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1966 Pontiac Bonneville

The '66 Pontiac Bonneville: a big, stylish muscle car! Its sleek lines and powerful engine made it a cultural icon of the 60s. Think big fins, luxurious interiors, and serious horsepower. A true classic representing American automotive ambition. Still turns heads today!

The 1966 Pontiac Bonneville: A Deep Dive into History and Culture

Who doesn't love a classic car with a story? The 1966 Pontiac Bonneville is not just an icon; it's a piece of American heritage. Born in an era when cars really had character, this full-size beauty from Pontiac caught eyes with its "Coke bottle" design. Let's not get too technical right off the bat, though. Think of this car like a mint-condition baseball card—rare, highly valuable, and totally cool.

Photo of a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville

1966 Pontiac Bonneville Models:

Select the vehicle's model to see the correct data for it.

How Much is Pontiac Bonneville Worth?

Original MSRP :$3,428.00

Outstanding

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$26,500

Clean

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$19,500

Average

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$11,500*

Rough

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$7,300

1966 Pontiac Bonneville Specs

Body Maker: Fisher
No. Of Doors: 4
Model Number: 26239
Length: 221.8 inches
Width: 79.6 inches
Height: 54.3 inches
Wheelbase: 123 inches
Weight: 4,070lbs
Type: V8, Valve-in-head, Downdraft 4-barrel, Synchro-mesh
Displacement: 388.86 cu. in.
Cylinders: 8
Bore And Stroke: 4 1/16 & 3 3/4 inches
Compression Ratio Standard: 10.5 to 1
Horsepower Brake: 333@5000
Horsepower Rated: 52.81
Torque: 429@3200
Main Bearings: 5
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic
Block Material: Alloy cast iron
Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
Carburetor Make: Carter
Type:
2.75 Pints
Drive:
Rear wheel drive
Clutch Type:
Single plate dry disc
Clutch Size:
10 13/32 inches
Gear Ratios:
3
Gear Ratios First:
2.42 to 1
Gear Ratios Second:
1.61
Gear Ratios Third:
1 to 1
Gear Ratios Fourth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Fifth:
Not applicable
Gear Ratios Reverse:
2.33
Type: Semifloating
Differential Type: Hypoid
Differential Ratio: 3.23 to 1
Front: Independent ball joint with coil springs
Rear: Coil springs
Service Type: Hydraulic, self-adjusting drums
Service Front Size: 11 inches
Service Rear Size: 11 inches
Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
Emergency Size: 11 inches
Type: Regular
Tire Size: 8.25 x 14
Spare Location: Trunk
Fuel: 26.5 Gallons
Oil: 5 Quarts
Rear Differential: 4.5 Pints
Front Differential: Not applicable
Transfer Case: Not applicable
Serial Number:Starting 262396a100001
Total Digits:13
Digits 1:Make
Digits 2-3:Series
Digits 4-5:Body style
Digits 6:Model year
Digits 7:Assembly plant
Digits 8-13:Production number
All colors may not be available in all models., Starlight Black, Burgandy, Cameo Ivory, Blue Charcoal, Fontaine Blue, Nightwatch Blue, Palmetto Green, Mission Beige, Reef Turquoise, Marina Turquoise, Barrier Blue, Montero Red, Martinique Bronze, Platinum, Candelite Cream
Hardtop: Opt
Turbo Hydramatic Automatic Transmission: Opt
Power Windows: Opt
Air Conditioning: Opt
Power Brakes: Opt
Power Steering: Opt
Power Seats: Opt
Power Vent Windows: Opt
Radio: Opt
Power Antenna: Opt
Speed Control Device: Opt

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History of the 1966 Pontiac Bonneville

The Bonneville made its grand entrance into the world of automobiles during a significant time. It was 1966, and people were looking not just for transportation but for style, performance, and a statement of freedom. Pontiac delivered with flair. The design featured swooping rooflines and rakish fender lines that made sure people noticed. It came packed with standard features like the Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, and the option to jazz it up with power steering and air conditioning was just the cherry on top.

You know, diving into its genealogy, you'll spot innovations that appealed beyond just the everyday driver. It was like the smartphone of its day—everyone wanted one, and it was praised in magazines like Motor Trend as the "Car of the Year".

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Pop Culture Icon

The Bonneville did its rounds in Hollywood, becoming a stalwart of 1960's pop culture. It was more than just a car; it became a symbol of the free-spirited lifestyle many Americans craved. Do you recall "Goodfellas"? A similar car, the 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix, played a pivotal role there. It was the allure of power and style wrapped into one. Classic cars often have such cultural threads, tying them to unforgettable moments on screen.

