1966 · Ford · United States
1966 Ford Thunderbird: The Town Landau Takes Over
A 345-hp 428 became a $64.77 option, and the Town Landau outsold every other body combined.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
This record's own overview states directly that the base 390 gained 15 horsepower for 1966, to 315, according to Old Cars Weekly, and that the 345-horsepower 428 Thunderbird Special was a $64.77 upgrade with Cruise-O-Matic remaining standard; the hardtop listed at $4,395 and the convertible at $4,845, figures this record's own prices section repeats alongside a slightly more precise Automotive Mileposts pair, $4,395.42 and $4,844.75, plus two further body prices from the same compilation, $4,451.76 for the Town Hardtop and $4,551.89 for the Town Landau.1
This record's own overview also states that Old Cars Weekly counts more than 35,000 Town Landaus built, more than the hardtop, Town Hardtop and convertible combined, a claim this record's own dek repeats almost word for word; this record's own production section separately carries a more precise Automotive Mileposts figure for the same body, 35,105, treating the Old Cars Weekly count as a lower bound rather than an exact number, since its own wording says only "more than 35,000."1
This record's own production section gives 69,176 as the model-year total, sourced to both Wikipedia's citation of Tast and Newhardt's Thunderbird Fifty Years and Automotive Mileposts directly; its own note flags that some secondary pages instead give 69,170, a lineage this record's own text was unable to identify. The same section breaks the total into four Automotive Mileposts body rows, 13,389 conventional hardtops, 15,633 Town Hardtops, 35,105 Town Landaus and 5,049 convertibles, which sum to 69,176.2,3
This record's own unpublished-leads section separately holds that 69,170 figure, flagged because the Automotive Mileposts page carrying it could not be read due to a bot challenge and its lineage remains unidentified, distinct from the 69,176 total this record's own production section actually carries; this record's own conflicts section is empty, so the two figures are not formally set against each other despite the six-car gap between them.3
This record's own options section itemizes a very large list, many rows carrying Ford part numbers directly, from a $412.90 SelectAire Conditioner and a $96.62 six-way power driver's seat, new for 1966, down to a $1.50 front license plate plaque; the 428 engine's own transistorized ignition system is priced at $75.50 and marked for that engine only, and the year's own heavy-duty 80-ampere battery is noted as standard equipment with the 428. This record's own paint table carries 21 colours, several marked as shared with Lincoln, special order, or listed only in the shop manual, including Candyapple Red and a Silver Rose entry duplicated under two different codes.3
This record's own interiors section carries a similarly extensive set of trims across vinyl, vinyl-with-cloth-insert and all-leather bolster styles, spanning standard, White Pearl and Parchment base colourways, plus separate convertible-top and vinyl-roof colour lists, the vinyl-roof list itself noting that its Sage Gold and Parchment rows are explained further elsewhere on the same page. This record's own specifications section carries 31 rows from the Automotive Mileposts specifications page, covering dimensions and weights by body, tread, suspension and steering, and rated power and torque for the Z-code 390 (315 horsepower), the Q-code 428 (345 horsepower) and the export-only code 8 428 (265 horsepower). The code 8 row prints a 4.00 by 3.30 inch bore and stroke that does not multiply out to 428 cubic inches, and this record's own row quotes it as printed with that note rather than correcting it. Its identification and performance sections carry no entries.3,3
Fact sheet · 1966 · United States
The numbers
1966 Ford Thunderbird — A 345-hp 428 became a $64.77 option, and the Town Landau outsold every other body combined.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird, all bodies2,3 Thunderbird · all production Some secondary pages give 69,170; that lineage was not identified. | 69,176 | built, model-year | Reported |
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Town Landau1 Town Landau · 2-door hardtop · all production A lower bound ('more than 35,000'), not an exact count. | 35,000 | built, model-year | Estimate |
| Hardtop (conventional)3 Thunderbird · Hardtop (conventional) · as published | 13,389 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Town Hardtop3 Thunderbird · Town Hardtop · as published | 15,633 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Town Landau3 Thunderbird · Town Landau · as published | 35,105 | built, model-year | Reported |
| Convertible3 Thunderbird · Convertible · as published | 5,049 | built, model-year | Reported |
Body counts (hardtop 13,389; Town Hardtop 15,633; Town Landau 35,105; convertible 5,049) come from Automotive Mileposts (amp- rows); engine (390/428) counts were not found.
