The level of success achieved by the GTO in 1964 and 1965was beyond imagination for GM and its rivals. 1966 had even better news for the Pontiac GTO. America’s hot favorite muscle car was now a full-fledged model rather than an option. Some major styling changes were made. Instead of an angular look, the 1966 Pontiac GTO flaunted seductive contours. The body style was famously known as the coke bottle style.
Other than these curves, most of the changes were apparent on the rear end rather than the front. The tail-lights featured a louvered cover. This feature remains exclusive to the GTO. The 1966 Pontiac GTO was also the first car to replace the aluminum grille with plastic mesh-pattern inserts. Other dimensional factors such as the wheel base, curb weight and length were largely unchanged. The 1966 GTO was similar to the 1965 GTO in many ways, but it was a completely different car from the Tempest and LeMans.
The interior also received an overhaul. The new GTO came with comfortable Starto bucket seats with higher and thinner seat backs. Also available as an option were contoured cushions and adjustable headrests. The instrument panel was also redesigned to facilitate integration and ease of use.
