1966 Pontiac Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1966 Pontiac Full Size – New Front & Rear Fascias
The 2+2 performance model option matures into its own line this year. This package was available on style numbers 25437 and 25467, rather than the previous Catalina 252 numbers. The 2+2 totally supplants the Grand Prix as the sport-performance option with Grand Prix moving in direct competition with the Thunderbird.
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1966 Pontiac Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1966 Pontiac Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1966 Pontiac
Styling changes for full-sized 1966 Pontiacs were subtle. A new front fascia was created where new grilles were installed, and the headlamp extensions allowed for a more integrated frontal appearance. At the rear, tail lights were changed to be inset in the area under the trunk lid only. The interior saw some updates, including a more squared-up dashboard and minor changes in instrumentation along with revised interior trim. The Bonneville was now available across the board in Brougham interior and exterior trim. It was not a separate model line, however.
Significantly, the 2+2 was upgraded from an option to full model status with unique body designations. The Star Chief was renamed “Star Chief Executive” as the first step towards retiring the name, which by the mid-1960s was dated. Powertrain components were similar to 1965, with the exception being the elimination of the 338-horsepower 389 Tri-Power option for full sized cars.
The 1966 Grand Prix received the same type of minor appearance revisions including a new more rounded split grille and new taillight trim. Inside, a revised instrument panel included a squared-off gauge panel and new Strato bucket seats in either “Morrokide” or cloth upholstery, and also with higher seat backs and more contoured cushions for improved lateral support. The Strato bucket seats were standard equipment along with a console, but a notchback bench seat with a center armrest was a no-cost option.
1966 Pontiac Factoids
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The 2+2 was upgraded from a Catalina option to full model status with unique body designations. It received similar front and rear fascia trim changes as the rest of the line, adopting the cleaner Catalina Ventura look with its own badging. Of course, 421 CID V-8s were the only engine options with the same ratings as 1965.
For 1966 the Full Size Car’s gauge cluster moved from round to square, moving more in line with the speedometer. The Grand Prix dashboard is shown here.
1966 Pontiac Facts – Models Offered
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Catalina – Series 252: Catalina models now had thin full-length horizontal belt moldings instead of trim on the body crease. “Catalina” in script was inserted on the front fenders behind the wheel openings. A stylized Pontiac badge was placed on the rear fender. Standard equipment for all Catalinas included turn signals, oil filter, cigarette lighter, front foam seat cushions, sun visors, heater and defroster, electric windshield wipers, front seat belts, and five tubeless black wall tires. Catalinas with the Ventura option had special upholstery and “Ventura” in place of “Catalina” fender lettering. Venturas were available in all Catalina body styles except the 2-door sedan.
Catalina body styles were: 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop sedan, 2-door sedan, 2-door hardtop sedan, and convertible. Base Safari station wagons were part of the line and were trimmed as Catalinas. They came in 6- and 9-passenger configurations.
2 + 2 – Series 254 – Pontiac 2+2 models became a separate series for 1966. They were identified by a twin lens taillamp treatment, “2+2” emblems on the deck lid and rear fenders, vertical air slots behind the doors and “Pontiac 421” front lender emblems. Standard equipment included a four-barrel 421 CID V-8 with 338 horsepower, low-restriction exhaust system, chromed air cleaner and valve covers, three-speed manual transmission with Hurst floor shit linkage, heavy-duty suspension, carpeting, bucket seats, Sports Custom steering wheel, and non-glare rear view mirror. Also fitted was a performance rear axle ratio of 3.42:1 for manual transmission cars and 3.23:1 for automatics. Optional transmissions were a 4-speed manual transmission, or a Turbo Hydra-Matic. Also option were tachometer, full gauges, and 8-lug aluminum wheels. The 356 and 376 HP 421 CID V-8s were also available at extra cost.
The 2+2 was available as a 2-door hardtop and convertible only.
Star Chief Executive – Series 256 – The Star Chief was renamed to “Star Chief Executive”, and “Executive” in block letters was placed behind front wheel openings. The series was also identified by thin horizontal body rub moldings running the entire length of the sides at mid-level. At the back of the rear fenders, three stylized “stars” were stacked one above the other. Inside, Jeweltone monochromatic Morrokide upholstery was featured. Star Chief models sat on the 124″ wheelbase and incorporated all Catalina standard equipment plus deluxe wheel discs , deluxe steering wheel, electric clock, and dual-speed wipers.
Body styles available were the 2-door hardtop (new for 1966), 4-door sedan and the 4-door hardtop sedan.
