The Pontiac GTO is one of the most important cars in post war U.S. auto history. This is because many think of it as the first true muscle car ever. The GTO was conceived to be a muscle car at the start after GM execs saw how kids were modifying their mid size street cars, making them faster and more flashy. GM decided to start doing this in house despite the GM ban on racing and the result was the launch of the GTO as its own model in 1964.
An interesting fact about the GTO is that GM got its name from the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. GTO is an Italian acronym for “Gran Turismo Omologato” (grand tourer homologate in English), which signified in the case of the Ferrari 250 GTO that the car in question was certified by the FIA for racing in the grand tourer class as a production car with at least a hundred units made. Unlike Ferrari who did not make 100 250 GTO cars, a very cool Pontiac employee had the car homologated by the FIA in 1964, so that it was possible for the GTO to compete in European sports car racing.
The GTO we have here as our Pick of the Day is a first generation 1966 GTO convertible located in Vero Beach, Florida. This car is for sale on ClassicCars.com by Motor City Classic Cars. They state that this GTO is one that has recently received a no-expense-spared restoration. All around this car you can see that a significant amount of time and money went into bringing it to its fantastic condition.
The trim tag correct Montero Red exterior paint looks to be excellent as does all the chrome and other trim on the cars exterior. The white power convertible top goes up and down at the push of a lever and is said to fit perfectly.
This GTO is powered by a 389ci/335 hp V8 with Tri-Power carburetors tied to a 4-speed manual transmission. The seller adds that this GTO represents the perfect build and is a great vehicle to drive.
Options on this GTO include a correct matching red interior with bucket seats and center console, a custom sports steering wheel, rally gauge cluster with tachometer, and push button AM/FM radio. It is equipped with power steering, a SafT-Track rear, ride and handling springs, shocks, stabilizer and Hurst Rally II wheels that are riding on newer Redline radial tires. They close stating that this GTO checks all the boxes and that Pontiac Historical Society documents are included with the vehicle.
I have said this before and I’ll say it again. It is always cheaper to buy a restored car than to have one restored. If I were in the market for an exceptionally restored GTO convertible, I would seriously consider this one with an asking price of $98,000. I guarantee that the restoration of this car, if it is as good as it looks, cost more than the asking price.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
66 has always been my favorite year. It may be cheaper to buy a restored vehicle, but definitely not as fun. Of course that is just my opinion.
I’ve never owned a GTO. I bought a 57 Chevy from a guy in Indiana that owned a GTO. I liked the 57 2 door post. He had put a 327 4 barrel carb. It had 59 Cadillac coup Deville seats a 59 Corvette grille, a modified hood with vents from Buick side vents. Dual exhaust and 3 on the tree. Loved it.
My first car was a 52 Studebaker Champion flat head 6. My next car was a 56 Ford Fairlane 312 with a 4 barrel. I tore it up running from Superintendent of the school. I bought a pretty blue 55 2 door post put the 312 in it. My grandfather never said anything about my driving which was wild. He would help me fix them. I’ve had at least 30 cars, I still loved that 57 Chevy. Black it was soo Shiney you could see yourself. Had couple of 55 Chevys.
I have a 1966 Pontiac GTO that I ordered new. I still have this car and I have restored it. It is marinia turquoise and has black interior. Now, get this, I ordered it with a bench seat and an auto transmission on the column. It has the original motor with three carburetors, rated at 360 hp.
Among the rarest combo among GTOs aside of the Ram Air engine or three-on-the-tree.
Gorgeous vehicle. If I had $100K sitting around doing nothing I’d be really tempted.
Fascinating!
I would bet that you have enough experiences that you could write an awesome book!
I really appreciate you and your story sharing Sir!
Do you have pictures?
We are not the seller. You need to go to the actual ad to see all the pictures. Click on the links in the story, or click on an image to be taken to the ad.
Hey man
I just ran across one of these GTOs last weekend. The car was in great shape. However, I was let down by driver, when tempted to show what she had against my 2014 stock v6 Camaro. I didn’t even floor it.
II KNOW THE GOAT HAS MORE TO OFFER THAN THAT
Yah, It’s a beautiful car, but $98 K???…Hummm…I would say maybe at a auction on TV,…but not just sold here? Say i wanted to sell it in a couple years, and drive it around, and put some miles on it, mainly because that’s what i would buy this car for…To enjoy it, not just stick it in a garage and let it “Mold” sitting, like most cars do when they sit. and all the rubber parts start to harden, What’s the point in purchasing this car you can’t drive and enjoy? It will go down in value as the days go on, like they say, “A car loses 30% of its value, once you drive it off the lot!” I’ll say maybe $35,000. on a good day. I think the convertible top, depreciates the price. And what about “AIR-CONDITIONING” after all we are in Florida, today it got up to 91 degrees!! ..Just sayin…
Would be interested if it had the hardtop,red also,not vinal.