The 1966 model year was significant for the GTO, as it marked when Pontiac granted it standalone model status. The badge had started life as an options package on LeMans models, with some purists believing it was at this moment that it genuinely earned the title of the Father of the Muscle Car. This GTO is a spotless classic featuring a desirable mechanical combination. It is set to find a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Ocoee, Florida. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $31,100.
Pontiac’s first steps with the new GTO in 1964 were relatively tentative because the company was venturing into unknown territory. However, individuals like John DeLorean had complete faith in the program, and their belief was rewarded with impressive sales. This GTO rolled off the line in 1966, with its original owner ordering it in Montero Red. The seller claims it is original and unrestored, with its rust-free panels wearing mostly original paint. Its condition is admirable if that’s true because flaws and defects in the paint and steel are too insignificant to show in the supplied photos. An in-person inspection will undoubtedly reveal faults, and I always feel that approach is warranted before any classic purchase. The chrome is spotless, as is the tinted glass. The GTO rolls on what the seller insists are its original wheels, wrapped in redline tires.
Lifting the hood reveals why the GTO is considered a genuine muscle car. Its 389ci Tri-Power V8 pumps out an impressive 360hp and 424 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a four-speed manual transmission that feeds the power to a 3.55 Safe-T-Track rear end. The driver doesn’t need muscles to maneuver this muscle car, with power assistance provided for the steering and brakes. Its muscle car credentials are cemented by its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds. Purists will be pleased to learn this is a numbers-matching survivor. It has a genuine 56,000 miles on its odometer and comes with the original Owner’s Manual, Protect-O-Plate, PHS Documentation, copies of Titles, and various other items of paperwork. It is a turnkey classic that its new owner can drive over the horizon.
This GTO features a stunning interior that is claimed to be original. However, my cynical side questions whether this is accurate. The car is about to tick over six decades of active use, and the lack of visible wear on the seats and carpet is extraordinary. I struggle to find anything worth criticizing, although an in-person inspection might unearth defects. Regardless of the truth, it will receive favorable responses at shows or the local Cars & Coffee. This isn’t a luxury car, but the bucket seats, console, faux woodgrain, and AM radio with power antenna would make any journey feel special.
It will be interesting to gauge reader feedback on this 1966 Pontiac GTO, especially opinions on whether you believe this is a genuine survivor. I will give the seller the benefit of the doubt unless somebody can conclusively prove the opposite. It has attracted twelve bids, and it will be fascinating to know if any of you would consider joining the party. I wish you luck if you do, and we’d love to gain insight into the points mentioned in this article once the GTO is parked safely in your garage.
Nice car. It’s currently listed on the seller’s website with a $89K asking price. Previously, another dealer had it similarly listed (with North Carolina license plates) at $59K. I don’t know if it’s a genuine survivor but it’s priced like one.
This is one gorgeous 66. This is my favorite year. My older brother had one back in the early 80s that he restored himself. If I remember correctly, Pontiac actually used a real wood veneer for the dash and console. I can’t quite figure out whats going on with the console but if its wood it should match the dash board wood. Otherwise this Goat looks almost flawless. If its original paint, I’m impressed for how well it held up all these years being lacquer. At least in my personal experience FM red lacquer has a tendency to fade kind of quickly.
Need to make a correction. The 4 speed console did t have wood. But the automatic equipped cars did. This does look accurate. I guess my memory is already failing me. Also was supposed to say GM lacquer not FM
Is there anyone living in the close by vicinity who could lay a eyeball on this vehicle and the dealer who has it up for sale?
Might be able to clear up a few questions that I have.
Does it seem somewhat strange to anyone else that the spare tire is mounted backwards on the wheel?
Plus, I tried zooming in on the hub caps and thought it alittle odd that they weren’t cleaned up and on the car. In fact I thought it appears that one of them is damaged.
I’m a GM fan just alittle unknowing about particulars on goats. Knew guys that had them many years back and always liked the 66’s and 67’s the best. Please correct me if I’m wrong but the wheels on this car don’t appear period correct.,?
Maybe a wizard goat-head out there can chime in on these little head scratchers. Thanks.
66 did not have wood on the console, 67 did. This car has an original 66 console. I have a 66 convertible, same color with a black interior which I finished restoring 20 years ago
Super nice care for sure. Love the red on red. I’m not so sure those are the original wheels on a ‘66 tho
I think the wheels are an original style, but if you look carefully they’re definitely wider looking than stock. The original style wire wheel hubcaps are in the trunk.
