Tri-Power Drop-Top: 1966 Pontiac GTO
The 1966 model year would be the best ever for the Pontiac GTO. Launched in 1964, nearly 97,000 copies were built in ’66 when the GTO was promoted to series status over being an option on the Tempest/LeMans. A 389 cubic inch V8 was standard equipment and quite a few 1966 GTOs came with a Tri-Power carburetion set-up (in its last year). Not only does this example have the triple two-barrel carburetors it’s also a convertible!
We’re told this GTO has just 22,000 miles and it looks like either a babied original or a restoration where the odometer has turned over. Also, there is no photo of the best part of the car – the engine compartment. I can’t imagine listing a cool car like this without popping the hood. The Pontiac is finished in Reef Turquoise and is joined by a matching interior and a white top.
Muscle cars and convertibles went together well in the 1960s and this GTO should be one of 12,800 GTO drop-tops assembled in 1966. We don’t know how many of them came with the 360-hp Tri-Power motor, but 19,000 GTOs overall came with that arrangement. This GOAT has an automatic transmission, but a 4-speed manual would have made it even more attractive. The seller also advertises this car as also having power front disc brakes, Safe T-Track, and 3.55:1 gear.
The wording of the ad sounded a lot like another cool car we saw listed recently, but the location and seller’s handle are different, so we assume it’s a coincidence and a different seller. From Bolingbrook, Illinois, this Pontiac has been bid to $25,200 so far here on eBay. Supposedly a Buy It Now option is available, but it’s not an official part of the eBay listing and you have to contact the seller directly.
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Comments
Wow! Coolest car ever. Okay, one of the coolest. You know, I kvetch about newer( foreign) cars, and owners have good reason to be loyal with years of service, but you can’t possibly compare anything today that has the zing of this car. I read, this car cost just over $3grand, $200 more than the hardtops, but options went well beyond that and to bolster my half baked views, one site said the 4 speed in the convertible would actually be worth less than the automatic. That site recognized who would be attracted to this car. This will be one of the few cars that will have interest for a long time, just because of what it is.
Engine pics???
Great looking Goat and a great cruiser, too. The automatic and power features only make it more inviting to drive. It’s easy to see why everyone wanted something like a GTO.
I don’t recall these coming with headrests, was that special ordered?
LH & RH headrests were factory option A82 for a whopping $52.66.
This car also has the optional reclining passenger seat, code 574 that cost a buyer $84.26, but that included the headrests that carried option code 571. This GTO appears to be very nice, however, the ad appears to be of concern. It was recently (6-8-24) sold on BAT for $72,068 https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1966-pontiac-gto-102/ The car has some options added including the aforementioned headrests and reclining passenger seat, tilt column, wood wheel, console, Rally l’s, and a replacement 3 speed transmission . The car was sold in Texas, the seller represents the car in the Chicago area (along with the same images) and a MN phone number. I would be extremely cautious with this one. But, at the end of the day, a very nice 66 indeed, wherever it is!
A very pretty car with a very weak ad. I’m suspicious.
The seller’s feedback rating is “2”, both for purchases, after being on eBay for two years. A no-reserve auction with an unspecified Buy-It-Now price. No engine, undercarriage, VIN plate, trim tag, or trunk photos. This is not a good look for an on-line ad.
I agree!
One pedal short.
Need to get the fraud sniffer John Dillman on the case – No reserve, sketchy ad, lack of pictures.
Barnum was right – There’s a sucker born every minute and the fraudsters know it. If it seems to good to be true then it probably is.
Stunning car in a great color. I bought a new 1966 Tempest Custom 2-door HT with the Sprint OHC6 and 4-speed options. Same glorious Reef Turquoise with aqua vinyl interior and Rallye I wheels. These cars were from Pontiac’s greatest decade!