Bonneville – Series 262 – Bonneville models were easily be 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. Also unique to the senior 124″ wheelbase line were rear wheel opening fender skirts. Regular equipment on closed cars included cloth upholstery, padded dashboards, courtesy lamps, and front rear arm rests. The convertible interior differed by having deeply piped Morrokide covered seats. The Brougham option package added tufted Plaza pattern cloth upholstery and Brougham specific identification badges on the rear roof pillars, with Cordova tops optional.
The Bonnevilles were available as a 4-door hardtop, and 2-door hardtop, convertible and a long-wheelbase Safari station wagon that carried Bonneville interior trim but was only available as a 6-passenger version.
Grand Prix – Series 266: Grand Prix models were distinguished by wire mesh grilles enclosing rectangular parking lamps, “GP” on front fenders and elongated V-shaped emblems on the ribbed lower beauty panels. A monochromatic interior of deeply piped Morrokide was used. Standard equipment included all features found on Bonneville plus as special instrument panel, monotone Morrokide upholstery and a glove box lamp. Buyers had a choice of special front bench seat or strato-bucket seats with a console and tachometer.
The Grand Prix came in its own special 2-door hardtop body style, #26657.
1966 Pontiac Facts – Engines
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- 256 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 256 HP 389 CID V-8 AMT
- 290 HP 389 CID V-8
- 325 HP 389 CID V8 AMT
- 333 HP 389 CID V-8 SMT
- 338 HP 421 CID V-8
- 356 HP 421 CID V-8
- 376 HP 421 CID HO V-8
389 CID 2-Barrel Economy V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 256 @ 4600.
Torque: 388 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 269°, Exhaust 270°, Overlap 47°, Lift (intake) 0.370″, (exhaust) 0.406″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7026066.
NOTE: Available on Catalina and Star Chief executive only.
389 CID 2-Barrel Economy V-8 – Automatic Transmission: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 8.6:1.
Horsepower: 256 @ 4600.
Torque: 388 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.406″, (exhaust) 0.409″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7026060.
NOTE: Available on Catalina, Star Chief Executive, Bonneville and Grand Prix. Not available on 2 + 2.
389 CID 2-Barrel High Compression V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 290 @ 4600.
Torque: 418 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift (intake) 0.406″, (exhaust) 0.409″.
Carburetor: Rochester 2GC two-barrel Model 7026060.
NOTE: Standard Equipment – Catalina & Star Chief Executive Only.
389 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 325 @ 4800.
Torque: 429 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift: Intake 0.406″, Exhaust 0.409″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 4034S.
NOTE: Available on Catalina, Star Chief Executive, Bonneville and Grand Prix. Not available on 2 + 2. This was the standard engine for automatic transmission Grand Prix models.
389 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 389 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.0625″ x 3.750″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 333 @ 5000.
Torque: 429 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 282°, Overlap 55°, Lift: Intake 0.406″, Exhaust 0.409″.
Carburetor: Carter AFB four-barrel Model 4033S.
NOTE: Available on Catalina, Star Chief Executive, and Grand Prix. Not available on 2 + 2. This was the standard engine for manual transmission Grand Prix models.
421 CID 4-Barrel V-8: Overhead valves. Cast iron block.
Displacement: 421 CID. Five main bearings.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 338 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 459 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake 0.406″ Exhaust 0.408″.
Carburetor: 4-barrel Rochester Model AFB 4033S (synchromesh), 4037S (automatic).
NOTE: Standard on 2 + 2, optional Catalina, Star Chief, Bonneville & Grand Prix.
421 CID Three 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 10.75:1.
Horsepower: 356 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 459 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 273°, Exhaust 289°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake 0.406″ Exhaust 0.408″.
Carburetors: Three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front synchromesh) 7025078, (front Hydra-Matic) 7024078 (center synchromesh) 7026075 (center Hydra-Matic) 7026074, (rear synchromesh) 7025079 (rear automatic) 7024079.
NOTE: Optional – all lines.
421 CID Three 2-Barrel HO V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 421 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.09375 x 4.00″.
Compression ratio: 10.75: 1
Horsepower: 376 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 461 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft duration: Intake 288°, Exhaust 302°, Overlap 63°, Lift: Intake 0.409″ Exhaust 0.409″.
Carburetors: Three 2-barrel Rochester carburetors: (front synchromesh) 7025078, (front Hydra-Matic) 7024078 (center synchromesh) 7026075 (center Hydra-Matic) 7026074, (rear synchromesh) 7025079 (rear automatic) 7024079.
NOTE: Optional – all lines.
1966 Pontiac Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 2+2, Catalina, Ventura, & Grand Prix: 121.0 inches; Star Chief Executive and Bonneville 124.0 inches; Catalina and Bonneville wagons: 121.0 inches.
