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, even driving it home while sitting on a bucket because the driver’s seat was in the back. After an early attempt at restoration stalled, the GTO waited until 2016, when Russ and his son brought it to Griffin Automotive Design to finally build the car he had envisioned since childhood.
What followed was a complete transformation that preserved the unmistakable character of the 1966 GTO while introducing modern power, handling, comfort, and handcrafted details throughout.
Supercharged LT4 Power
Under the hood is a Chevrolet Performance 6.2L supercharged LT4 V8, backed by an American Powertrain-modified T56 six-speed manual transmission with a B&M shifter.
We fabricated custom stainless steel 1-3/4-inch headers feeding a 3-inch stainless exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers. Power is sent to a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear end equipped with 3.73 gears and 31-spline Strange Engineering axles.
Custom Chassis & Suspension
The original frame was extensively modified to support modern suspension and the GTO’s aggressive stance.
Out back, Griffin Automotive Design designed and fabricated a custom triangulated four-link paired with Ridetech coilovers and a sway bar. Ridetech components were also used up front, along with quick-ratio steering.
A Wilwood Big Brake system provides modern stopping power with 14-inch drilled-and-slotted rotors, six-piston front calipers, and four-piston rear calipers.
The GTO rides on Forgeline wheels measuring 18×9.5 in front and 19×12 in the rear, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
Handcrafted Body & Candy Red Finish
The GTO retains its classic identity, but nearly every modification was carefully designed to make the finished car cleaner and more aggressive.
The iconic GTO hood scoop was enlarged and blended into a fabricated all-steel hood. The wheel openings were raised to accommodate the larger wheel and tire combination, while the rocker and quarter panels were extended for a more refined profile.
Griffin Automotive Design also fabricated 15.5-inch-wide custom wheel tubs and integrated the exhaust outlets into the rear quarters, eliminating visible exhaust pipes at the rear of the car.
After extensive bodywork and panel fitting, the GTO was finished 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, including fifth-generation Camaro front bucket seats and a custom rear seating arrangement. The redesigned dashboard houses Dakota Digital instrumentation, while a touchscreen audio and GPS system adds modern functionality.
Vintage Air climate control, a Flaming River steering column, Billet Specialties steering wheel, and American Autowire electrical system complete an interior designed to feel modern without losing the character of the GTO.
