1966 Pontiac Models Described in Detail

Pontiac Brand Home

General Year Information

Full Size Cars

Styling changes for full-sized 1966 Pontiacs were subtle ones. New plastic grilles were adopted and headlamp extension caps gave a more integrated frontal appearance.

Tempest Models

Tempests were completely restyled with smoother bodies, rounder contours, wider wheel openings, recessed split grilles and stacked headlamps. A new “shadow box” roofline set the two door hardtop coupe apart. Each of four series now had completely distinctive ornamentation.

A sporty-looking “Sprint” option package was available which mated the new OHC I-6 with a ride and handling package.

The really big news was under the hood. where a unique overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine was now employed as the base power plant for all except the GTO line.

The GTO line was now a separate series.

Chassis Information

Wheelbase: (full size wagons) 121 inches; (Series 252 and 266 passenger cars) 121 inches (Series 256 and 262 passenger cars) 124 inches; (All Tempests) 115 inches.
Overall length: (full size wagons) 218.1 inches; (Series 252 and 266 passenger cars) 214.8 inches: (Series 256 and 262 passenger cars) 221.8 inches: (2+2 models) 214.8 inches; (Tempest wagons) 203.6 inches; (All Tempest and GTO passenger cars) 206.4 inches.
Front tread: (full size) 63 inches; (Tempest/GTO) 58 Inches.
Rear tread: (full size) 64 inches; (Tempests) 58 inches.
Standard tires: (full size) 8.25×14; (Tempest convertible and hardtop) 7.35X14; (Other Tempests) 6.95×14: (Tempest) 6.00 x 15. Oversize tires indicated in options.

Models Offered

SERIES 233

Standard Tempest trim included windsplit moldings behind front wheel openings, “Tempest” on the rear fenders in script and nylonfaced fabric upholstery with Jeweltone Morrokide accents. 33,143 base Tempests had automatic transmissions.

Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges behind the wheel opening displaying “326”.

SERIES 235

Tempest Custom trimmings included thin moldings accenting the smooth new “Coke bottle” shape. Additionally, there was “Tempest Custom” in script as badge identification on the rear fenders. Deluxe steering wheels and carpet, were additional standard features over the base car’s standard features. Convertibles sported courtesy lamps and Morrokide trim.

Cars with optional V-8 power were dressed with front fender badges behind the wheel opening displaying “326”. 83,093 Tempest Custom vehicles had automatic transmission.

Series 237

LeMans models had special trim features that included simulated louvers on the forward edge of front tenders, elongated V-shaped emblems behind front wheel openings and “LeMans” in lettering on the rear fender sides. Standard equipment included Morrokide and cloth trim combinations in four-door hardtops and all-Morrokide in others.

Convertibles, hardtops, and sport coupes came with the choice of bucket or notch-back front seats with a folding arm rest. All LeMans had carpeting, front foam seat cushions, lamps for the ash tray, the cigarette lighter and the glove box.Convertibles had a power top.

The GTO option was no longer a part of the LeMans Series.

Series 242

The GTO line was now a separate series with distinctive trim on the new Tempest sheetmetal. A wire mesh grille insert without horlzontal divider bars was used. The grille incorporated rectangular parking lamps, and a “GTO” nameplate on the lefthand side of the opening.

A single scoop appeared on the hood, elongated V-shaped badges were mounted behind the front wheel openings, GTO lettering appeared on the deck lid and rear fenders. The upper beltllne contour was pin striped and horizontal twin-slot taillamps were used.

Standard equipment included all LeMans items plus the 389 CID four-barrel V-8; walnut grain dash panel Inserts; dual exhausts; heavy-duty shock absorbers, springs, and stabilizer bar as well as 7.75 x 14 tires – either redline or whitewall.

SERIES 252

The Catalina now had thin full-length horizontal belt moldings instead of body crease trim. An “Catalina” in script was located on the front fenders behind the wheel openings. A stylized Pontiac badge was located on the rear fender. The 2+2 was now a separate series.

Turn signals, oil filter, cigarette lighter, sun visors, heater and defroster, electric wripers and five tubeless tires were standard equipment.

For the first time since 1960, cars with the Ventura option had special upholstery and “Ventura” in block letters in place of “Catalina” script as fender lettering. NOTE: We have illustrated the Ventura option as a series in the illustration section, though Pontiac did not designate these cars as such or break out production figures.

A total of 247,927 Catalinas were built. 5,003 had synchromesh and 242,924 had Hydramatic transmissions.

