The Pontiac GTO is was an accidental hero in every sense. Devised initially as an advertising gimmick to improve sales of Pontiac’s unloved Le Mans model, the ‘GTO Option’ appeared as part of the 1964 Pontiac range.
Costing around 20 percent more than a basic Tempest (US $2852 v US$2491), the GTO Hardtop was supplied standard with a 6.5-litre V8 as used in ‘full-sized’ Pontiacs, three-speed manual transmission, uprated suspension and bonnet air inlets.
Predicted sales were 10,000 units but during that first year, almost 31,000 Tempest GTOs were sold, followed in 1965 by a further 75,300.
Pontiac GTO – Image: wheelsage.org/
For 1966, the GTO would acquire an identity of its own, complete with a new shape, big-cat ‘GTO Tiger’ connotations and super-sharp pricing.
The new GTO sat on an identical wheelbase to earlier versions but with a wider track it offered improved handling. Brakes were still all-drum and the base engine a 6.5-litre single-carb V8. ‘Tri-Power’ versions remained available until late 1966 and more than 18,000 cars with triple carburettor induction were sold.
For 1967 the ‘389’ engine was dropped in favour of a 6.6-litre, 400 cubic-inch V8 that would be fitted during ensuing years to literally millions of Pontiacs.
Pontiac GTO Convertible – Image: wheelsage
All GTOs had two doors and came with a fixed or convertible top. Fixed-roof cars could be ordered as a Coupe with centre pillar or without it as a Hardtop. Most popular in 1966 were Hardtops with sales topping 73,000.
Stacked headlights were seen in 1966 as high fashion automotive items, and mounting the lights at either end of Pontiac’s new split grille emphasised the width of its ’66 models.
Rear view – Image: wheelsage.org
Down to the back of the ’66 GTO was another feature unique at the time to this Pontiac; its rear panel was louvered like the bonnet of a Jaguar E-Type and behind the louvers sat the tail-lamps and indicators.
Inside the GTO were bucket front seats, plastic veneer dash trim and enough gauges to make drivers feel like jet pilots – remembering, that this was a car born amid the ‘Jet Age’.
Interior – Image: wheelsage.org
Australia saw plenty of GTOs during the 1960s. Most were RHD converted and sold through Holden dealerships as new cars with local warranty but there were also personal imports accompanying US Embassy staff or military personnel.
Local prices are high and excellent cars now exceed $100,000. It may even be cheaper to source a car in the USA and have it imported, although this requires significant trust in the people you have making things happen overseas.
Things To Watch Out For When Buying a Used Pontiac GTO
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Dented or pitted chrome parts can be difficult to replace
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If a GTO has vinyl roof covering be wary of bubbling or discolouration due to rust
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Make sure the top on convertibles can be raised and lowered without problems
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Request authentication before paying extra money for a Tri-Power car
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A car that doesn’t sit square will have one or more sagging springs
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High brake pedal pressure points to a failed power booster
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Worn hinges mean doors must be lifted to close properly
Valuation Timeline Pontiac GTO (1966-1967)
🛠️ Timeline
$22,000
$28,000
$42,000
$50,000
$65,000
$105,000
