Advertising for its new breed of musclecars became priority number one at Pontiac beginning with the 1965 model year. The GM Division’s print slogan, “Quick Wide-Track Tigers” connected the jungle animal to the brand, especially when it came to the GTO. Pontiac’s ad agency created a youthful theme that would endure throughout the musclecar era and references to the tiger would become synonymous with the GTO and other Pontiacs. One ad featured a tiger skin draped over the hood of a GTO and stated, “There’s a live one under the hood.” Another ad said cleverly, “Old Chinese proverb: Man who rides tiger ends up inside one.” Pontiac went so far as to include US Royal Redline Tiger Paw tires as standard equipment on the GTO.

Thanks to its continuing popularity, the GTO became a separate model for 1966 and was offered in 2-Door Sport Coupe, 2-Door Hardtop Coupe, and Convertible body styles. For Pontiac, the strategy worked as GTO sales increased 30-percent over the previous model year including 73,785 2-Door Hardtop Coupes like this sporty example which features its original drivetrain and PHS documentation.

The car is reported to have been a four-barrel carburetor version with deluxe wheel covers. It has been upgraded and now includes the optional tri-power-equipped 389-cid, 338-hp V-8 and automatic transmission combination. Nicely equipped with power steering and brakes, electric clock, console, tinted glass, Rally I wheels, plus desirable factory air conditioning, pushbutton AM/FM radio and tinted glass.

This GTO was freshened up a number of years ago and still remains in show condition, offering both comfort and performance. Painted Nightwatch Blue with a contrasting black vinyl top and blue vinyl interior, this GTO cuts quite a pose.