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Hardtop coupe1 | $4,395 | base price as reported by Old Cars Weekly (basis not stated), 1966 model year |
| Convertible1 | $4,845 | base price as reported by Old Cars Weekly (basis not stated), 1966 model year |
| Thunderbird Hardtop3 | $4,395.42 | base price as compiled by the site, 1966 model year |
| Thunderbird Town Hardtop3 | $4,451.76 | base price as compiled by the site, 1966 model year |
| Thunderbird Town Landau3 | $4,551.89 | base price as compiled by the site, 1966 model year |
| Thunderbird Convertible3 | $4,844.75 | base price as compiled by the site, 1966 model year |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 390 Thunderbird V-81,2 390 cu in | 315 hp (period advertised gross as reported) | standard | Not yet sourced |
| 428 Thunderbird Special V-81,2 428 cu in | 345 hp (period advertised gross as reported) | optional, $64.77 | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise-O-Matic automatic1 | standard | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
428 Thunderbird Special V-81 | $64.77 | Not yet sourced |
|
SelectAire Conditioner3 | $412.90 | Not yet sourced |
|
6-Way Power Driver's Seat New option for '663 | $96.62 | Not yet sourced |
|
6-Way Power Driver's and Passenger's Seats New option for '663 | $193.33 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power Windows (Includes Power Vent Windows on Town models)3 | $103.20 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power Windows Including Vent Windows (Conventional Hardtop/Convertible)3 | $156.40 | Not yet sourced |
|
Limited Slip Differential3 | $46.35 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tinted Windshield and Windows3 | $41.79 | Not yet sourced |
|
Highway Pilot Speed Control New option for '663 | $128.72 | Not yet sourced |
|
Safety-Convenience Control Panel (Overhead Console Standard on Town models)3 | $56.36 | Not yet sourced |
|
AM-FM Push Button Radio3 | $81.55 | Not yet sourced |
|
AM Radio/StereoSonic Tape System New option for '663 | $127.56 | Not yet sourced |
|
Reclining Passenger Seat with Headrest3 | $43.83 | Not yet sourced |
|
Leather Seat Upholstery (Includes Reclining Seat)3 | $147.03 | Not yet sourced |
|
Two-Tone Paint3 | $25.07 | Not yet sourced |
|
White Sidewall Tires3 | $42.93 | Not yet sourced |
|
White Sidewall Tires with Red Band3 | $51.98 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear Fender Shields3 | $32.70 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear Seat Speaker3 | $16.90 | Not yet sourced |
|
StudioSonic Rear Seat Speaker3 | $53.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Deluxe Wheel Covers with Simulated Knock-Off Hubs3 | $15.60 | Not yet sourced |
|
Retracting Power Antenna3 | $29.60 | Not yet sourced |
|
Automatic Deck Lid Release (Except Convertible)3 | $12.90 | Not yet sourced |
|
Transistorized Ignition System (428 engine only)3 | $75.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Closed Crankcase Emission Control System3 | $5.30 | Not yet sourced |
|
Exhaust Emission Control System3 | $49.45 | Not yet sourced |
|
Heavy Duty 80-Ampere Battery (Standard with 428 engine)3 | $7.44 | Not yet sourced |
|
Extra Cooling Package3 | $7.90 | Not yet sourced |
|
Heavy Duty Suspension3 | $28.60 | Not yet sourced |
|
Right Exterior Manual Mirror3 | $6.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Chrome Deck Lid Luggage Rack3 | $32.44 | Not yet sourced |
|
Retractable Rear Seat Belts3 | $7.10 | Not yet sourced |
|
Door Edge Guards3 | $4.40 | Not yet sourced |
|
Fuel Filler Door Edge Guard3 | $3.35 | Not yet sourced |
|
License Plate Frame3 | $6.10 | Not yet sourced |
|
Contour Floor Mats3 | $15.25 | Not yet sourced |
|
Body Side Molding3 | $34.80 | Not yet sourced |
|
Special Order Paint3 | $34.70 | Not yet sourced |
|
Deluxe Wheel Cover (C6SZ 1130-B)3 | $40 | Not yet sourced |
|
Front Twin (C4SZ 6313086)3 | $7.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear Twin (C4SZ 6313106)3 | $4.96 | Not yet sourced |
|
Front License Plate Plaque (C5AZ 17388-A)3 | $1.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Body Side Molding (C4SZ 6321048-A)3 | $17.15 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rear Fender Shield (C6SZ 6327964-A)3 | $28.75 | Not yet sourced |
|
