After 30 years of neglect, a remarkable rescue breathes new life into this 1966 Pontiac GTO.
Although Pontiac is no longer a part of the automotive industry, it left an indelible mark that the world of cars will never forget, exemplified by the Pontiac GTO. This iconic vehicle made its debut in 1964 as an optional package for the Pontiac LeMans before evolving into a standalone model in 1966. With over 96,000 units sold, it quickly became the best-selling muscle car of its time and is credited with setting the standard for the American muscle cars we cherish today.
Even nearly six decades after its initial introduction, the Pontiac GTO continues to spark excitement among automotive enthusiasts. Collectors and hobbyists are willing to invest significantly to have one of these classics in their own garage. In a video produced by 3:23 Fabrication, a 1966 GTO was discovered hidden in a barn, and its story is poignant. The owner revealed that it had belonged to her brother, who passed away, leaving the GTO untouched for 30 years.
The 1966 Pontiac GTO Rescued After 30 Years
During its prime, the 1966 GTO was a road powerhouse, equipped with either a 389 cubic inch (6.4-Liter) Pontiac V8 or a 400 cubic inch 6.6-Liter Pontiac V8 and featured a range of transmissions, including 3-speed and 4-speed manuals, as well as 2-speed and 3-speed automatics. It was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a remarkable 6.5 seconds, earning it affectionate nicknames like “the goat” and “great one.”
Remaining true to its nickname, the GTO continues to command attention on the road today. For classic car enthusiasts, the sight of this vintage vehicle cruising the streets is truly captivating. While some GTOs have found their way into museums or have been meticulously maintained in showroom condition, some have sadly been left to rot in the junkyards or even deteriorate in barns.
On a farm located in Florida, a collection of classic cars appears to have become an automobile graveyard. Among the relics lies a 1955 Buick Roadmaster, an unidentified Ford model, and various automotive scraps. However, what truly stands out among this collection is the 1966 Pontiac GTO. Parked in a dilapidated garage, the GTO was covered in a blanket of green mold. According to the current owner, Hurricane Michael had torn off the car covers, exposing it to the harsh Florida weather. However, the GTO has remained in this state for the past three decades.
While the exterior of the vehicle had already deteriorated significantly, the interior was in an even worse condition. Opening the car’s door revealed a crusty, rust-eaten interior, with some of the flooring missing. Dust had accumulated in the back seat, and the trunk was used as storage space for various parts, including head and tail light bezels, trim rings, and other accessories.
Towing the GTO proved to be a challenge, as its tires were either flat or frozen, refusing to budge. It had to be carefully towed out of the garage, and the extent of its decay was evident when its exhaust fell off as it was being transported on a trailer.
In a follow-up video by 3:23 Fabrication, the GTO is shown finally arriving at its new home. Cleaning the car was no easy task, as it had become incredibly fragile, a far cry from its prime years. Additionally, it was discovered that the vehicle was missing its engine, making the prospect of restoring it a daunting and uncertain endeavor.
What’s The True Identity Of This 1966 Pontiac GTO?
Initially, the 1966 Pontiac GTO variant seemed unassuming, but a closer look at the GTO and its hood unveiled its true identity as a 2-speed automatic version with a robust 389 cubic inch 6.4-Liter Pontiac V8 engine. In its heyday, it boasted power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning.
A thorough power wash also revealed its original dark reddish hue, which had once shone brilliantly as maroon. Although now faded and with corroded bezels and bumpers, this 2-door coupe still exudes a classic muscle car vibe.
While the car’s interior has undergone significant changes over time, surprisingly, the bucket seats remain intact with only minor tears, and the windows roll up smoothly. Remarkably, the 1966 Florida license plate still adorns the rear of the GTO, a testament to its enduring presence despite spending 30 years in storage.
The new owner has plans for its restoration, contemplating the installation of a 400 cubic inch 6.6-Liter Pontiac V8 engine from a 1969 GTO under the hood. However, the video’s captions hint at an alternative plan involving a Muncie M21 4-speed transmission paired with a 5.3 LS V8 engine. This overhaul will also include 4-wheel disk brakes and a rebuilt suspension, ultimately producing around 350 HP at the wheels.
Is It Worth Owning A GTO Today?
Despite facing a ban on racing involvement imposed by General Motors, Pontiac was determined to establish a reputation for performance and power. While they may not have dominated the racetracks, they undeniably carved a niche for themselves on the streets, thanks to the impressive capabilities of their muscle cars. Initially, the Tempest played a role, but the real breakthrough came with the GTO.
Under the leadership of John DeLorean, who would later go on to establish the DeLorean Motor Company, the Pontiac team set out to create a street-legal car that would capture the imagination of a diverse range of buyers. Their solution was to equip a midsize sedan with a high-performance 389 cubic inch V8 engine.
Taking inspiration from the Ferrari 250 model, Pontiac adopted the name GTO, which stands for “Gran Turismo Omologato,” an Italian term signifying “certified for racing in the grand tourer class.” Although the GTO wasn’t originally designed for racing, it undeniably added a significant level of allure to its name.
While the Pontiac GTO boasted considerable power and performance, its production came to an end in 1974 (with a brief revival in the early 2000s). The remarkable legacy of the Pontiac GTO paved the way for a new era of muscle cars.
Though the Pontiac GTO may not match the speed and power of modern muscle cars, owning one represents possessing a piece of automotive history. Currently, the market for Pontiac GTOs remains active, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $1,000,000 depending on the year and condition of the model, as reported by Classic.com.
The Cost Of Car Restorations
Car restoration has evolved into a thriving industry, captivating the hearts of enthusiasts who relish the idea of breathing new life into classic automobiles. This practice is deeply entwined with a variety of motivations, whether it’s the intrinsic value, cherished memories, or simply the historical connection.
For some, resurrecting a classic car is a celebration, while others view it as a monumental achievement. Undoubtedly, embarking on a car restoration journey demands a genuine passion for automobiles, boundless patience, and, above all, deep pockets. It’s an undertaking that, no matter how you look at it, consumes both time and finances.
In the realm of automobiles, car restoration is held in high regard. It requires a wealth of expertise and a plethora of lessons to master the art of restoration. However, the ultimate rewards are the unparalleled experience and the profound sense of owning a piece of history that once again roars back to life.