The Pontiac GTO is generally credited with starting the muscle car movement in the mid-1960s, and some may contest that claim. But all GM divisions except Cadillac would get in on the action as well as most every other domestic automobile manufacturer. 1966 would be the third year of the GTO (the lettering is often said to mean “gas-tires-oil”) and sold brisky at just under 100,000 units. This is said to be a one owner car since new, but it has deteriorated badly over the years. It’s under a carport in Los Angeles, California and available here on craigslist for $9,000. Thanks, rex m, for this tip!
Pontiac GTO’s were in production in the U.S from 1964 to 1974, with a rebirth in Australia from 2004-06. It started out as an option on the LeMans, then became its own series through 1971 and ended up as an option again, finally on the compact Ventura. The car got its first restyle in ’66, gaining a curvy look with a slightly “tunneled” backlight. The taillight featured a louvered cover, a GTO exclusive. The GTO that year would be available with a couple of variations of the 389 V-8, one with a 4-barrel carb and the other with 3×2-barrels, which was dropped in the middle of the model year. Pontiac would crank out nearly 97,000 GTOs in 1966, with nearly 74,000 of them being 2-door hardtops like the seller’s car. Thanks, GTO Heaven!
The seller appears to be the original owner of this 1966 GTO, which means it must not be easy selling a machine like this after 54 years. The “Goat” is said to a numbers-matching car, and we assume the engine is the 4-barrel, 335 version of the GTO, which would have been more common. It has an automatic transmission, which likely makes it be a Powerglide 2-speed. It’s a well-optioned car, with a console, power steering and factory air conditioning.
The body and interior look rough and the seller indicates there is rust to be dealt with without indicating how much and where. We’re assuming the car started out burgundy in color (there are traces of blue, too), but its badly faded or covered by grey primer. No photos are provided of the inside of the trunk, engine compartment or undercarriage, so the car’s physical condition is bit of a mystery. The only thing we can attest to about the interior is that the driver’s seat looks okay, but the carpet is shot.
If this GTO was in top notch condition, it could fetch up to $75,000, according to Hagerty. But even ones in fair condition can bring one third of that. So, at the seller’s asking price, there is room to fund a restoration. But a better presentation of the car for sale would enable potential buyers to understand just how good (or bad) this GTO is.
The letters G T O was actually a rip off of Ferrari’s GTO meaning Gran Turismo Omalgotto ( sic) or a Gran Touring car that has been homologated to race in Formula one competition.
This poor poncho is going to require a lot of money before it will look it’s best again. Hope underside is ok. Love these almost as much as my 67 Chevelle SS 396
Little more info from seller would’ve been good. Maybe an engine compartment pic?!? It’s crappy when you have to speculate what these cars have. And people, just as with the blue and white challenger, when taking pics turn your phone sideways, never vertical pics. Nevertheless, theres no doubt this one needs full attention to be rockin the streets again.
It’s not a power glide. The 2 speed Pontiac trans was a Super Turbine 300 automatic. A real slushbox for those that have driven them.
Wow, the “original owner” sure took good care of his prize possession.
What else does he have to sell?
Sometimes, life gets un the way of best intentions. The man has had this car since new, he’s definitely an older gentleman. I’m sure at one time, he had best intentions of putting her back on the road. At least he decided to give her a fighting chance before it was a pile of rust on the ground.
67 is more desirable with the 400/400 combo, that 2 speed is trash, but if you can buy it cheap, throw a 400 Trans in it or even better a 700, but that 2 speed is garbage
This GTO is equipped with factory air
While the ’66 Super Turbine 300 is just a 2-speed, it’s a pretty darned stout one at that. With Pontiac’s 389 supplying the grunt, its two ranges are known as “fast” and “faster” and they were (are) a blast to drive. I do agree; however, that the Turbo 400 3-speed that followed for the ’67 model year was a much better “step n’ steer” gearbox. As for me, I prefer to row my own!
I agree, the ST 300 was a tough booger. Didnt have that irksome whine the powerglide had. The similar whine, of the Muncie 4 speeds was music to the ears, lol. One of my favorite parts of the movie, 2 Lane Blacktop was hearing that muncie.
Once again we can see “Rust Never Sleeps.”
I had a 66 GTO with the 400 and the “Hurst his N hers” shifter option. This tugs at my heart.
If you had a 66 with 400/turbo 400 and his/hers, it had been changed out or your 66 was a 67 in disguise. His/hers was first available in the GTO in 67, same as both the 400 engine and 400 trans. The 67 and 67 are quite similar but the 67 is a far more refined car than the 66 was. The tri-power was last in the 66 but many have found their way onto newer models.