Full details & bid : hemmings.com
The 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe stands as a testament to an era when American automobiles blended performance with sophisticated luxury. This particular Grand Prix, boasting a “very nice older restoration,” has recently emerged from long-term ownership, presenting an opportunity to acquire a well-preserved classic. Its elegant Burgundy exterior, complemented by a correct black vinyl top and a coordinating black vinyl interior, exudes timeless style. Equipped with desirable features like working factory air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes, this luxo-cruiser is designed for comfortable touring and impressive show presence. Its proven roadworthiness, backed by a recent Pennsylvania State inspection and PHS documentation, underscores its quality and authenticity.
Exterior Presentation and Classic Details: This 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe captivates with its rich Burgundy exterior, a color perfectly matching paint code-N on its original body data plate. The exterior was repainted approximately 15 years ago, and the finish is noted as remaining “very nice,” reflecting the quality of the prior restoration. Complementing the vibrant paint is a correct code-2 black vinyl top, adding a touch of classic sophistication to its profile. The car features desirable tinted glass, enhancing both aesthetics and occupant comfort. All exterior lighting is fully functional, ensuring visibility and compliance. The vehicle’s styling, characterized by the 66 in its VIN’s second and third positions identifying it as a Grand Prix, embodies the distinctive design language of Pontiac’s mid-1960s luxury performance offerings.
Interior Appointments and Period Amenities: The cabin of this 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix offers a refined and comfortable environment, true to its “luxo-cruiser” designation. The interior features trim code-578 black vinyl upholstery, which is also listed on the data plate, providing a period-correct and stylish appearance. Despite its age, all of the gauges, including the clock and the AM radio, are reported to be in working order, contributing to the authentic vintage driving experience. The car is equipped with factory air conditioning, a highly desirable feature for comfort on warmer days, which is stated to be operational. Additional amenities include a rear seat speaker, seatbelts for enhanced safety, and convenient tinted glass. While the steering wheel rim exhibits cracks and there is a small tear in the driver’s seat, these minor imperfections are typical of a well-loved classic and do not detract significantly from the overall impressive interior presentation.
Chassis, Wheels, and Braking System: This 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe is built on a solid foundation designed for comfortable cruising and reliable performance. It features classic whitewall tires mounted on distinctive 8-Lug wheels, a highly coveted and period-correct option for Pontiacs of this era. Each of these extra-cost wheels incorporates an integral finned aluminum brake drum with an iron liner, showcasing a sophisticated engineering approach for improved heat dissipation. The wheels are securely fastened with 8 chromed lug nuts, adding to their visual appeal. For enhanced safety and modern reliability, the braking system has been updated with a dual-circuit master cylinder and an adjustable proportioning valve, providing more consistent and effective stopping power. The car is also equipped with power steering and power brakes, significantly improving maneuverability and driver comfort for a large coupe of its vintage.
Powertrain and Performance Details: Powering this 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe is a robust 389-cu.in. OHV V8 engine. While this particular engine is noted as non-original, it is a period-correct powerplant for the Grand Prix, known for its strong torque output and smooth power delivery. The V8 is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, optimizing fuel mixture for strong performance, and breathes through a dual exhaust system, providing a quintessential muscle car rumble. The engine is paired with an automatic transmission, ensuring effortless cruising. The car’s performance is characterized by its excellent running and driving capabilities, as noted by the selling dealer. Its combination of a powerful V8, automatic transmission, and luxury-oriented features makes it an ideal classic for both leisurely touring and enthusiastic drives, embodying the spirit of the luxo-performance era.
Documentation and Overall Condition: This 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe comes with valuable documentation that confirms its history and specifications. Included with the sale is PHS (Pontiac Historical Services) documentation, which provides factory build information and verifies its original options and configuration. A reproduction window sticker is also included, offering further insight into its initial delivery and features. The selling dealer notes that the car was the subject of a “very nice older restoration” approximately 15 years ago and has recently emerged from long-term ownership, suggesting careful preservation. It boasts a “good Pennsylvania State inspection,” confirming its roadworthiness. The vehicle is stated to have been “fully serviced with all new fluids,” making it “excellent for shows or touring,” indicating its readiness for its next owner.
Summary:
- Subject of a “very nice older restoration” completed about 15 years ago.
- Powered by a 389-cu.in. OHV V8 engine (non-original but period correct).
- Equipped with an automatic transmission.
- Refinished in correct code-N Burgundy exterior with a code-2 black vinyl top.
- Features black vinyl interior upholstery (trim code-578).
- Includes working factory A/C, tinted glass, AM radio, and rear seat speaker.
- Rides on 8-Lug wheels with integral finned aluminum brake drums and whitewall tires.
- Braking system updated with dual-circuit master cylinder and adjustable proportioning valve.
- Has power steering and power brakes.
- Comes with PHS documentation and a reproduction window sticker.
- Odometer shows 31,528 miles.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on available details about the vehicle. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own thorough inspection and due diligence.
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