Vehicle
1966 Pontiac GTO Hardtop
389 cid, 8, 335 bhp

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The Pontiac GTO for 1966 was the model that led the way, announcing to the entire US automotive industry that the muscle car had arrived. The entrance of the GTO brought with it a 389 cid V8 equipped with a four-barrel carburetor producing 335 hp. A triple carbureted (Tri-Power) version of the 289 cid @ 260 hp was available as an option. Styling was highlighted with a graceful roof line, hooded headlights, fluted tail lights, a hood scoop, new mesh grille, and G-T-O lettering on the deck lid and rear fenders. Sales for the GTO broke all records with 96,946 units – the highest one-year total of any true muscle car.

The 1965 and 1966 Pontiacs were successful years for the Pontiac Motor Division; in those years, sales were fast-paced and there were numerous models were numerous.

The full-sized Pontiacs came in two Catalina models: the basic Catalina and the 2+2. Up-line was the Star Chief Executive, Bonneville, and the Grand Prix. The senior series had power that ranged from the 389 cid V8 at 260 hp at to the full muscled 421 cid V8 at 376 hp.

 

The mid-sized Tempest line was offered in four models: the Tempest, Tempest Custom, Lemans, and the Tempest GTO. A full range of styles were available from the pillared sport coupe, hardtop coupe, a four-door hardtop and sedan, convertible, and wagon. Engines ranged from the 236 cid 6 cyl @ 165 hp to the 389 cid V8 @ 360 hp available in the GTO.