Looking for all the world like a cross between a muscle car and a personal luxury coupe is this beautiful “Martinique Bronze” 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix. The craigslist seller from Orlando, Florida, says that this is a numbers-matching, 80,000-mile California survivor with one repaint and “no rust,” and that it “takes the two thumbs up award” everywhere they go. Barn Finds reader Tony Primo found it and sent in the link for this solid big Poncho, and its asking price is $31,000.
The standard engine in the 1966 Grand Prix with the Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 was this 325-horsepower 389 with a 10.5:1 compression ratio and standard dual exhausts; equipped as such, the standard rear axle ratio was 2.73:1. This one also has power steering and brakes, in addition to (surprise!) working air conditioning. The Carter AFB has been professionally rebuilt, and although the seller does not go into specifics on this account, the 389 has “all new gaskets” and “no leaks.”
The interior is as luxurious as one would expect from a mid-1960s personal luxury coupe, with real leather “OEM style bucket seats.” This one also has the optional power windows in addition to the standard “walnut-accented” instrument panel and “walnut trimmed” console. Bucket seats and a console were still standard on the Grand Prix in 1966. One thing you may want to ask the seller about is the carpeted dash cover; it could be covering a cracked dash pad, but it could also be protecting that same dash pad from the harsh Florida sun.
Being a California car that now lives in Florida, it makes sense that the sheetmetal would be all original, and although the seller makes it a point to mention that their Grand Prix isn’t a show car, it’s definitely a nice example of a full-size sporty Pontiac from one of their best eras.
One of the best things about a 1966 Grand Prix? The taillights. They stretch from port to starboard, and when nestled between those stylized quarter-panel end caps, it makes for a pretty stylish car. The Torq-Thrust wheels may not be to your taste, but the seller will include the original wheel covers and fender skirts (which were standard) with the sale. I might keep the original parts in the basement and put them on whenever I want to change the car’s character. It’s good to have choices, and buying this Grand Prix might be a great one.
Wow!!! What a handsome Grand Prix. I always like the nose of the ’66 Grand Prix because of the close resemblance to the ’66 GTO with the turn signals in the grill. Just a handsome design, both coming and going. The real wood walnut trim on any mid 60’s Pontiac is one of my favorite things about them. This one looks phenomenal. I agree with Aaron, I’d want to hook my peepers under that dash cover, but maye it IS just protecting it. The Torque Thrusts look good here but I would love to see a set of 8 lug wheels here. That 389 with the 2:73 rear must be very nice on the highway. Mid 60’s full size Pontiacs are on the very top of my favorites list. Once again, Tony Primo, great find, and Aaron great write up too. I enjoyed it.
Wow, that ’56 coupe from last week, then the ’60 wagon and now this. A few really great Pontiacs. If I hit the Powerball I wouldn’t tell anybody but there would be signs. Like 3 great Pontiacs in my garage. But alas, I don’t have a garage or any winning lottery numbers. This one is a beauty, nice color and no ugly vinyl top to trap rust, peel off or break up the nice lines. I like the wheels too. Sorry to say though, in the 40 or 50 cars I have owned I don’t think I ever owned a Pontiac. A couple of Chevys, a Buick, a few Olds, 3 Cadillacs, a lot of Dodge, Plymouths and Chryslers, AMCs and even an IH pickup, but no Ponchos. Someone is going to fall in love with this and there ain’t a lot to pick from, so ya better hurry.
I bought my 66 GP in Phoenix in 1981 for $400. It had everything I needed: room for 4, ice cold a/c and that 389. Like a fool I sold it in 1984 and have been looking for a replacement ever since. Thanks Aaron and Tony!
Pretty amazing car, I think it would be easier to say what they DIDN’T order on this car. For the record, I know it looks like the tail lights go side to side, but the actual tail light is only on the end. There is no tail light under the trunk lid. I think there were custom jobs with a full tail light, but I don’t think here. Image 17 shows the reflector just as the trunk lid starts. The wheels really make it, better than those nice, but oh so common 8 lugs, this is a car for the ages. Must be pretty tough to have to part with it.
A lot of first GEN Grand Prix’s showing up it seems recently. That’s a good thing. What a great car. This is a really fine example here. In 65 you could’ve bought a decent little small farm here in Central Kentucky for the asking price of this car. Probably with a working tractor and a couple cows thrown in.
looks good in this color. needs 8 lugs though
Not a bad ’60s Pontiac made, is there? Gorgeous Grand Prix. The taillights are super sharp on the ’66. Nothing not to like here. 389, loaded, all good here…
love this car ! .favorite is 62 .dont see many up here on site
Had the Canadian version of this, a 66 Grande Parisienne, but in a 4 door hardtop. Same grille, same great looking taillights, same sexy body just a bit more interior room. And not nearly as collectible. I paid $200 for it in 1980 :)
I will say that the middle dashboard vent doesnt do the “wide low” look any favors but thats the only spoiler in an otherwise GREAT looking car. Wonder if I’d kept mine if it’d be worth more than $200 now lol
That bump is only on A/C-equipped cars. My ’66 Bonneville’s is flat.
Wish I could swap in the Grand Prix’s taillight design to my car, though.
What a beauty.
Love the car, love the wheels! The color, not so much.