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Cut in Half: 1966 Pontiac GTO Shines in a Junkyard Full of Rusty Metal

1966 GTO in rough shape 12 photos
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Craigslist
1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO1966 Pontiac GTO
1966 was a fantastic year for the GTO, with production increasing significantly compared to the previous model.
Pontiac built nearly 97,000 units, with the 2-door coupe accounting for over 73,000 units. 12,700 cars of the entire production used the convertible body style.

From an engine perspective, the 389 4-barrel was the top choice. It made its way to nearly 78,000 units, up from approximately 54,800 GTOs in 1965. The Tri-Power remained a popular choice, though its output dropped from over 20,500 units to 19,000 cars.

If you check the main photo in this story, you probably know already that the original engine is just a memory of this 1966 Pontiac GTO.

As someone who writes about junkyard finds, rust buckets, and cars found in barns after decades in hiding, I'm used to seeing useless piles of metal. However, this 1966 GTO is this close to becoming a distant memory of what was once a gorgeous muscle car, especially as it likely served as a donor for other projects.

The car is nearly cut in half, and many parts are missing. The owner explains on Craigslist that what you see is what you get, so if you see something missing in the shared photos, the chances are that it's no longer on the car. It's not a surprise, though, as the GTO has probably been sitting for decades, possibly under the clear sky, struggling with rain and snow.

You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand that this GTO has zero chances of returning to the road in one piece. It can only be used for parts, though it has already lost the majority of mechanical components. It still flexes highly desirable parts, such as the dash, but its main selling point is the availability of some metal sheets that could help save another GTO.

The car seems to be parked in some sort of junkyard, surrounded by other classics, but there's no doubt a GTO instantly catches the attention, even in such a horrible shape.

The reason I highlight this "true GTO" is because it could be the last time we see the car in one piece, with the world very likely to soon lose another great muscle icon. The owner isn't willing to let it go cheaply, as they expect to get $3,800 for this GTO. They're also interested in some trades, so contact them for additional details.

You can find the GTO sitting in the junkyard in Springfield, but keep in mind that you'll have to take it on a trailer. The vehicle only comes with the front wheels, so it might be a challenge to put it on the trailer. The good news is that the GTO sells with a title.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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