But wait, it also had connections with the energetic vibes of The Monkees. The show featured the Monkeemobile—though not a Bonneville, it carried the vibrant DNA of the era.

Famous Figures Who Own Bonneville

Conny and Monica Wikström

From the archives of current car aficionados, we have Conny and Monica Wikström. This couple treasures a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville, adorning it with pride much like one would a cherished family photo album.

Todd Fogle

Todd Fogle, a truck driver with a love for classics, breathes new life into his 1966 Bonneville, echoing the kind of passion that makes car ownership truly rewarding. His journey through restoration chronicles a deep-rooted connection to automotive legacy—a saga of dedication.

1966 Pontiac Bonneville Gallery

Photo of a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo of a 1966 Pontiac Bonneville

Performance: More than Just Muscle

Get this—the Bonneville was known for its beastly 389 cubic inch engine cranking 333 horsepower. It was like the track star of its time, prominent in NASCAR racing, largely owing to its powerful engines and legendary drivers like Smokey Yunick. It wasn't just about speed; it was about making a statement in engineering prowess.

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Preservation of an Icon

The Bonneville, even as it ages, reminds us of an audacious past. Current models boast innovations that echo four decades of automotive excellence. Understanding the VIN is vital, and Classic Decoder's can help with that. If you're dealing with older cars, they might use a or need specifics like a for accuracy.

Looking Ahead

The Bonneville's narrative continues to inspire enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its place in history is secure, wrapped in tales of speed, style, and celebrity. For those restoring, owning, or even dreaming about classic cars, they offer more than a ride—they offer a journey through history itself.

And there you have it, a thousand words on this marvelously stylish powerhouse. Think of it as the storytelling of an era encapsulated in chrome and steel. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just someone who admires beautiful machinery, there's always more to explore in the classic car world. For a detailed heritage or looking to decode its brilliance, perhaps you'd like to check the for a peek into its factory specs.

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Explore Pontiac Bonneville from Other Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, let's see... The '66 Bonneville is pretty unmistakable, really. Think of it like this: it's a classic, you know? It boasts a long, sleek hood, a distinct 'coke bottle' profile—that's a curvy shape, like a soda bottle—and a wide, imposing stance. You'll also spot the iconic split grille, very much a hallmark of Pontiac's design at that time. And, of course, those beautiful tail lights, they're really something else! Oh, and don't forget the badging; that's crucial for identification. You'll find Bonneville emblems proudly displayed, making it pretty easy to spot. So, yeah, there are lots of tell-tale features. It's a head-turner, for sure.

The 1966 Bonneville offered a range of powerful engines—kind of like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream, only way more powerful! You could get a 389 cubic inch V8, a real beast of an engine; or the top-of-the-line 421 cubic inch V8 for maximum performance. These weren't your average grocery-getters; these were serious muscle. Depending on the options you selected, horsepower could vary quite a bit—you could get anywhere from a respectable punch to an absolute powerhouse. Honestly, the choice really depended on your preference and your desired level of oomph! They really gave you choices back then.

Pontiac offered a couple of different transmissions; it's a bit like choosing between an automatic or a manual gearbox. Most Bonnevilles came with a two-speed Jetaway automatic; it was smooth and effortless, perfect for cruising. However, a four-speed manual was also available for those who preferred a more engaging driving experience—a truly hands-on type of driving. Think of it like this: automatic was for comfort, and manual was for that extra bit of control and feedback. The choice was yours.

The 1966 Bonneville came in a couple of styles, mainly a two-door hardtop and a four-door hardtop. Picture this: sleek, stylish, and oh-so-comfortable. There's not a whole lot of variation compared to modern cars, I'll admit! But these were the classics, and they had a certain elegance about them. The four-door gave you extra space, while the two-door had a sportier feel. It was a matter of personal preference; you had options back then, just like today, but a bit simpler.

This is a tough one, because it depends so much on things like condition and what's been done to it. Like a fine wine, some Bonnevilles will age gracefully while others might not. Pristine condition, matching numbers (meaning the engine and other parts are original), and desirable options, like a particular engine or interior, drive prices up. Imagine it's like buying art; you've got your average prints and your rare masterpieces. Think of a fully restored Bonneville, it’ll fetch a pretty penny, whereas one needing work will sell for significantly less. It's all about the overall desirability and condition. It's a bit of a guessing game, but there are resources out there to help determine value!