1966 Pontiac Monkeemobile Convertible

This Kustom car is named the Monkeemobile and featured in the 'Monkees' TV series, for the only rock 'n roll group that ever filmed a live-action TV series. It started out as a 1966 Pontiac GTO. Power is from a code XE 389 cubic-inch four-barrel V8 engine and produced 400 horsepower. Options include power brakes and steering, power windows, two-speed automatic, and console. Initially, the blower was functional, but the car was difficult to drive and created safety issues. After the TV series ended, George Barris purchased the car, added it to the Barris Hollywood Star Car Collection, and maintained it for 40 years. In late 2006 Barris had the car restored. At that time the modern Arc Audio sound system and video screens were added. This is one of two cars built and used on the 1960's comedy TV series about a rock band.

A second Monkeemobile was built as a promotional vehicle. Except for being equipped with factory air conditioning, it was identical to the first vehicle. Since it was always on the road in support of the show, it was never used in filming.

Universal Studios produced the Monkees' TV show. They selected Dean Jeffries to build a customized car for the show. Jeffries mentioned the project to George Toteff, who was the CEO of Model Products Corporation at the time. Toteff told his friend Jim Wangers about the opportunity. Wangers was working for Pontiac's advertising agency, MacManus, John & Adams. He instantly realized the promotional opportunity and quickly struck a deal with Universal Studios and Pontiac.

The deal included two 1966 GTO convertibles to be converted and used on the show. They came equipped with the base engine and automatic transmissions. The deal also stated that new Pontiac vehicles would be supplied to the producers and stars of the show. Toteff received exclusive rights to build and market a Monkeemobile model kit, which proved to be very popular with over seven million examples sold.

GM Styling drew up sketches for Jeffries to follow. Jeffries had his own ideas and decided to go in another direction. The result was a heavily customized vehicle that appealed to the youth market. It had a long and sunken hood, a split windshield, a third row of seats in place of the trunk, a parachute, rectangular headlamps, and a convertible top. Many mechanical modifications were made including the addition of a 6-71 supercharger. This proved too powerful for the suspension and was difficult to drive, so a dummy blower was installed.

Both cars were finished in less than one month.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2018