The 1966 Pontiac GTO is a classic muscle car known for its distinctive appearance and powerful engine. One of the most iconic features of the GTO is its taillights, which are unique to the 1966 model year and have become a symbol of the car itself.
The 1966 GTO taillights are large and rectangular, with a ribbed design that gives them a distinctive look. They are mounted on the rear fenders of the car, and they wrap around the corners of the body. The taillights use a single bulb for both the brake light and the turn signal, and they are known for their bright and distinctive glow.
The 1966 GTO taillights are an important part of the car’s overall design, and they have become one of the most recognizable features of the GTO. They are a popular target for collectors and enthusiasts, and they are often used as a way to identify a 1966 GTO from other model years.
66 GTO Tail Lights
The 1966 Pontiac GTO is a classic muscle car known for its distinctive appearance and powerful engine. One of the most iconic features of the GTO is its taillights, which are unique to the 1966 model year and have become a symbol of the car itself.
- Rectangular
- Ribbed
- Wrap-around
- Single bulb
- Bright
- Distinctive
- Collectible
- Iconic
The 1966 GTO taillights are an important part of the car’s overall design, and they have become one of the most recognizable features of the GTO. They are a popular target for collectors and enthusiasts, and they are often used as a way to identify a 1966 GTO from other model years.
The unique design of the 1966 GTO taillights has made them an iconic symbol of the muscle car era. They are a reminder of the power and style of these classic cars, and they continue to be admired by car enthusiasts today.
Rectangular
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are rectangular, which is a significant design feature that contributes to their iconic status. Rectangular taillights were not common on cars in the 1960s, and their use on the GTO helped to give the car a distinctive and aggressive appearance.
The rectangular shape of the taillights also allows for a larger surface area, which makes them more visible to other drivers. This is an important safety feature, especially for a high-performance car like the GTO. Rectangular taillights are also easier to manufacture than other shapes, which helped to keep the cost of the GTO down.
Overall, the rectangular shape of the 1966 GTO taillights is a key part of their design and contributes to their iconic status.
Ribbed
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are ribbed, which is a design feature that contributes to their iconic status. The ribs run vertically along the length of the taillights, and they give the taillights a distinctive and aggressive appearance.
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Structural Reinforcement
The ribs on the 1966 GTO taillights provide structural reinforcement, which helps to prevent the taillights from cracking or breaking. This is important for a performance car like the GTO, which is often driven at high speeds.
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Heat Dissipation
The ribs on the 1966 GTO taillights also help to dissipate heat. This is important because the taillights use a single bulb for both the brake light and the turn signal, which can generate a lot of heat. The ribs help to distribute the heat evenly, which prevents the taillights from overheating and failing.
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Styling
The ribs on the 1966 GTO taillights are also a styling feature. The ribs give the taillights a distinctive and aggressive appearance, which is in keeping with the overall design of the GTO. The ribs also help to create a sense of depth and dimension, which makes the taillights more visually appealing.
Overall, the ribs on the 1966 GTO taillights are a key part of their design and contribute to their iconic status. The ribs provide structural reinforcement, help to dissipate heat, and add to the taillights’ aggressive styling.
Wrap-around
The wrap-around design of the 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights is a significant feature that contributes to their iconic status. Wrap-around taillights were not common on cars in the 1960s, and their use on the GTO helped to give the car a distinctive and aggressive appearance. The wrap-around design also provides several functional benefits:
Increased Visibility
Wrap-around taillights provide increased visibility to other drivers, especially at night. This is important for a performance car like the GTO, which is often driven at high speeds. The wrap-around design ensures that the taillights are visible from a wide range of angles, making it easier for other drivers to see the GTO and avoid collisions.
Improved Safety
The increased visibility provided by wrap-around taillights also improves safety. Other drivers are more likely to see the GTO and react accordingly, which can help to prevent accidents. Wrap-around taillights are also less likely to be obscured by dirt or snow, which can further improve visibility.