Fuel Filler Door Edge Guard (C6SZ 9A128-A)3 | $2.40 | Not yet sourced |
|
Locking Gas Cap (C4RZ 9030-B)3 | $3.20 | Not yet sourced |
|
Door Edge Guards (C4SZ 6320910-A)3 | $3.45 | Not yet sourced |
|
Ventilated Seat Cushion (C4SZ 19B501)3 | $4.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Engine Coolant Heater (C3RZ 8B152-B)3 | $15.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Right Hand Non-Remote Matching Mirror (C4SZ 17696-A)3 | $7.65 | Not yet sourced |
|
Cigarette Lite-Lighter (C2RZ 15072-A)3 | $3 | Not yet sourced |
|
Compass (C4RZ 19A548-A)3 | $7.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Vinyl Roof (Conventional and Town Hardtops) (C6SZ 6350005-A) Black (C6SZ 6350005-B) White3 | $69.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Litter Basket (C1AZ 19D504)3 | $2.45 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tissue Dispenser (C3RZ 19A549-A)3 | $3.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Adjustable Clothes Rod (C4AZ 19D536-A)3 | $3 | Not yet sourced |
|
Auto Vacuum (C5AZ 19E521-A)3 | $14.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Radiator Bug Screen (C5AZ 8198-A)3 | $1.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
AM/FM Radio (C6SZ 18805-A)3 | $138.30 | Not yet sourced |
|
Electric Antenna (C5SZ 18813-B)3 | $27.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
StudioSonic Sound System (C6AZ 18875-A)3 | $27.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Two-Way Citizen's Band Radio (C5AZ 18805-E)3 | $179.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Two-Way Walkie-Talkie Radio (C5AZ 18805-F)3 | $119.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Rotunda Child's Rear Seat (C6AZ 19E535-A)3 | $29.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Reflector Flare Kit (C5AZ 19E500-A)3 | $11.20 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tool Kit (B7A 17003-A)3 | $3.95 | Not yet sourced |
|
Snow Grips (C5AZ 19F500-A)3 | $3.80 | Not yet sourced |
|
Fire Extinguisher (C5AZ 19B540-A)3 | $27.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Dual Air Horns (C5AZ 13800-A)3 | $53.50 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tachometer (C4AZ 17A326-A)3 | $60 | Not yet sourced |
|
Spotlight (C4SZ 15313-A) (Left Hand only)3 | $29.95 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Raven Black (1724 Black)3 | Not yet sourced |
B |
Sundust Beige (Also Lincoln color) (1911 Medium Beige Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
E |
Silver Mink (Also Lincoln color) (1446 Light Gray Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
F |
Arcadian Blue (Also Lincoln color) (1226 Light Blue)3 | Not yet sourced |
G |
Sapphire Blue (1905 Bright Blue Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Sahara Beige (1912 Light Beige)3 | Not yet sourced |
K |
Nightmist Blue (1903 Dark Blue Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
L |
Honeydew Yellow (1917 Ivy Yellow)3 | Not yet sourced |
M |
Wimbledon White (1619 White)3 | Not yet sourced |
N |
Diamond Blue (Also Lincoln color) (921 Platinum (Light Blue))3 | Not yet sourced |
O |
Silver Rose (Also Lincoln color) (1920 Rose Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
P |
Antique Bronze (1910 Medium Palomino Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
Q |
Brittany Blue (Also Lincoln color) (1624 Medium Blue Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Ivy Green (1879 Dark Green Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
S |
Charcoal Frost (Special Order) (1744 Dark Gray Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
T |
Candyapple Red (2008 Red)3 | Not yet sourced |
U |
Tahoe Turquoise (Also Lincoln) (1070 Medium Turquoise Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Emberglo (1921 Emberglo Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
X |
Vintage Burgundy (1632 Maroon Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
Z |
Sauturne Gold (1915 Medium Sage Gold Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
1 |
Silver Rose (Listed in Shop Manual) (1920 Rose Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
2 |
Mariner Turquoise (Also Lincoln) (1907 Dark Turquoise Metallic)3 | Not yet sourced |
8 |
Springtime Yellow (Special Order) (1955 Bright Light Yellow)3 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
21/51 |