Maybe it’s the cynic in me but I believe very little of the typical dealer spiel. Without absolute documentation and proof to back up the claims, I take it as sales pitch. There’s a lot of unscrupulous people out there just looking to make a buck and hoping there’s one born every minute…caveat emptor, as always.
They appear to be original Rally I wheels. Could be the trim rings throwing you off.
More liability disclaimers than info on the car? Typical dealer.
If the wheels on the car with the redlines are original as stated, what did the hubcaps come from?
I think it more or less is a survivor with some selective rattle can enhancements.
59poncho; Pretty much my thoughts. Makes you wonder if the dealer only deals with young guys instead of older, 70s, guys that used to own this era of cars that remember, mostly, what these cars came with originally.
When I see radials on the car and then see a bias ply tire on a new black wheel for a spare that is mounted backwards on the wheel.
Did you see damage on one of the wire hub caps?
By looking closely at the passenger side fender I see a difference in the paint hue from the hood. Just wondering.
My take is that the wheels are not original to the car. AND, even though it’s a above average specimen, it’s over priced.
I’m out. Thanks for your time.
Nice looking GTO, the console is correct, and appears funky due to the lighting. The first GTO with wood grain on the console was the 1967, 66 consoles with either manual or automatic were ribbed chrome. I’m willing to bet the Rally l wheels are reproductions, the depth of the trim rings is the first clue, and they are likely 15″. Only dings for me is the red overspray on the cowl and the gold painted carbs. Kudo’s for the nice photography as well.
Nice 66 GTO > Back in the Day Knafel Pontiacs 66 GTO 389 Tri-Power Won 27 Races in one Year :)
Slap some Vintage Air in it and keep it right here in the Free State of Florida
Nope, I don’t see this as original because:
Wrong carbs… or refinished? Rochester’s were grey.
Consul is out of a 64 or 65. 66 did have wood inlays and yes, they were really wood. WS 360 hp motors had cast, tuned exhaust manifolds that extended to the very end of the block. Rear of car has a definite droop on the left side? Hit or bad spring? I might be wrong, but memory tells me all center caps from those years were black with red PMD on tem….
The carbs have been painted, they were originally finished in zinc chromate, which had a gold-ish color to them. The carbs have the correct linkage and fuel lines, id tags, even the correct yellow return spring, from what I see, these appear to be the OEM 1966 carbs for that particular installation. The exhaust manifolds appear correct, I believe the manifolds you are referring to are typically called ram-air manifolds, which first appeared in 1967 on the HO engines. The 66 manifolds were the typical log type. Console is correct, it is either a 65 or 66. 64 had a one-piece top, the shifter escutcheon is a drop in casting for 65-67. 64 consoles also have a bluish-gray paint between the ribs, 65-66 are black. The 67 console is almost identical, but has a vinyl wood grain applique attached to a thin metal backing, that matched the dash vinyl. The center caps are correct, 1965 they were silver, and 66-68 they were black, 14×6″ They did not have any Pontiac branding, the caps you are likely remembering were on the Rally ll wheel, black background from 1967-early 1970, when they changed over to a red background, black letters. The Rallye l wheels appear to me to be a 15×7, based on the trim ring depth. What I see is a very nice GTO, other than the aforementioned carburetor paint, the overspray on the cowl, and the lack of a Saf-T-Track warning sticker, this one looks great!
Another nice car, but $90K? Guess I’ll never own one . . .
I guess we should be flattered that buyers today think so highly of the cars of our youth, but at these prices they probably won’t drive them like we did.
I think my 66 GTO was a 1 of 1 since all the ones I see for sale are tri-power’s and mine was a single 4 barrel. Kind of like the 69 Z/28’s: 17,000 were built and only 19,000 remain today. Mine was Montero Red (weren’t they all?), white vinyl top and a black bucket seat interior. I will have to say I have never seen another 66 with those colors. I don’t know anything about a console but if the car comes with PHS documentation, it should list the options, like Rally 1 Wheels and the tri-power. I think some of the major restoration parts sellers have gold paint for carbs. If the wheels are 15″, they are repro’s. The original 14’s have a rather shallow trim ring, not a deep one like on the Chevy Rally’s. The caps are chrome with black centers. I have a set of Rally 1’s. This GTO does bring back some good memories as my brother and I raced it one summer. I bought a built-up 400 and put it in it and guess what the motor came with? A complete tri-power intake, which I eventually put on.
It’s Beautiful as I had one that was burgundy. May find another someday.