Very clean one owner Florida car. One repaint in original Fontaine Blue. Original 389 cubic inch V8, rare column-shifted automatic transmission, factory A/C. Runs and drives very well, solid undercarriage, ready to have some fun like it’s 1966 again!

That’s right, you’re reading that correctly: this is a one-owner car that has spent the entirety of its life in Florida. The original owner purchased it for his wife in 1966 and it remained with them for more than 55 years. It’s kind of unusual with its column-shifted automatic transmission, but we find that little footnote to be part of this car’s appeal—when was the last time you saw one configured like this? As a lifetime Florida car, major rot is a non-issue and it was treated to a fairly nice repaint a few years ago in the original Fontaine Blue, an attractive icy blue that works well with the GTO’s grown-up image. The redesigned 1966 models featured those graceful quarter panels and flying buttress C-pillars, along with a modest hood scoop to make it stand out without being too noisy about it. As a result of its long-term ownership in a warm climate, it has never been fully disassembled so the doors and hood fit well, the trunk closes without a heavy slam, and even the original-style pinstripe was replicated. The chrome and stainless trim is original and in good condition, although given that it’s now 56 years old, it’s not perfect. Nevertheless, this is a great-looking car from any angle.

The black interior shows quite well despite living in the Florida heat. The driver’s bucket has some wear on the outer bolster, but we have new front seat covers on order (they’re on national backorder, apparently) that will be included with the sale of the car. The carpets may have been replaced at some point because they’re in such nice shape and we believe the dash pad has been replaced—not surprising given how the originals handle the sun. The dash, complete with woodgrained fascia, is in reasonably good shape but is showing some age as are the gauges, but someone has thoughtfully added some auxiliary gauges down low. Everything works except the clock, which is a nice feature, and someone has recently serviced the A/C system because it now uses R134a refrigerant for easy maintenance. The back seat is in remarkably good condition with almost zero evidence of use and that’s undoubtedly the original headliner overhead. The trunk is bare, but you can easily see that there’s no rust or other issues and reproduction mats are inexpensive and easy to find.

The engine is the original YS-coded 389 cubic inch V8, which is correct for a GTO paired with a 2-speed automatic transmission. It’s rated at 335 horsepower with a single 4-barrel carburetor and is properly detailed with Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel, chrome valve covers, and that distinctive GTO air cleaner. Power steering is a nice addition, although it’s worth noting that it was installed by the dealer after the original owner found his wife had difficulty managing the car with manual steering. It starts easily with a nice bark from the dual exhaust and drives quite well—original cars just seem to work better. The 2-speed automatic transmission is a good match to the 389, whose torque makes downshifts all but unnecessary, and it remains a quick car even in today’s world. Look closely underneath and you’ll see excellent original floors, a newer exhaust system, and a set of air shocks out back to help keep things level no matter what (or who) you’re carrying. Rally II wheels look great on the vintage Goat and carry fat 225/70/14 white-letter radials.

This is a GTO that’s not trying too hard to be something it’s not. It has a solid pedigree, has lived in a warm climate all its life, and drives quite well, all at a reasonable price. There are more expensive cars but this Goat’s honesty has won us over and it doesn’t ask for much beyond gas and oil. For a vintage hobby car, that’s about as good as it gets. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.