As demonstrated by the “242” code toward the start of the VIN, this 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop is a genuine GTO and the merchant has PHS documentation to back it up.
Alongside the Tri-Power framework, a couple of extra upgrades were made to improve the presentation and drivability of the vehicle, including front plate slows down and revamped suspension segments.
EXTERIOR
Per the “R” code on the firewall-mounted trim tag, this GTO rolled out of the Pontiac, Michigan assembly plant in Montero Red and that’s the color it was repainted when the body was restored. The seller indicates no noteworthy blemishes or swirl marks in the paint. No reported rust, either.
The exterior trim appears to be in very good condition and all of the correct badges and the GTO-specific grille are in place. The glass is said to be original and in very good condition, along with window seals described by the seller as being in “excellent” condition. All of the exterior lighting reportedly works normally. The hood scoop was also opened up to make it more functional.
INTERIOR
The interior has been restored with all-new or refurbished original components. The seats were recovered with correct-appearing red vinyl and new carpet was installed. The hard seatbacks also look to be in very good condition, with no apparent scratches or gouges. The dash pad, door panels and steering wheel all appear to be in very good condition.
All of the interior lighting and gauges are said to work normally, too. The original gauges have been replaced with modern Dakota Digital instruments that include a digital speedometer display in addition to the conventional analog readout. The original gauges are included with the sale of the car. Additionally, the original AM radio has been rebuilt, according to the seller, and the heater works normally.
POWERTRAIN
The motor is a date-code-right 1966 389-cu.in. V-8 that has been remade, blueprinted, adjusted and dyno-tried, as per the vender. The vehicle was initially joked with a solitary four-barrel carb, however the remake incorporated a move up to the famous Tri-Power framework and the carbs utilized with it are right for a ’66 model year GTO.
The vender says the motor turns over effectively and subsides into a high inactive of around 1,000 rpm when cold. The dealer reports no smoke at startup and no breaks or sobbing from the 389 nor the Muncie M20 four-speed manual transmission, which is said to move easily.
CHASSIS
Rounding out this GTO’s restoration was the rebuilding of the front and rear suspension systems, according to the seller, including new springs, shocks, sway bars, tie-rod ends and bushings. With only about 2,500 miles on the car since its completion, they remain in nearly new condition, with no reported issues.
Likewise, the brakes were redone and the fronts were upgraded to power-assisted discs with drilled-and-slotted rotors. Drum brakes were retained in the rear. The car also has power steering, with no reported leaks in the system. It rolls on Pontiac Rally II 14-inch wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radial tires that have a reported “95 percent” of their tread.