Styling
The wrap-around design of the 1966 GTO taillights is also a styling feature. The wrap-around design gives the taillights a distinctive and aggressive appearance, which is in keeping with the overall design of the GTO. The wrap-around design also helps to create a sense of depth and dimension, which makes the taillights more visually appealing.
Overall, the wrap-around design of the 1966 GTO taillights is a key part of their design and contributes to their iconic status. The wrap-around design provides increased visibility, improved safety, and a distinctive styling.
Single bulb
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights use a single bulb for both the brake light and the turn signal. This is a unique feature of the 1966 GTO taillights, and it contributes to their iconic status. There are several reasons why Pontiac engineers chose to use a single bulb for the taillights:
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Cost
Using a single bulb for both the brake light and the turn signal was a cost-saving measure. This allowed Pontiac to produce the GTO at a lower cost, which made it more affordable for consumers.
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Simplicity
Using a single bulb for both the brake light and the turn signal simplified the electrical system of the GTO. This made the car easier to build and maintain.
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Reliability
Using a single bulb for both the brake light and the turn signal improved the reliability of the GTO’s taillights. This is because there were fewer components that could fail.
Overall, the use of a single bulb for the 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights was a cost-effective, simple, and reliable solution. This design feature contributes to the iconic status of the GTO taillights.
Bright
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are known for their distinctive brightness, a characteristic that contributes to their iconic status. There are several reasons why the GTO taillights are so bright:
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High-wattage bulbs
The GTO taillights use high-wattage bulbs, which produce more light than standard bulbs. This increased wattage makes the taillights more visible to other drivers, especially at night.
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Reflective surfaces
The GTO taillights have reflective surfaces behind the bulbs, which help to reflect and amplify the light output. This makes the taillights even more visible, especially when viewed from behind.
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Clear lenses
The GTO taillights have clear lenses, which allow the light to shine through without being obstructed. This is in contrast to some other taillights, which have tinted or frosted lenses that can reduce the amount of light output.
Overall, the combination of high-wattage bulbs, reflective surfaces, and clear lenses makes the 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights exceptionally bright. This brightness makes the GTO more visible to other drivers, and it contributes to the car’s iconic status.
Distinctive
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are distinctive for several reasons. First, they are rectangular, which was not common on cars in the 1960s. Second, they are ribbed, which gives them a unique and aggressive appearance. Third, they wrap around the corners of the car, which provides increased visibility to other drivers. Finally, they use a single bulb for both the brake light and the turn signal, which is a cost-effective and reliable solution.
The distinctiveness of the 1966 GTO taillights is important for several reasons. First, it helps to identify the GTO from other cars on the road. Second, it contributes to the GTO’s overall aggressive and muscular appearance. Third, it makes the GTO more visible to other drivers, which improves safety.
The 1966 GTO taillights are a key part of the car’s overall design and contribute to its iconic status. Their distinctive appearance is one of the things that makes the GTO so recognizable and desirable.
Collectible
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are highly collectible for several reasons. First, they are a unique and distinctive part of the GTO’s overall design. Second, they are only available on the 1966 GTO, which makes them rare and desirable. Third, they are well-made and durable, which means that they can last for many years.
Collectors are willing to pay a premium for 1966 GTO taillights because they are a valuable and iconic part of American automotive history. GTO taillights are often used to restore classic GTOs, and they can also be displayed as collectibles in their own right.
The collectibility of 1966 GTO taillights is a testament to their quality and design. They are a rare and desirable part of automotive history, and they continue to be popular with collectors today.
Iconic
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are iconic for several reasons. First, they are a unique and distinctive part of the GTO’s overall design. The rectangular shape, ribbed design, and wrap-around style are all unique to the GTO, and they give the car a distinctive and aggressive appearance. Second, the GTO taillights are only available on the 1966 GTO, which makes them rare and desirable. Third, the GTO taillights are well-made and durable, which means that they can last for many years.
