Tri-Power Drop-Top: 1966 Pontiac GTO
This beautiful 1966 Pontiac GTO checks a lot of boxes. Besides being a real GTO (not a Tempest), it’s also a convertible, has a 4-speed manual transmission, and the highly desirable Tri-Power 389 cubic inch V8. The seller doesn’t say if all of this is original but does indicate PHS documentation is included with the car, so we assume that it is. Located in Winnetka, Illinois, this white/red/black beauty is available here on eBay where the best bid over $41,100 will get to claim it as their own.
The GTO got a styling refresh in 1966, its third year on the market. It also became a series of its own as the 1964 and 1965 models blew sales expectations out of the water. And this would be the car’s best numbers year with more than 96,000 copies built, a figure that wouldn’t be bested before the nameplate was retired in 1974. 1966 would be the last year for the 389 V8 and Tri-Power, with a 400 and a 4-barrel coming in 1967. 12,800 convertibles left the assembly line in ’66, but by the time you allow for the triple carbs and a 4-speed, the number may have been closer to 1,500-2,000 units (doing the math).
Too bad the listing for this car doesn’t go into the car’s history and the authenticity of things. Instead, the seller chooses to use flowery language like you might find in a brochure. Hopefully, the PHS documentation backs up what the serial number identification plate says (the seller calls it a chassis number). And if this beauty has just 49,000 miles on it, it has been treated with kid gloves over the past 57 years – or has been restored.
Everything looks in order from the color combination to the detailing and the addition of some bling under the hood. The Rally II wheels look perfect for a ride like this, and the aftermarket AM/FM radio sports the Pontiac name. If you’ve been looking for a classic GTO like this, the one presented here might be quite a nice find.
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Comments
Very “Cool” ’66 GTO convertible in multiple color combo & rare w 389 tri- power; the tri power set up alone is worth a few bucks$$ & 4 speed in this car makes it rare ! this car is very 60 ‘s vibe looking inside ( 2 spoke steering wheel & out & dash & instrument panel & gages!) also very 60’s nostalgia !? & this car is worth pretty penny $$k’s when mostly original & cleaned up & rust free which mostly looks to be ?!
A true General Motors Classic ! Pontiac shared the same body style as the Oldsmobile Cutlass with some differences . Price ? Those cars cost about $3,000 when purchased new , which was a lot back then ! You could add other options at additional cost. Cleaned up , or restored , these make GOOD INVESTMENTS !!! Happy Motoring
Friend of mine in HS had the exact car. Always drove it like he stole it.
Died in a motorcycle wreck. a few years after graduation.
God bless Greg M.
Back in 1977, my best friend and I went in partners and bought this same exact car for $500. When I say exact, I mean same color and everything. Of course ours wasn’t nearly as nice, it had dents, rust, needed a new top, and didn’t really run. Well, we did drive it to his house, about 5 miles, but there it sat, at the mercy of two kids with no money and big dreams. Long story, but we ended up trading it for another project. I really hope this is our old car and someone deserving restored it.
Very nice looking Goat, I had a 67 red/red/white convertible with just about every option other than the power drivers seat. It would be nice to have a few photo’s of the PHS, and engine stampings. I wouldn’t mind parking this next to my 65 convert project for some inspiration! Rally 1 wheels would make a big difference on this car. Sweet!
I understand the confusion of thinking there’s some added bling under the hood. The reality is that all GTOs got the chrome air cleaners and valve covers and were just that pretty. With the exception of the red plug wires, it looks pretty stock.
Pretty car. Wish the PHS report was shown along with some undercarriage pictures. Apparently I’m in the minority though because the ad says there are 185 bids and it’s up to $42,800!
cant help but wonder how legit this ad can be when someone with zero feedback/sales is selling their 3 door GTO.
Like Nick P said. Looks almost stock with the exception of the plug wires AND I don’t think the 66 came with the electronic ignition distributor.
Not to Davey, but the bidding will probably exceed $50 – $55,000 on this one. Like some others, would like to see pics of the underside and some paperwork before I open my wallet.
But then again, my wallet locked up on this car when I saw it.
Transistor ignition was available on a 66.