There are few sights more depressing than seeing a classic muscle car left exposed to the elements. It is especially true when it is a Convertible version with no top to protect its interior and floors from all Mother Nature has to throw at it. That has been the fate of this 1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible, which needs somebody to save it before it crumbles away to dust. It was once a magnificent beast, but that raises the question of whether it could be once again. The GTO is listed here on Craigslist in Springfield, Missouri. It is worth noting that there is no title with this Pontiac, but it could be yours for $7,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this sad beast.
After appearing in 1965 as an option package for the Tempest, Pontiac granted the GTO a standalone model status in 1966. It proved a sales success, and the First Generation cars are often credited as the father of the muscle car sector. We don’t know when this Cameo Ivory Convertible landed in its current location, but its overall condition suggests it has borne the brunt of a few winters. Much of its paint has gone, replaced by various levels of corrosion and penetrating rust. It has afflicted some of the body’s lower extremities, and the lack of protection offered by a soft-top means the floors are beyond repair. The front sheetmetal is missing, as is most of the trim and glass. However, the seller states the frame is sound, offering a glimmer of hope that a new owner may be able to perform a revival.
The seller doesn’t provide any clear engine photos, but this classic left the showroom floor equipped with a 389ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and a Posi rear end. It is unclear which version of the 389 originally called this GTO home, but the driver had at least 335hp available under their right foot. With a ¼ mile ET of 14.6 seconds, it provided a rapid wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. The seller says that while the original Posi rear end is intact, the existing engine and four-speed are not numbers-matching. There is no information on their health, meaning the buyer should probably factor rebuild costs into their restoration budget.
Turning our attention to this GTO’s interior reveals a further array of missing parts. I can’t spot seats or seat frames, with the remaining upholstered trim pieces also gone. The lack of weather protection means the gauges, wiring, and other electrical components have probably deteriorated beyond repair, adding further to the build costs. A previous owner installed a ’64 dash, but the original unit and console are in the trunk. That is a small ray of light in what appears to be a gloomy picture.
Pontiac struck a chord with buyers with its 1966 GTO, with 96,946 buyers parking one in their driveway. Of those, only 12,798 selected the Convertible version. Today, tidy examples regularly sell for more than $60,000, although a pristine car can venture into six-figure territory. Although this Pontiac requires a dedicated new owner willing to commit the time and funds to its restoration, rapidly climbing values could make it worthwhile. Would you rise to the challenge, or is it beyond what you’re willing to tackle?
Agree that it’s a gloomy looking picture… right along with the asking price.
Always like these pictures from a salvage yard.
GTO was never an option on a Tempest, yet I seem to hear it constantly. Lemans became its own model separate from Tempest. Then, when GTO was introduced in 64, it was an option package on Lemans, not Tempest. It was like this in 64, 65, 72, and 73. From 66-71 GTO was its own VIN
The only power option on the 66 was tri power. No p/s. No p/b, no p/w
Nothing but power. You could smoke the tires off in 20 ft.
The only power option was Tri-Power? You could get virtually every option with the exception of factory AC on a Tri-Power equipped GTO, power steering, brakes, windows, seat, antenna, trunk, etc.
In 67
Dan, I have no idea of where or how you arrived at that bit of info, but you could get most of the above mentioned options from 1964 and up. 1966 was the last year that Tri-Power was available as an option, however.
I have a Tri- Pwr 4 speed A/C with PW PS and more . All options were available .
In all my years, I’ve never seen anything but bare bones 66.
I stand corrected. Thanks
At least the keys are still in her.
Overpriced at free. And I love these cars, I’ve owned 2 67s and a 64 GTO. It would be a labor of love, as they say. Price would make more sense if it had a title
Somebody save this goat! I’ve seen far worse. Lots of parts out there you just have to have a good bank account.
And Craig’s list it belongs. Probably FB also. When I look at these I only imagine the amount of money to get it to the end result. Body guy or not.
What a shame… I would LOVE to punch the owner… right square in the mouth…
But it has such great patina!!
what’s weird is that dash is not a 66 dash. 65 maybe?
It is either a 64 or 65 dash, difficult to tell with the pics. The 64 GTO dash had the engine-turned applique, the 65 was wood grained, along with minor changes to the instruments themselves. Either way, this is a “base” dash without the rally instrumentation, it could also be from a Tempest or LeMans. Why it was swapped is a mystery, maybe one of the previous owners liked the left hand ignition switch? I personally like the 64-65 dash better, it is a little less “bulky” There is a replacement dash in the trunk for the next ambitious owner.
Good catch! It’s actually a ’64 dash (no chicken bar on the passenger side, just the GTO 6.5 Liter crests well as the ’64-only engine turned aluminum cluster surround panel)
Another example of a seller wanting to get paid for hauling off his scrap metal. Especially after he’s picked the carcass Clean. $7K for what’s left of this GTO is close to a highway robbery case. What is left of this one is barely worth $500.
500 maybe free with title yes but this will be a money pit
We need a picture of the VIN to verify it’s a GTO.
The only reason this pile of trash is for sale because the winter auctions are a few weeks away. My portfolio is in the toilet thanks to the government. Even if it was at 2020 levels, I would not buy this car and I have owned two GTOs.
No no no just run away even if FREE & with a title
That’ll buff right out 😂
Barf find .
Barrett Jackson and all the rest of the auction companies that popped up, make everyone think that a $500.00 car is worth thousands what a joke, definitely ruined the hobby for the avg Joe. This GTO is a parts car at best. $500.00 maybe $1,500.
Obviously you didn’t notice the wing windows
Maybe 1;500? Maybe 1;500 pesos.
Is that an ac bracket on a non ac car? So it is the wrong engine. Probably a small valve big car engine. There are really no usable parts left. I wouldn’t take it for free.
I wonder if anybody will buy this at any price.