The Pontiac GTO was originally an option package on the LeMans in the coupe, hardtop, and convertible body styles. However, it became a separate nameplate in 1966 and is remembered fondly by fans. The first generation of the GTO is credited with making the muscle car segment popular and kickstarting the trend of street-oriented performance cars across all U.S. domestic automakers. Fans and rivals alike praise the GTO, and it’s always exciting when an original 1966 GTO is given new life.
The Hand Built Cars channel on YouTube featured an original 1966 GTO that was brought to the experts at Schwarts Performance for a basic chassis upgrade. However, the project evolved into much more than that. Schwarts Performance specializes in performance-oriented rejuvenations and custom car builds that rely on their experience with bolt-in muscle car chassis work. The video starts with images of a bare frame that features the Schwartz Performance G-Machine chassis system, an “ultimate upgrade” that includes a modern chassis construction that’s stronger yet lighter and comes with a 200% reduction in torsional flex. The chassis and suspension upgrades include a power steering rack, single-adjustable coilovers from Ridetech, racing-style sway bars, and 14-inch Baer Pro Plus six-piston brakes front and rear.
The body was repainted in Carousel Red and reworked with PPG materials, while the vintage atmosphere was maintained with custom 19-inch Evod Industries wheels that mirror the factory Pontiac Rally 1 setup. The car was outfitted with new rubber (Michelin Pilot Super Sport, 255 up front and 305s in the rear) to keep the performance in check. The customer opted for a stock 389 tri-power Pontiac engine, but it was still treated to a few modifications for good measure, such as Autotrend EFI, a custom aluminum intake manifold, bespoke air intake, or a March Performance serpentine drive. The powerplant was mated to a Tremec TKO five-speed manual transmission, a custom steel driveshaft, and a TrueTrac differential.
The interior was kept as vintage as possible, with custom pearl white leather-upholstered Scat seats and a Vintage Air setup. The car features cool details such as a cue ball stick shift, a blacked-out underside of the hood, and a thoroughly reworked exhaust system that ends with downward-facing dual-chromed tips on either side. This GTO has the looks of a vintage 1966 GTO and the prowess of a modern car, and the attention to detail makes all the difference for the owner and fans.
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