The iconic status of the 1966 GTO taillights is important for several reasons. First, it helps to identify the GTO from other cars on the road. Second, it contributes to the GTO’s overall aggressive and muscular appearance. Third, it makes the GTO more visible to other drivers, which improves safety.
The 1966 GTO taillights are a key part of the car’s overall design and contribute to its iconic status. Their unique appearance, rarity, and durability make them highly collectible and desirable among enthusiasts.
FAQs about 1966 Pontiac GTO Taillights
This section addresses frequently asked questions about the iconic 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights, providing clear and informative answers.
Question 1: What makes the 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights unique?
Answer: The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are unique due to their rectangular shape, ribbed design, and wrap-around style. These features distinguish the GTO from other cars on the road and contribute to its aggressive and distinctive appearance.
Question 2: Why are the 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights so rare?
Answer: The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are rare because they were only produced for the 1966 model year. This makes them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Question 3: How can I identify original 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights?
Answer: Original 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights can be identified by their unique design features, including the rectangular shape, ribbed design, and wrap-around style. Additionally, they should have a “Guide” logo on the lens.
Question 4: What is the best way to restore 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights?
Answer: The best way to restore 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights is to use a professional restoration service. These services can clean, repair, and refinish the taillights to their original condition.
Question 5: Where can I find replacement parts for 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights?
Answer: Replacement parts for 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights can be found through classic car parts suppliers or online retailers specializing in Pontiac parts.
Question 6: How much do 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights cost?
Answer: The cost of 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights varies depending on their condition and availability. Original taillights in good condition can range from $500 to $2,000 per pair.
Summary: The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are iconic and highly collectible. Their unique design, rarity, and historical significance make them a valuable asset for any Pontiac enthusiast.
Transition: To further explore the topic of classic car taillights, refer to the next section, which discusses the evolution of taillight design throughout automotive history.
Tips for Maintaining and Restoring 1966 Pontiac GTO Taillights
Preserving the iconic taillights of the 1966 Pontiac GTO requires proper maintenance and restoration techniques. Here are some expert tips to guide you:
Tip 1: Regular Cleaning
Regularly clean the taillights using a mild soap solution and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the lenses or finish.
Tip 2: Inspect for Damage
Periodically inspect the taillights for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or broken lenses. Promptly address any damage to prevent moisture or dirt from entering the housing.
Tip 3: Replace Bulbs Regularly
Replace the taillight bulbs as soon as they burn out to ensure optimal visibility and safety. Use high-quality bulbs designed for the GTO’s taillights to maintain their brightness and longevity.
Tip 4: Consider Restoration
If the taillights exhibit significant wear or damage, consider professional restoration. Restoration services can repair cracks, restore the original finish, and replace damaged components.
Tip 5: Protect from the Elements
Protect the taillights from the elements by applying a UV protectant spray. This will help prevent fading and discoloration caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Tip 6: Use Original Parts
When replacing any components, prioritize using original parts or high-quality reproductions. This ensures compatibility, maintains authenticity, and preserves the value of your GTO.
Tip 7: Store Properly
If you remove the taillights for storage or restoration, wrap them securely in bubble wrap or soft cloths to prevent scratches or damage during handling.
Tip 8: Seek Professional Advice
For complex repairs or restoration projects, consult with a qualified mechanic or restoration specialist. Their expertise can guide you through the process and ensure the best possible results.
Conclusion
The iconic taillights of the 1966 Pontiac GTO are a testament to the car’s design innovation and enduring legacy. Their unique rectangular shape, ribbed accents, and wrap-around style have made them instantly recognizable and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Preserving these taillights requires proper care and maintenance. Regular cleaning, prompt bulb replacement, and protection from the elements are essential for maintaining their original condition. For more extensive repairs or restoration, consulting with experts is highly recommended.
The 1966 Pontiac GTO taillights are more than just lighting fixtures; they are symbols of American muscle car history. Their distinctive appearance and rarity make them a valuable asset for any classic car enthusiast. By appreciating and preserving these iconic taillights, we honor the legacy of one of the most beloved performance cars of all time.