The Pontiac GTO is an icon of American muscle cars. While muscle cars had existed before, the 1966 GTO really put them on the map and kicked off the golden age of high-performance vehicles in the 1960s and 70s. With bold styling, a powerful V8 engine, and a price tag working-class buyers could afford, the ’66 GTO had an unbeatable combination that made it a smash hit.

Origins of the 1964-1966 GTO

Pontiac unveiled the first GTO in 1964 by taking their intermediate-size Tempest model and dropping in a 389 cubic inch V8 engine normally reserved for full-size vehicles. This gave the relatively small car blistering acceleration times and a top speed over 115 mph. The name GTO came from the famous Ferrari 250 GTO race car, and stood for Gran Turismo Omologato – Italian for Grand Touring Homologated, meaning officially certified for racing in the grand tourer class.

The 1964 GTO was only intended as an option package for the Tempest, not its own model. But it was so popular that the GTO became its own standalone car for 1966. That year saw Pontiac make the boldest, most potent GTO yet.

Powerful V8 Engine Options

The 1966 GTO boasted multiple engine options, all V8s. The base engine was a 389 cubic inch V8 producing 325 horsepower. Stepping up to the premium option got you a 389 Tri-Power engine with three two-barrel carburetors for 348 horsepower.

But most desirable was the mighty 428 cubic inch V8 producing an astounding 360 horsepower. No other muscle car in this price range could match that kind of power. The GTO could rocket from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and run the quarter mile in 14.7 seconds. This thrilling performance made the ’66 GTO the undisputed king of the streets.

Aggressive Styling Matches Big Power

The 1966 GTO had a bold, aggressive stance to properly showcase its high-performance capabilities. The stylists at Pontiac knew the GTO was created for speed, so they designed it to look the part.

Up front was an imposing grille with stacked headlights. The long hood and short rear deck gave the car classic muscle car proportions. Optional hood scoops gave it a race car-inspired look. Twin exhaust pipes exited from each side of the rear. Customers could order striking stripe packages and larger wheels for added visual impact.

The interior was driver-focused, with a three-spoke steering wheel, circular gauges, and plush bucket seats – the perfect place to command a muscle car. The GTO’s design backed up its big power and left no doubt this car was made for performance.

GTO’s Success Reshapes the Auto Industry

Over 96,000 GTOs were sold in 1966, nearly triple the 1964 total. This stunning sales success showed a big market hungry for youthful, fast cars. Other manufacturers quickly developed their own muscle cars to compete, launching the golden age of high-performance vehicles.

Before the GTO, most cars were staid family sedans or stately luxury models. Pontiac proved there was demand for an affordable car with serious power under the hood. The 1966 GTO’s formula was copied by other automakers rushing to create their own muscle machines. The entire industry shifted towards performance, led by the GTO that started it all.

From Budget Car to Collectible Icon

The base price of the 1966 GTO was around $3,100, though most buyers opted for higher-end trims and engines. While hardly cheap, this price meant the average blue-collar worker could save up for their dream car. Buyers got the prestige of a luxury vehicle with blistering performance at a working-class price.

Because so many were sold, 1966 GTOs are easy to find today and make an excellent, affordable collector muscle car. Top-of-the-line GTOs in flawless condition can sell for over $100,000 at auction due to their rarity and historic status. Even standard coupes in good shape trade hands for $20,000-$30,000.

The ’66 GTO is appreciated both as the original muscle car and a pivotal vehicle that steered the entire auto industry in a new direction. For collectors and enthusiasts, the GTO marks the start of the American muscle car era.

The Car that Launched the Muscle Car Wars

The 1966 GTO didn’t just lead the muscle car movement, it kicked off an outright horsepower war between automakers. Ford soon launched the Torino GT to challenge the GTO. Chrysler turned their intermediate Satellite into the hot-rodded GTX. American Motors created the mighty Javelin and Dodge had the Charger.

This new competition forced Pontiac to keep making their top GTO more powerful year after year. By 1969, the GTO packed a Ram Air V8 cranking out 366 horsepower. Output peaked in 1970 before tougher emissions regulations and rising insurance costs brought the original muscle car era to a close. But that glittering age of high-performance machines all started with the stunning success of the 1966 Pontiac GTO.

Conclusion

The 1966 Pontiac GTO is an automotive icon because it had the total package – head-turning good looks, thrilling acceleration, exclusivity, and a price working folks could pay. Other muscle cars quickly followed in the GTO’s tire tracks, but the original goat will always have a special place in history.

For collectors lucky enough to own one, it’s easy to look back through the decades and imagine the excitement of an average Joe buying his dream car back in 1966 – the mighty GTO that started the muscle car revolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine did the 1966 GTO use?

The most powerful option was a 428 cubic inch V8 producing 360 horsepower, making it the fastest muscle car under $4000.

How fast could a 1966 GTO go?

With the 360 hp 428 engine, 0-60 mph took just 6.1 seconds and the quarter mile took 14.7 seconds. Top speed was well over 115 mph.

How much did a 1966 GTO cost when new?

Base price was around $3100, but most buyers spent $3500-$4000 on better engines and options. A new one was affordable for average workers.

How many 1966 GTOs were sold?

An incredible 96,946 GTOs were sold in 1966, nearly triple the first year sales. This huge success shocked the industry.

Why is the 1966 GTO so important?

It kicked off the muscle car era and steered the entire auto industry to focus on performance, creating the golden age of high-power cars in the 1960s and 70s.