SERIES 254

The 2+2 models became a separate series for 1966. They were identified by twin lens taillamp treatment and the “2+2” in locations similar to 1965. As such, “2+2” emblems were found on the deck lid and rear fenders, There were vertical air slots behind the doors and “Pontiac 421” front fender emblems.

Standard equipment included a four-barrel 421 CID V-8 with 338 horsepower, low-restriction exhausts, chromed air cleaner and valve covers and three-speed Hurst linkage transmission, heavy-duty suspension. carpeting, bucket seats, Sports Custom Sports steering wheel, and non-glare inside mirror. Available axle ratios were 3.08:1, 3.23:1 and 3.42:1.

Of the total of 6,383 2+2s that were built, 2,208 had synchromesh and 4,175 had Hydramatic transmissions. Body style breakouts were not recorded for this series.

Series 256

The Star Chief was now identified as an Star Chief Executive model. It had “Executive” in block lettering behind front wheel openings and a thin horizontal body rub moldings. Additionally, there were stylized rear fender stars and Jeweltone monochromatic Morrokide upholstery. They incorporated all Catalina equipment plus Deluxe wheel discs and steering wheel, electric clock, and dual-speed windshield wipers.

Surprisingly, of the total of 45,212 Star Chief Executives built, only 134 had synchromesh transmissions.

Series 262

The Bonneville was distinguished by their broad accent panels below the lower body crease, “Bonneville” in block lettering on the left-hand grille and behind the front wheel openings – and by their standard fender skirts.

Regular equipment on closed cars included cloth upholstery, padded dash boards and front rear arm rests while the convertible had deeply piped Morrokide covered seats. The Brougham option package added tufted Plaza pattern cloth upholstery and model identification badges for the rear roof pillars. Cordova tops were optional.

Only 729 Bonnevilles had Synchromesh transmissions. A total of 553 Bonnevilles chassis were provided to custom body manufacturers.

Series 266

The Grand Prix was identified by a set of wire mesh grilles enclosing rectangular parking lamps. “GP” was found on the front fenders and an elongated V-shaped emblem were located on the ribbed lower beauty panels.

A monochromatic interior of deeply piped Morrokide was featured. Standard equipment was the same as in 1965, except Strato Bucket seats were new. Fender skirts were once again fitted.

Only 36,757 Grand Prix models were built and only 917 had synchromesh transmissions. The Grand Prix was no longer a performance oriented car – more closely aligned with a sports luxury vehicle – competeting with the Riviera and Thunderbird.

Engines

Tempest Base I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead cam/valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 230 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.8750 X 3.245″. Compression ratio: 9.0:1. Horsepower: 165 @ 4700 RPM. Torque: 216 @ 2600 RPM. Seven main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 228°, Exhaust 228, Overlap 14°, Lift 0.400″. Carburetor: Rochester one-barrel model 7026167 (Synchromesh) 7026168 (Automatic).

Tempest Base I-6 – All Transmissions: Overhead cam/valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 230 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.8750 X 3.245″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 207 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 228 @ 3800 RPM. Seven main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244, Overlap 26°, Lift 0.438″. Carburetor: Rochester four-barrel model 7026261 (Synchromesh) 7026260 (Automatic).

Tempest Base V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 326 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Horsepower: 250 @ 4600 RPM. Torque: 333 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel (synchromesh) 7026071 (automatic) 7026062.

Star Chief and Catalina Base V-8 : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 256 @ 4600. Torque: 388 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift: (Intake) 0.370″, (Exhaust) 0.406″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel Model 7026066.

Star Chief and Catalina Base V-8 : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 8.6:1. Horsepower: 256 @ 4600. Torque: 388 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift (Intake) 0.370″, (Exhaust) 0.406″. Carburetor: Rochester 2-barrel Model 7026060.

Tempest Optional V-8 – All Transmissions: Cast Iron Block. Displacement: 326 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.72″ x 3.75″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 285 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 359 @ 2900 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 269°, Exhaust 277°, Overlap 47°, Lift 0.370″. Carburetor: Carter AFB 4-barrel (synchromesh) 4035S, (automatic) 4036S.

All Base High Compression V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 290 @ 4600. Torque: 418 @ 2400 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (Intake) 0.406″, (Exhaust) 0.409″. Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7026066 (synchromesh) , 7026060 (automatic).

Bonneville & Grand Prix V-8 – Hydramatic Transmission (Optional Star Chief & Catalina): Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4800. Torque: 429 @ 2800 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (Intake) 0.406″, (Exhaust) 0.409″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 4034S.

Bonneville & Grand Prix V-8 – Standard Transmission (Optional Star Chief & Catalina) : Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 333 @ 5000. Torque: 429 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (Intake) 0.406″, (Exhaust) 0.409″. Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 4033S.

