Many enthusiasts will accept modifications performed on a desirable classic if the changes are period-correct and sympathetic. Therefore, this 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible may appeal to those individuals. Its presentation is first-rate, while the Tri-Power V8 lurking under the hood will provide the power worthy of this classic’s muscle car designation. The seller has listed the GTO here on eBay in Manchester, Connecticut. Bidding sits at $38,100, and with the reserve met, this potent drop-top is days away from finding a new home.
I continue to be amazed by sellers who list extremely desirable classics like this GTO but shortchange themselves with substandard photos that don’t really “sell” their vehicle. Such is the case here, although piecing the images together creates a positive impression. The 1966 model year was significant for the GTO badge because it marked the first time that it appeared in showrooms as a standalone model. Sales were healthy for what was essentially a niche model, with 12,798 buyers handing over their cash to drive away in a Convertible. The seller has been this car’s custodian since 2000, and they enjoy it as its creators intended. It isn’t a trailer queen, although it is hard to fault its overall presentation. The Burgundy paint shines beautifully, cloaking panels that are as straight as an arrow. There is no evidence or mention of rust problems, and the Black soft-top fits as tight as a drum. The chrome and glass are exceptional for their age, and the vintage Hurst wheels are the first sign that there might be more to this classic than meets the eye.
The seller confirms that while the 389ci V8 hiding under this GTO’s hood is date-correct, this classic isn’t numbers-matching. It started life with the “entry-level” 389 producing 335hp and 431 ft/lbs of torque, which fed to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. Both components are now little more than memories, with the car now featuring a 389 Tri-Power and a four-speed manual. This motor should generate 360hp and 424 ft/lbs, allowing it to cover the ¼-mile in 14.4 seconds. That is a marginal improvement on the 14.6-second pass this Convertible would have delivered off the showroom floor, but there is no doubt that the Tri-Power setup will make a greater visual impact when the owner pops the hood. The seller states that this Pontiac doesn’t sit in a garage gathering dust. It sees regular action, traveling to shows, and various events. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey classic with no mechanical needs or shortcomings.
The winning bidder won’t need to worry about hiding a substandard interior when they drop this Pontiac’s top. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are spotless, with the same being true of the carpet. The dash and faux woodgrain haven’t succumbed to age, and there is no wheel wear. The column-mounted tach won’t appeal to all tastes, but it, the Hurst shifter, and the vintage 8-track player are the only additions. It doesn’t score such luxuries as air conditioning and power windows, but the buyer will welcome the power driver’s seat, power antenna, and the original AM/FM radio with reverb.
Considering its desirability and condition, I am surprised that this 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible hasn’t attracted more than eighteen bids. However, with sixty-eight people placing it on their Watch List and 466 listing views in the past day, that situation will probably change before the auction ends. What will the likely sale price be? I believe that $50,000 is within reach, although if those currently watching the listing throw their hats into the ring, a higher figure is possible. One thing is guaranteed: The winning bidder will drive away in a classic that is a genuine American icon.
I’m parking this 66 Goat right next to that 63 Rivera in my dream garage!!!!!
I’d be set for life!!!!!
Well, enough of that…. This is beautiful, numbers matching doesnt personally phase me. Im not surprised it originally had the base 389. But a little surprised by the base heavy duty 3 speed. But some Pontiacs, even the mid 60s high performance Catalina 2+2 you could get the 3 speed manual. They sprang for the big bucks getting a convertible, you’d have thought a few extra bucks for the 4 speed.
Driveinstile apparantly they figured base 389 with a 3 by the knee was satisfactory… and spent the bucks on the ragtop. Convertibles are a blast. I agree w you on numbers matching.
The 4sp and triple motor are going to make this a sweet driver. Mid range power from Pontiac is their specialty. 🏁
Stan…. The way I see it, you only need 3 speeds…… Slow, Medium, and fast, lol.
A lot of purchasing decisions are based on price and payment, adding options quickly drove the price up, especially performance oriented ones which also effected insurance.
This car has deviated significantly from new, with the addition of tri-power, 4spd, Hurst wheels, disc brakes, power seat, power antenna and more. This was common for restorations performed while cars of this era were still cycling through wrecking yards. Most of my friends in the 1980’s and 90’s restored their muscle cars in a similar fashion, they added whatever options they wanted and could find/afford at wrecking yards and swapmeets. Only later on this practice became frowned upon by a vocal subset of the hobby. The one thing that’s a bit unexpected are the aftermarket tach and M/T valve covers, which seems somewhat out of place.
It’s appears to be a nice car, the drivetrain on a convertible will help it sell. There are 4 plus days left on the auction, bidding should have a ways to go.
Steve R
You have a lot of good points Steve. Back when you could order a car the way you wanted it instead of checking a box for option package 10323A lol. People had budgets, just like we do now.
And as for restorations, I know what you mean, go to the local Pick A Part and get upgrades from a donor and you were stylin.
I’m not at all surprised by the low number of bids to date. Especially since it has met the reserve. This is a sniper’s war now. Everyone is going to wait until the last 10 seconds and take their best shot at a win of what looks like a very nice driver GTO.
I grew up during the era this car was made and I had no idea you could order a three speed on the floor with some of these. Or was it on the column? Fantastic automobile. This is why I’m a Barn Finder (shameless plug.) high five figures when it’s all done wouldn’t surprise me.
I believe that 3 on three floor was part of the base package. Little more than I would spring for, but a very nice car nonetheless.
Base trans was HD 3spd, a Ford Dearborn trans, Hurst Shifter on floor. Console was optional.
Handsome car to say the least, I’m not sure I like the wheels though. I’d have gone with the period-correct standard American mags on this car.
Ditch the valve covers and put the black shifter ball back on the shifter handle!