Poly & Platinum
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
