A Childhood Dream, Rebuilt
This 1966 Pontiac GTO restomod came to Griffin Automotive Design with a story decades in the making. Owner Russ Reiter purchased the GTO in 1992 for just $800. He even drove it home while sitting on a bucket because the driver’s seat was in the back. An early attempt at restoration eventually stalled. The GTO then waited until 2016, when Russ and his son brought it to Griffin Automotive Design. Finally, it was time to build the car Russ had envisioned since childhood. What followed was a complete transformation. The finished GTO retains the unmistakable character of the 1966 model while adding modern power, handling, and comfort. Throughout the build, handcrafted details bring everything together.
Supercharged LT4 Power
Under the hood sits a Chevrolet Performance 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8. An American Powertrain-modified T56 six-speed manual transmission with a B&M shifter handles shifting duties. We fabricated custom 1-3/4-inch stainless steel headers for the LT4. From there, they feed into a 3-inch stainless exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers. The LT4 sends power to a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear end. It features 3.73 gears and 31-spline Strange Engineering axles.
Custom Chassis & Suspension
We extensively modified the original frame to support modern suspension and give the GTO its aggressive stance. Out back, Griffin Automotive Design designed and fabricated a custom triangulated four-link. The setup pairs Ridetech coilovers with a sway bar. Up front, we added Ridetech components and quick-ratio steering. A Wilwood Big Brake system provides modern stopping power. The setup includes 14-inch drilled-and-slotted rotors and six-piston front calipers. Meanwhile, four-piston calipers handle braking at the rear. The GTO rides on Forgeline wheels measuring 18×9.5 in front and 19×12 in the rear. Finally, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires complete the setup.
Handcrafted Body & Candy Red Finish
The GTO retains its classic identity. However, nearly every modification gives the car a cleaner and more aggressive appearance. We enlarged the iconic GTO hood scoop and blended it into a fabricated all-steel hood. We also raised the wheel openings to accommodate the larger wheel and tire combination. In addition, we extended the rocker and quarter panels to create a more refined profile. Griffin Automotive Design fabricated 15.5-inch-wide custom wheel tubs to make room for the wide rear tires. We also integrated the exhaust outlets directly into the rear quarters. As a result, no visible exhaust pipes hang below the rear of the car. After extensive bodywork and panel fitting, we finished the GTO in a custom-mixed Axalta Candy Red.
A Fully Custom Interior
Inside, the GTO received the same attention to detail as the exterior. The all-black interior features Relicate leather and Alcantara. Fifth-generation Camaro front bucket seats provide a modern seating position. In addition, we created a custom rear seating arrangement to complement the redesigned interior. The custom dashboard houses Dakota Digital instrumentation. Meanwhile, a touchscreen audio and GPS system adds modern functionality while maintaining a clean appearance. Vintage Air provides modern climate control. Other upgrades include a Flaming River steering column and Billet Specialties steering wheel. An American Autowire electrical system ties everything together. Ultimately, the finished interior combines modern comfort with the unmistakable character of a 1966 GTO.
