Tri-Power-Equipped 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe 4-Speed

Description

The 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe marked a pivotal year for the muscle car era. As the first GTO to become its own model line rather than an option package, it showcased Pontiac’s commitment to performance and style. The redesigned body featured a sleek "Coke-bottle" profile, recessed grille, and louvered tail lamps, giving it a more aggressive stance.

Under the hood, the standard 389-cubic-inch V8 delivered 335 horsepower, with the famed Tri-Power setup boosting output to 360 hp. Buyers could choose from manual or automatic transmissions, and performance options like heavy-duty suspension and limited-slip differential enhanced its street credibility. The hardtop coupe, with its pillarless design, became the most popular body style.

This 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe, equipped with a Hurst four-speed manual, is the reported beneficiary of a prior restoration, and the car has been driven approximately 600 miles since the work was completed. The car’s 389ci V8 engine came with a four-barrel carburetor, but a Tri-Power setup and manifold have been installed. The GTO was repainted in factory correct Montero Red and also wears American Racing torque thrust wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

This Tri-Power-Equipped GTO is now offered with a spare set of wheels, some spare parts, and a clean Ohio title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 389 cu-in V8 engine

• Tri-Power setup and manifold equipped 20+ years ago

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Refinished in factory correct Montero Red paint

• Showing 81,300 miles, which the seller believes is original

Factory Equipment

• Hurst four-speed manual transmission with wood shift knob

• Black vinyl bucket seats

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel

• 120-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer

• Stacked headlights

• Mesh-pattern grille inserts

• Single, centered hood scoop

• Louvered taillights

• The data plate decodes as:

  • Date: 04A – Built first week in April

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

  • Body: FRA 3157 – Framingham (Massachusetts) assembly; Tempest/LeMans Series 2-Door Hardtop

  • Trim: 223-B – Black vinyl

  • Paint: H-H – Montero Red

  • Group 2 options: LC – 4-speed manual transmission and center console

  • Group 3 options: BN – Rear window defogger and roof rail reading lamps

  • Group 4 options: F – Outside remote mirror

  • Group 5 options: PY - Luggage lamp (Framingham and Pontiac plants only) and Deluxe front seat belts with retractors

• The chassis number (242176G111183) decodes as:

  • 2 – Pontiac

  • 42 – GTO

  • 17 – 2-Door Hardtop Coupe

  • 6 – 1966 model year

  • G – Framingham (Massachusetts) assembly plant

  • 111183 – Sequential production number

Modifications

• Restoration in the early 2000s included:

  • 389 cu-in Tri-Power V8 engine swapped for original

  • Refinished in factory correct Montero Red paint

  • Aftermarket oil pressure gauge mounted below dash

  • American Racing torque thrust wheels

Servicing

• Regular oil changes acording to the seller

• Michelin Pilot Super Sport 225/45ZR18 tires

• Iridium plugs and new plug wires

Known Imperfections

• Headliner sags in the rear

• Power steering pump (from a 1969 Camaro) has a leak

Ownership History

The seller of this 1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop Coupe purchased it in August 2022.

Included Items

• Cragar SS wheels and tires, which came with the car when purchased

• Air shocks in the rear to accommodate the larger rear wheels and tires that came with the car (pictured in some photos)

• Unused headliner

• Spare tire

• Carpeted GTO floor mats