1966 Pontiac GTO

The GTO became a separate Pontiac model, number 242, in 1966, instead of being an option package on the Tempest LeMans as it had been in 1964 and 1965. The 1966 car was the third model year of the first generation, and from 1966 through 1971 the GTO was designated as a separate Pontiac model with a vehicle identification number starting 242. The 1965 GTO had a vehicle identification number beginning with 237 and the separate 1966 model carried 242, and from 1966 through 1971 the GTO was designated as a separate Pontiac model line in an era when all four domestic automakers offered competing muscle cars.