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 1968 or 1969 GTO), and 4-speed transmission. Purchased by our consignor in 2009 and placed a just over 1,100 miles during his 13 years of ownership leaving this Goat with a title verified 95,887 actual miles. Add in documentation, a build sheet and almost $3,500 in repair receipts performed during our consignor's ownership, 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 Blue Charcoal paint covering broken up by a lower stainless rocker cover 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 black covers the roof and you've gotta love those flying buttress B pillars that frame the rear glass deep set within them. Some areas of concern are the bases of the B-pillars which show prior repair and new rust bubbling through. Also, bubbling appears on the lower body panels and should be addressed before they become worse. 14-inch Pontiac Rally 1 wheels are all around and sport red stripe tires all around.

Interior
You can take this interior to the bank in black…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 a Hurst manual shifter and goes forward hiding under the original dash. More perfect wood appliqué 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 appliqué. 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. Black carpet floods the floors along with rubber Pontiac embossed mats, a crack free padded dash top in black and a tight black headliner floats perfectly above all this interior beauty.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a snazzy 400ci mill circa 1968/69 and carrying a WT 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 no corrosion on any parts is seen. A single carburetor is on top and a M20 Muncie 4-speed manual transmission with a 10-bolt 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 all is very well underneath.

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. The only issue that crept up during the drive was the heater blower not operating in the high position.

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, and most importantly a Muncie 4-speed. We now have a whole different animal in our Hallowed Halls of Classic Auto Mall.

VIN DECODE
242076G107073
2-Pontiac
42-GTO
07-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
6-1966
G-Framingham, MA Assy Plant
107073-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG
07A-1st Week July Build
ST 66 24207-1966 GTO 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY KAN2362-Kansas City Body #
TR 219B-Blue Vinyl
PNT BB-Blue Charcoal
2B-3 Speed Manual
S-Rear Antenna

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.