The GTO was manufactured from 1964 to 1974 where it ended as the flamboyant “Judge” conception. The name GTO taken from the Ferrari’s GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato) model. Basically meaning qualified to engage in certain types of competitions. The Pontiac GTO is considered by car devotees to be the first true muscle car. In 1964 Pontiac dropped a big block engine into an intermediate frame and sold it at a budget price. Pontiac circumvented GM’s restriction on this assemblage by making the GTO an option on the Tempest model, thus defining the first muscle car. The GTO forced the other 2 car giants into a rivalry that fueled sales for years. 1966: The GTO becomes it own model and takes on the nickname the Goat. Pontiac motor division sells 96,946 units, the highest one year sales ever for a muscle car. Clearly the public has taken notice of the new graceful roof line, bucket seats, innovative louvered taillights, and new grill mesh panel inserts. The new instrument surround is genuine wood. Some models were equipped with the 3 carburetor “TRI POWER” option until in GM banned the option in all models except the Corvette.

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Some may be aware of and may argue that the most famous and well known 1966 Pontiac GTO was none other than the Monkeemobile. Yes that’s right, that garish unrestrained creation that transported America’s answer to the Beatles, the Monkees. GM advertising man Jim Wanger saw the wisdom of supplying 8 or 10 new GTO’s to the TV shows producers. In return Pontiac received huge exposure for the 1966 GTO.   The GTO shown at the top of the page belongs to American Pontiac Member Harry Farley, and is currently for sale contact Harry: Harry@americanpontiacassociation.us Harry’s options

• engine: 400 cu in v-8 (6.6 liter)
• transmission: Turbo Hydramatic400
• Hurst dual gate shifter, providing fully automatic shifting(left position) or street racing manual(right position).
• factory ac
• power steering
• power brakes
• rally 2 wheels
• color: reef turquoise