335 Horsepower V-8 – GTO , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 325 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 428 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″. Carburetor: Cartet AFB Model 4033S (Synchromesh) 4034S (Automatic).

2+2 Base (Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix Optional) 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 338 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 433 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″ (intake), 0.408″ (exhaust). Carburetor: 4-barrel Carter Model 4033S (synchromesh), 4037S (automatic).

Optional 360 Horsepower V-8 – All Models , All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 389 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 360 @ 5200 RPM. Torque: 424 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift 0.406″ (intake) 0.408″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front) 7025178, (center Syncromesh) 7026075, (center Hydramatic) 7026074, (rear) 7024179.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 356 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 459 @ 3200 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift 0.406″ (intake), 0.408″ (exhaust). Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7025078 (center syncromesh) 7026075 (center automatic) 7026074, (rear synchromesh) 7025079, (rear automatic) 7024079.

Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix HO 421 V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 421 CID. Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″. Compression ratio: 10.75:1. Horsepower: 376 @ 5000 RPM. Torque: 461 @ 3600 RPM. Five main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift 0.409″. Carburetors: three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front all) 7025078 (center syncromesh) 7026075 (center automatic) 7026074, (rear synchromesh) 7025079, (rear automatic) 7024079.

More detailed information on the 1965 engines may be found in the 1965 AMA Specifications Sheets. You may access the Full Size car sheets HERE and the Tempest sheets HERE, or use the navigation on the main page.

Engine Options and Availability

All Engine Options Listed as Engine Packages in the Engine Section Above.

Power Train Options

Full Size

Power train options for full-sized 1966 Pontlacs were the same as in 1965 except that the 338 horsepower version of the 389 cubic Inch V8 with 10.75:1 compression and Tri-Power was dropped.

Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
Turbo-Hydramatic transmission and four-speed manual transmission were $231 extra.
Heavy-duty clutch was $9 extra on Catalinas with certain engines.
Safe-T-Track differential was $43 extra.
Dual exhausts were $31 extra, but standard on Grand Prix.
The two-barrel premium fuel version of the 389 CID V-8 was $21 extra in Catalinas and Star Chief with three-speed manual trnsmission.
The four-barrel V-8 with heavy-duty clutch was $44 extra for Catalinas and Star Chiefs.
The four-barrel 421 CID V-8 with 10.5:1 compression and 338 horsepower at 4600 RPM was $108-174 extra depending on model. It was standard in cars w th the 2+2 Sports Option.
The 421 CID Tri-Power V-8 with 10.75:1 compression and 356 horsepower at 4800 R.P.M. was $241-307 extra depending upon model.
The 421 HO Tri-Power V-8 with 10.75:1 compression and 376 horsepower at 5500 RPM was $344-410 extra depending on model.
Transistor ignition was $75 extra on air-conditioned cars and $65 extra on others.
A transistorized regulator was $11 extra.
Various rear axle ratios were available.

Tempest

Tempest and GTO V-8 options were the same as in 1965.
The new overhead camshaft six-cylinder Tempest engine was the only significantly changed power train option. This engine came in two forms and the speclfications for the OHC-6 are available in the Engines tab above.

Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
Four-speed manual transmiss on was $188 extra.
Two-speed automatic transmission with six-cylinder $188 extra.
Two-speed automatic transmission with V-8s $199 extra.
Transistor ignition was $11 extra.
Dual exhausts were standard with the GTO option – and $31 extra on Tempest.
Safe-T-Track differential was $38 extra.
A two-barrel 326 CID V-8 with 9.2 compression and 250 horsepower at 4600 RPM was $108 extra.
A four-barrel 326 CID V-8 with 10.5:1 compression and 285 horsepower at 5500 RPM was $173 extra.
A four-barrel 389 CID V-8 with 335 horsepower at 5000 RPM was standard with the GTO option – not available in other Tempests.
The Tri-Power 389 CID V-8 with 10.75:1 compression and 360 horsepower at 5200 R.P.M. was $116 extra – GTOs only.
A variety of rear axle ratios were available

Body Paint Color Codes

Click the Paint Name for Paint Mix Codes

		A Starlight Black
		B Blue Charcoal
		C Cameo Ivory
		D Fontaine Blue
		E Nightwatch Blue
		H Palmetto Green
		K Reef Turquoise
		L Marina Turquoise
		N Burgundy
		O Coronado Gold
		P Barrier Blue
		R Montero Red
		T Martinique Bronze
		V Mission Beige
		W Platinum
		Y Candlelight Cream