We commonly see classics at Barn Finds where an owner has forsaken an automatic transmission for a manual to unlock additional performance. It is rarer for one to appear where someone has adopted the opposite approach. That is the story behind this 1966 Pontiac GTO. Its presentation is difficult to fault, and its mechanical good health is a bonus. The GTO is listed here on eBay in Granada Hills, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,100, but the history to date suggests that the situation will change.
Pontiac introduced the GTO as an options package on its LeMans models in 1964, with the performance variant serving as John DeLorean’s baby. The company granted it standalone status in 1966 when our feature car rolled off the line. Its presentation is stunning, and although I am not a fan of Black cars, I willingly make an exception in this case. The seller confirms it received a repaint in Starlight Black last year. They applied the new coat over laser-straight panels but didn’t stop there. The back bumper is new, as are many of the badges, the rocker moldings, and the wheel well moldings. The impact is jaw-dropping, guaranteeing this GTO will attract attention wherever it goes. If the new owner rocks up at a Cars & Coffe, they will need to beat back the crowds who will flock to this gem! The seller states it has no rust issues, and if it has spent its life in its current location, that is unsurprising. The tinted glass is spotless, as are the wheels and trim rings.
GTO buyers in 1966 could have any engine they liked, as long as it was the 389ci V8. This car originally featured a four-speed manual transmission, but somebody swapped it for an automatic. The seller doesn’t specify what type of auto it is, but I hope it isn’t a two-speed Powerglide. Undoubtedly, the Powerglide is bulletproof, but it doesn’t offer the same performance levels as a three-speed. The V8 should produce at least 335hp, placing a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET within reach. Whether this GTO features its numbers-matching engine is unclear, but we know it runs and drives perfectly. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.
This Pontiac’s interior provides more positive news, with its upholstered surfaces wearing spotless White vinyl. It is contrasted by Black carpet and other trim pieces, and there appears to be little to criticize. The vinyl shows no evidence of significant wear, stains, or yellowing. The dash pad is new, and the rest of the dash is immaculate. There are a couple of additions for the buyer to consider. Someone cut the dash to fit an aftermarket stereo while a gauge cluster hangs below the dash. The change of transmission necessitated a shifter swap and a B&M unit now pokes out of the floor. Reversing these modifications is possible but depends on how serious the winning bidder is about achieving a stock appearance.
This 1966 Pontiac GTO makes a bold statement courtesy of its paint and trim combination. The GTO is acknowledged as the father of the muscle car, and its performance justifies that tag. This one has received twenty-two bids, and the popularity of these classics means that the total will undoubtedly climb as the end draws near. Have you ever owned a GTO of this vintage? Was the experience enjoyable enough to leave you contemplating a repeat performance? If so, maybe this is the car you’ve been waiting for.
The body makeovers of ’66 Pontiac’s were my favorite in the day, and for a good reason. Mechanically this was the car I learned to drive in. It was my dad’s .The difference was he ordered a base tempest with the HD suspension and the 389 GTO engine, and ugh, the automatic. I remember sliding around on the bench seat, the water leaks onto the back window sill, and refilling the tank to look like I didn’t drive hard or go too far.
This one is super clean looking in black over white.
The base Tempest could not be ordered with a 389. 326 was the only V8 in 66.
I find it amazing for how rare these cars are supposed to be and how many pop up on just this site alone. I really don’t see these high collection values on cars that there are probably tens of thousands for sale around the world. So are they really that rare I mean we see several a week just here
Well as far as rarity, I see more 1960’s Mustangs than GTO’s. Mustangs had higher production numbers. I still consider older Mustangs as a rarity because of their place in automotive history, and their existence has diminished over time.
GTO’s have their own place in muscle car history, and they had lower production numbers than early Mustangs. Fewer GTO’s exist than ’60’s Mustangs. These facts alone qualify GTO’s as rare.
For further contrast, I can’t drive ten minutes without passing a Prius or newer Civic. I only see GTO’s when a car show is nearby.
I remember when I was in highschool and all the Gtos running the streets and my brother had his second car was a 67 that he and my father restored and his best friend drove a 66 which he still owns to this very day some 49 yrs later😎😎😎🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️
Yes please!!!! A very nice Poncho.
That’s a very old nickname for a Pontiac. Been around forever.
Now we have the “Nickname Police”.
People get called out here for the strangest things.
My father call Pontiacs “ponchos” in the 70’s. I don’t understand why that nickname is worth getting upset over. It seems like your ignorance is the issue here.
I guess you never read hot rod.
These would probably be my favorite 60″s car if they had only put a nice dashboard in it. I know not all will agree but for me even I love the exterior of a car if the interior is ugly I just can’t do it. Mostly I just mean the dashboard. The dash just has to be a nice design I just can’t own the car.
I feel this exact way with all the new style camaros the dash is ugly and cheap looking
Too bad, removing the 4 speed, the rear of the engine changed a few times, my 63 pontiac catalina 389 had a horrible automatic, I was hoping for the poweglide, I could have put in a turbo 350,400, but adapter plates, and other modifications were needed,
The heads are correct for 66′,they’re stamped 93 on the center ports,so you could probably assume the block is correct as well,Black paint looks awesome when done right,as seems to be the case here.worth every penny they’re asking for.
The best looking year.
Is it me or is the left rear bumper bent? Beside that this is a sweet gto!
Good eye! It looks like it was pulled backwards from underneath. The way the corner appears to be touching the rear sheet metal.
But that wouldn’t make me push it out of my driveway if someone left it there with the title…😁👍🏻
And this one my CFO/COO said we could buy if we just sell both my bikes, my old F150, the ‘97 Mustang (V6 econo motor), and a bunch other stufff!
Hmmmm….
Anyone wanna buy a 32 lb Siamese cat with an attitude?
The Pontiac does not use a Chevrolet Powerglide transmission. It would not bolt up. Rather it uses the super turbine 300 which is the BPO two speed equivalent of a powerglide. I have it in my 67 tempest.
You’re right except for the inline Chev 6 cylinder. It used a Powerglide.
I love the classic GTO. AKA the goat. Black is not a favorite shade for me it eats the sun’s heat and if I wear black pants it burns my legs just driving it. But that is with any car painted black. I’d rather have a real color light enough to reflect the sun away from the car.
Black is over rated it may look bad to the bone but no matter what color you paint it a classic GTO will always be bad to the bone.
I think you have that confused with the Bad to the Bone Buick Grand National.
Have a black car, love/hate relationship. Vehicle definitely turns heads, given right of way when not my turn. Would prefer another color, white interior great for the sun.