This 1966 GTO Hardtop Coupe was built in Pontiac, Michigan in the 3rd week of May, and delivered to Lou Meliska Pontiac in Parma, Ohio. The car is finished in Burgundy (N-N) over a Black (223) interior and came equipped with a WT code 389, 4-speed transmission, and 3.55 rear end. The car is PHS documented and received a GM Award of Excellence at Carlisle in 2010 shortly after the restoration was completed.
The car is the result of a frame-off rotisserie restoration and it is drop-dead gorgeous. The bodywork on the car is very straight, and the gaps on the GTO are tight and nice throughout. The glass is all in very good condition and was replaced during the restoration. All of the chrome is new and all of the stainless is either new or restored. All of the rubber seals on the car were done as well at the time of the restoration. Overall, it’s a beautiful show car.
While the body was off the frame, the frame was stripped to bare metal and refinished in the proper GM satin black. All the suspension and steering components were replaced as well including all of the bushings, tie rods, ball joints, and brake components. The steering gearbox was also upgraded to a quicker ratio 12:1 unit.
The interior is all redone and looks crisp. The dash has the factory tach, and the car is equipped with a factory console and push-button radio. All soft panels are new including the seat covers, door panels, carpets, carpet underlayment, headliner, dash, and package tray.
The engine was cast on March 10th, 1966 and the engine casting number is 9778789. It’s important to note that GM did not stamp VIN codes on these motors until late 1967, so calling them “matching numbers” would not be the correct usage of the term. What we can say about this car is that the engine was cast a few months before the build date of the car and that it is a WT code that matches the PHS docs we have with the car. During the restoration, a Tri-Power setup was added to the car, however, the correct 4bbl intake, carb, and air cleaner have been retained with the GTO. The GTO is equipped with the correct 4-speed wide ratio transmission and YH safety track 3.55 gears.
The car runs very well, is properly tuned, and is a blast to drive. With the faster ratio power steering and power brakes, it’s also easy to maneuver, and with the 3.55 gears, you get a good balance of quick acceleration and easy highway cruising.
For the GTO nut wanting a PHS documented, drop-dead gorgeous Goat, this one is for you!
