Modified 494-powered 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe

Description

As the ads said, “You don’t know what a real tiger is until you hear this GeeTO Tiger growl.” Mechanically similar to 1965, the '66 GTO kept its proven formula but introduced striking new styling, replacing sharp lines with flowing curves and a distinctive “Coke bottle” profile. The design gave the car a more sensual, upscale presence, highlighted by the innovative “Flying Buttress” roofline. Power came from a standard 389ci V8 rated at 335 horsepower when new, with an optional Tri-Power setup boosting output to 360. The GTO appealed to a broad audience, with sales soaring past 96,000 units.

This ’66 GTO is refinished in Candlelite Cream with Black vinyl top, just as it came from the factory. Same with the Black vinyl bucket seat interior and factory air conditioning. But this is a tiger on steroids, with a 494ci stroker V8 using components from Pontiac expert Jim Butler, backed with a Monster 700R automatic transmission and 12-bolt Moser Engineering rear end with 3.55 gears. It all rides on a complete Global West suspension kit, adjustable Viking coilovers on all four wheels, and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes.

This 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe is now offered with a Protect-O-Plate, period registration documents, manuals, a binder of refurbishment and modification documents, and a clean Florida in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• Candlelite Cream with Black vinyl top (Y-2)

• Black vinyl bucket seat interior (223B)

• Pontiac 494ci stroker V8 engine

• Monster 700R4 automatic transmission

• Protect-O-Plate

Factory Equipment

• The Body by Fisher plate decodes as:

  • Date: 03D – Built fourth week in March

  • Style: 66-24217 – 1966 2-Door Hardtop Coupe

  • Body: PON 20299 – Pontiac, Michigan, assembly; plant body number

  • Trim: 223-B – Black vinyl

  • Paint: Y-2 – Candlelite Cream with Black vinyl

  • Group 1 options: W – Soft ray tinted glass (Windshield only)

  • Group 2 options: KWG – Air conditioning, 2 speed automatic transmission, and center console

  • Group 5 options: Y - Custom retractable front seat belt

• The chassis number (242176P268121) decodes as:

  • 2 – Pontiac Motor Division

  • 42 – Series GTO

  • 17 – Body Style 2-door hardtop

  • 6 – Model Year 1966

  • P – Assembly Plant Pontiac, Michigan

  • 268121 – Sequential Production Number

Modifications

Modification highlights reported by the selling dealer include:

• Interior

  • Vintage Air air-conditioning components

• Engine

  • Pontiac 494ci stroker V8

  • 4-bolt billet main caps

  • Built with many Butler Performance Pontiac components

  • Pump gas friendly 10.3:1 compression

  • 4.178 bore x 4.5-inch stroke

  • Eagle rotating assembly

  • Hydraulic roller camshaft

  • CNC ported aluminum cylinder heads

  • Doug’s heat wrapped headers

  • 3.5-inch oval exhaust with X-pipe

  • March Performance serpentine pulley system

  • Monster 700R4 four-speed overdrive automatic transmission with billet internal components and .70 overdrive

  • FTI lock up converter

  • Aluminum driveshaft rated for 1,000-plus horsepower

  • In-tank electric fuel pump

  • 1/2" fuel feed and return lines

  • 200-amp alternator

  • 1185 CA battery

• Brakes/Suspension

  • Complete Global West suspension system

  • Adjustable Viking coilovers front and rear

  • Quick ratio steering box

  • Complete powder coated Moser Engineering 12-bolt rear end with 3.55 gears

  • 17-inch wheels to clear the upgraded brake package

  • Wilwood 13-inch six-piston front disc brakes

  • Wilwood 13-inch four-piston rear disc brakes

  • Adjustable front to rear proportioning valve

Known Imperfections

• Small paint crack by hood scoop

• Paint scratched on trunk lid and quarter panel (see photo gallery)

Ownership History

According to its Protect-O-Plate, this 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe's first owner was in California and it may have remained there until at least 1979. It has been in Florida since 2007.

Included Items

• Protect-O-Plate

• Original California registration

• Refurbishment and modification paperwork

• Owner’s manual

• 1966 Owner Protection Plan

Additional Information

The seller states, “A mild, driver-friendly car with impressive power and torque. It delivers strong acceleration, responsive handling, and confident braking, all wrapped in great-looking styling. Built with top-of-the-line heavy-duty components, it features a reliable engine with a slightly choppy idle that adds character. Dependable in all conditions, it starts quickly and easily whether hot or cold, making it as practical as it is enjoyable to drive.”