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Author David Bonaskiewich examines this model year in precise detail, taking into account every cosmetic change and optional hardware that warranted this sales boom. The Coke-bottle styling for the remodeled GTO certainly tipped the scales for some consumers. However, as they say, "The devil is in the details."
This book delves into those details, showcasing the vast array of optional equipment across its three bodystyles (hardtop, sports coupe, and convertible). Thorough examinations of the drivetrain, interior, suspension, brakes, and wheels and tires are exhaustive, which unveils exactly why the 1966 GTO was the most successful muscle car ever assembled.
The front-end design of the 1966 GTO is handsome and immediately identifiable. The stacked headlights, beautifully styled chrome bumper, and painted header panel combine to create this now-iconic look.
To increase rigidity on convertibles, additional body bracing was fitted between the top of the wheelhouse and quarter panel. Hardtop and Sports Coupe models did not require this reinforcement.
The standard engine for the 1966 GTO was the 389 topped with a 500-cfm Carter aluminum 4-barrel (AFB) carburetor rated at 335 hp. This engine compartment has been restored with exacting detail. Note the bare-metal hood hinges and black-painted master cylinder. (Photo courtesy Jim Norton)
1966 Pontiac GTO
The standard engine for the 1966 GTO was the 389 topped with a 500-cfm Carter aluminum 4-barrel (AFB) carburetor rated at 335 hp. This engine compartment has been restored with exacting detail. Note the bare-metal hood hinges and black-painted master cylinder. (Photo courtesy Jim Norton)
Blocks were physically stamped from the factory. Here, the “WT” designates the 335 hp–manual transmission combination. The six-digit number above the block code is a serial number and does not relate to the car’s VIN.
While many of Pontiac’s competitors made do with spartan cabins, the interior space of the 1966 is tasteful and elegant. The large walnut veneer surrounding the gauges and larger dash pad were new designs for the 1966 models.
The Rally I wheel debuted in 1965 and proved immensely popular with buyers. It returned for 1966 as a 56.87 Dollar option but displayed a black center cap in lieu of the chrome piece of the 1965 version. In 1966, brake drums were painted red when Rally wheels were specified.
Word Shark
Reviewed in Canada on January 24, 2025
There's some good information here and some nice pictures, but the first 25 or so pages broadly discusses the history of muscle cars in general and the history of GM/Pontiac leading up to this seminal model year. That just felt like filler. It's not until about page 30 that it really gets into the meat of the 1966 exclusively. When I buy a book ostensibly focused in the 1966 model, that's what I expect to see from cover to cover.I mean, fans of the 1966 should obviously know the history of muscle cars and the origins of the 1966 anyway, but...I digress.
Allan J. Eisenschenk
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2023
I like the book
Mark S. Sadowski
Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2022
Well detailed book on 66 GTO
Phil Smith
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2022
I liked everything about the book: well written and nice pictures.
SMART SHOPPER
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2022
THE ONLY NEW INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK IS A COUPLE OF PICTURES OF THE LATE RAM AIR VEHICLES. EVERYTHING ELSE IN THIS BOOK HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED.....
kohuna
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2022
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