- Overall length: 2+2, Catalina, Ventura, & Grand Prix: 214.8 inches; Star Chief Executive and Bonneville 221.8 inches; All wagons: 218.1 inches.
- Overall width: (All): 79.7 inches.
- Overall height: 2+2 Hardtop, Catalina, Ventura, & Star Chief Executive: 55.3 inches; Bonneville 54.3 inches; Grand Prix: 53.9 inches; 2 + 2 Convertible: 54.4 inches.
- Front track: (All): 63.0 inches.
- Rear track: (All): 64.0 inches.
- Standard tires: (All): 8.25 x 14; A/C and Station Wagons: 8.55 x 14 2-ply.
- Optional tires: (All): 8.55 x 14 4-ply.
1966 Pontiac Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- All: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1. Synchromesh all forward gears.
- All: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1. Synchromesh all forward gears.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- Standard: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.59:1.
- Optional: 2.20:1, 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.27:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Three Speed T-400 Hydra-Matic: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios – Many standard and optional ratios depending on engine and transmission
1966 Pontiac Facts – Powertrain Options
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- Three-speed manual transmission was standard on all models.
- Three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission was optional.
- Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift was optional.
- The 256 HP 389 CID 2-barrel low compression economy V-8 was a no cost option on the Catalina, Ventura and Star Chief Executive with 3 speed manual transmission. It was also available across all lines except the 2 + 2 when paired with Hydra-Matic transmission.
- The 290 HP 389 CID two-barrel high compression V-8 was standard in Catalina and Star Chief Executive models.
- The 325 HP 389 CID four-barrel V-8 was standard in the Grand Prix and optional in Bonneville, Catalina and Star Chief Executive models when equipped with Hydra-Matic transmission.
- The 333 HP 389 CID four-barrel V-8 was standard in the Grand Prix optional in Bonneville, Catalina and Star Chief Executive models when equipped with manual transmission.
- The 338 HP 421 CID was standard in the 2 + 2 and optional in Grand Prix, Bonneville, Catalina and Star Chief Executive models.
- The 350 HP Tri-Power 421 CID was optional in the 2 + 2, Grand Prix, Bonneville, Catalina and Star Chief Executive models.
- The 376 HP Tri-Power 421 CID HO was optional in the 2 + 2, Grand Prix, Bonneville, Catalina and Star Chief Executive models.
NOTE: For more information on powertrain availability, click HERE to see page 3 in the 1966 Pontiac Full Size Fact Sheet.
1966 Pontiac Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning ($430).
- Aluminum hubs and brake drums, 2-doors ($120).
- Aluminum hubs and brake drums, 4-doors ($138).
- Bonneville Brougham option ($161).
- Bucket seats for Catalina two-door hardtop and convertible with special trims ($204).
- Console ($108).
- Cordova top, Coupes ($97).
- Cordova top, Safari ($135).
- Cordova top, Sedans ($108).
- Electro-Cruise and fuel warning ($96).
- Front bucket seats for Bonneville ($116).
- Instrument gauge cluster ($21-38).
- Mirror, rear view glare proof tilt ($4).
- Mirror, remote control outside rear view ($12).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power door locks ($46-70).
- Power seat, six-way ($97).
- Power tilt bucket seat, left-hand ($71).
- Power windows ($106).
- Radio, push button, AM/FM ($151).
- Radio, push button AM ($89).
- Remote control deck lid ($11).
- Safari luggage carrier ($86).
- Split-back Safari seat $38).
- Super-Lift shock absorbers ($40).
- Tachometer, except on cars with four-speed and console ($54).
- Tinted glass ($43).
- Tinted windshield ($29).
- Ventura trim package ($128).
1966 Pontiac Downloads and Images
1966 Pontiac Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Pontiac Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1966 Pontiac Full Size Car Deluxe Brochure
1966 Pontiac Full Size Car Regular Brochure
1966 Pontiac Performance Brochure
1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Brochure
1966 Pontiac 2+2 in Mail-In Poster Set
1966 Pontiac Bonneville Print Ads
1966 Pontiac Catalina Print Ads
1966 Pontiac Grand Prix Print Ads
1966 Pontiac Star Chief Print Ads
1966 Pontiac Full-Size AMA Specifications Sheets
NOTE: As full size Pontiac drive train and powerplants did not change appreciably, you may wish to view the 1965 Road Tests found HERE.
1966 Pontiac Facts – Related Images
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1966 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham 4-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham 4-door Hardtop was merely a trim option on the standard Bonneville version. It was counted in the 68,646 4-doors sold.
