The Pontiac Grand Prix debuted in 1962 as a performance-oriented personal luxury car based on the popular Catalina. The second-generation arrived in 1965 and the Grand Prix would be differentiated by a formal roofline rather than a fastback. We’re told this 1966 Grand Prix has been in storage for years, so we assume that it no longer runs, meaning it is both a mechanical and cosmetic project. Located in Pomona, California, this once stoic “Poncho” is available here on craigslist for $6.000. A nod of the fedora goes to T.J. for another cool tip!
Because a complete redo was executed in 1965, changes were few to the 1966 full-size Pontiacs. Differences in trim would take an aficionado and a keen eye to pick out. The 389 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel continued as standard fare (in keeping with the GP’s performance image). But the Tri-Power set-up was gone unless you ponied up for the 421 engine (and that, too, would be gone the following year). The seller’s forgotten classic has the 389 and we assume it hasn’t run recently.
The Grand Prix was still in demand on showroom floors and 36,757 were produced in 1966. This one is said to be wearing its original paint (Palmetto Green?) and there may be a bit of rust from living outdoors (we assume). The car’s original bucket seat interior appears to have survived the years well, including the console for the automatic transmission. From what we see, this could be a complete automobile that’s just waiting for someone to come save it.
I’m sure some people know that ’66 Pontiacs have a special place in my life. My Dad had a ’66 Bonneville, and my older brother a ’66 GTO. To me, the ’66 Grand Prix most closely resembled the ’66 GTO with the grill design, turn signal placement and rear tailight design. Of all the full size Pontiacs. If I owned one I’d definitely go for the 421. 4 speed or THM 400. It looks like there’s a lot to work with here.
@Driveinstile
Your Dad definitely had style, as did your brother. My brother bought a new ’67 GTO when he got back from Viet Nam.
Thank you. He did. I can totally your brother getting a Goat!!
I restored a 1966 Grand Prix in the 1980s. This is a sure bet to end up with nice car for a reasonable price. Forget the rear fender skirts. Get the 389 running good. Plenty nice car for a lot less than a GTO.
Personally, I prefer a ’65 GP over the ’66. In ’65 the ENTIRE Pontiac line was awarded Motor Trend’s “Car Of The Year” trophy, the ’65 Grand Prix [& the rest Pontiac’s full-size models] had a cleaner designed grille. Its grille had a more aggressive design, w/upright chrome dividers, as opposed to the tapered-toward-the-center openings of that on the ’66, emulating the GTO. Also the rear taillight facia had more stainless horizontal ribs than the ’66, which effectively hid the taillight lenses….until activated.
Grand Prix 🏁 Another top all time model, like the Buick Riviera.
Two Pontiacs from the same owner. Great taste in cars!