1966 Pontiac GTO Convertible

With a GM corporate ban on racing and a rule limiting engine size to 330 cubic-inches for their intermediates, John DeLorean and his team discovered a loophole. They quietly went about putting the 389 cubic-inch engine into the popular Tempest in 1964. It was certainly the right car at the right time, and others, including GM corporate brothers, scrambled to create their own intermediate sized cars with large displacement engines. Almost overnight an entirely new automotive genre was created.

In 1966, the GTO was restyled and became its own separate model line with hardtop, coupe and convertible body styles. 389 cubic-inch engine offerings ranged from the 335 horsepower 4-barrel to the 3x2 barrel (aka 'Tri-Power') XS code Ram Air III with 360 horsepower. The optional Ram Air III drivetrain featured a functional fresh air scoop, a revised performance cam and a 4-speed manual transmission.

This starlight black Ram Air III GTO convertible is an example of one of the rarest and most desirable Pontiac convertible muscle cars. Featuring a long list of factory options including air conditioning, it is certainly one of the finest fully documented RA III convertible GTO's ever built. A full restoration to concours standards was recently completed by Level One Restorations in Arvada Colorado utilizing original and new old stock parts for the owner.