1966 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Convertible
Like the Sport Coupe, the 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Convertible was only a more luxurious trim option. It also was part of the 16,229 reported convertibles sold.
1966 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Sport Coupe
The 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Brougham Sport Coupe only differed from the standard Bonneville version in interior trim and some external badging. It was part of the 42,004 total Bonneville Sport Coupe totals as no breakouts were reported.
1966 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door Hardtop
Like the Brougham version, the 1966 Pontiac Bonneville 4-door Hardtop was only differentiated by interior trim and some external badging. It was the bulk of the 68,646 4-doors sold, though no breakouts between it and the Brougham are given.
1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible
The 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible was one heck of a luxury liner with every Pontiac bell and whistle available. 16,229 found buyers.
1966 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe
The 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Sport Coupe was the largest 2-door in the line (with only the Star Chief Executive version as a sibling. It could be trimmed as a Brougham in this year. a surprising 42,004 were sold.
1966 Pontiac Bonneville Safari Station Wagon
The 1966 Pontiac Bonneville Safari Station Wagon was an upscale version of the Catalina offering, trimmed like a Bonneville inside and out. It was available as a 9-passneger and sold moderately with 8,452 delivered.
1966 Pontiac Grand Prix
Still bridging the gap between performance and luxury, the 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix was a very popular choice of Pontiac buyers with 36,757 produced.
1966 Pontiac 2+2 Convertible
The 1966 Pontiac 2+2 Convertible was part of the “big bad boys” duo, coming standard with the 338 HP 421 CID v-8 and a host of performance items. Unfortunately, body style breakouts were not recorded for this series. Educated guesses are that about 2,200 convertibles were built this year.
1966 Pontiac 2+2 Sport Coupe
The 1966 Pontiac 2+2 Sport Coupe was the ultimate “big bad boy” in the Pontiac line, with quite few arriving with the 376 HP 421 CID “HO” V-8. While we don’t have an accurate number breakout on the 2-door’s production most feel that 6,383 total 2+2’s produced, about 4,100 were Coupes.
1966 Pontiac Star Chief Executive 4-door Hardtop
1966 Pontiac Star Chief Executive 4-door Hardtop offered long wheelbase luxury at a more reasonable price. In 1966, most people opted for the more opulent Bonneville with the result that only 10,583 were delivered.
1966 Pontiac Star Chief Executive 2-door Hardtop
New to the lineup this year was the 1966 Pontiac Star Chief Executive 2-door Hardtop. Trying to bridge the gap between the Bonneville and the Catalina 20doors, was a tough task, and only 10,140 people tried.
1966 Pontiac Star Chief Executive 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Pontiac Star Chief Executive 4-door Sedan was the only sedan on the 124 inch wheelbase, offering more interior room at a reasonable price, It was the most popular Star Chief with 24,489 sold.
1966 Pontiac Ventura Convertible
The 1966 Pontiac Ventura Convertible was branded separately but was truly a Catalina with upgraded interior trim and a “Ventura” nameplate. Total production was included in the Catalina convertible models.
1966 Pontiac Ventura 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Ventura 2-door Hardtop was also a Catalina with “Ventura” badging and an upscale interior. We don’t know how many were produced, as their numbers are included in the Catalina version.
1966 Pontiac Ventura 4-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Ventura 4-door Hardtop was a Catalina with its own nameplate and nicer interior trim. Its production numbers were included in those of the Catalina version.
1966 Pontiac Ventura 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Pontiac Ventura 4-door Sedan sedan was merely a Catalina with an upgraded interior. No production numbers were provided as they were included in the Catalina numbers.
1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible
The 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible was the price-leading Convertible this year, but surprisingly, it was outsold by the Bonneville version! 14,837 were delivered, versus 16,229 Bonnevilles.
1966 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Hardtop combined a reasonable price with good looks and performance. As a result, it was the 2nd best seller in all of Pontiac with 79,013 delivered.
1966 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Hardtop
The 1966 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Hardtop was a popular choice with 38,005 delivered.
1966 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Sedan
The 1966 Pontiac Catalina 4-door Sedan was the best-selling vehicle in all of Pontiac this year with 80,483 produced.
1966 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sedan
The 1966 Pontiac Catalina 2-door Sedan was the least expensive Catalina offering. Only 7,925 were built.
1966 Pontiac Catalina Station Wagon
The 1966 Pontiac Catalina Station Wagon was the line’s base wagon; however, it could be had in either 6- or 9-passenger configurations. 12,965 9-passenger units and 21,082 6-passenger versions were sold.