Silver Mink; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
22/52 |
Dark Blue; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
23/53 |
Burgundy; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
24/54 |
Emberglo; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
25/55 |
Red; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
26/56 |
Black; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
27/57 |
Aqua; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
28/58 |
Ivy Gold; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G1/P1 |
White Pearl with Silver Mink appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G2/P2 |
White Pearl with Dark Blue appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G3/P3 |
White Pearl with Burgundy appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G4/P4 |
White Pearl with Emberglo appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G6/P6 |
White Pearl with Black and White appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G7/P7 |
White Pearl with Turquoise appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G8/P8 |
White Pearl with Ivy Gold appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
G9/P9 |
White Pearl with Palomino (Medium Beige) appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
B2/K2 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Dark Blue appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
B3/K3 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Burgundy appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
B4/K4 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Emberglo appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
B6/K6 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Black appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
B7/K7 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Turquoise appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
B8/K8 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Ivy Gold appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
B9/K9 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Palomino (Medium Beige) appointments; ALL-VINYL BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
12/42 |
Dark Blue; VINYL BOLSTERS WITH CLOTH INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
16/46 |
Black; VINYL BOLSTERS WITH CLOTH INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
1D/4D |
Parchment (Light Beige); VINYL BOLSTERS WITH CLOTH INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
62 |
Dark Blue; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
65 |
Red; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
66 |
Black; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
L2 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Dark Blue appointments; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
L3 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Burgundy appointments; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
L4 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Emberglo appointments; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
L6 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Black appointments; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
L7 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Turquoise appointments; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
L8 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Ivy Gold appointments; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
L9 |
Parchment (Light Beige) with Palomino (Medium Beige) appointments; ALL-LEATHER BOLSTERS AND INSERTS3 | Not yet sourced |
S |
Black (Available with all interior and exterior color combinations); CONVERTIBLE TOP COLORS3 | Not yet sourced |
T |
White (Available with all interior and exterior color combinations); CONVERTIBLE TOP COLORS3 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Blue (Available with Dark Blue, White Pearl with Blue, and Parchment with; CONVERTIBLE TOP COLORS3 | Not yet sourced |
2 |
Black (Available with all interior and exterior color combinations); VINYL ROOF COLORS3 | Not yet sourced |
3 |
White (Available with all interior and exterior color combinations); VINYL ROOF COLORS3 | Not yet sourced |
7 |
Sage Gold (See below); VINYL ROOF COLORS3 | Not yet sourced |
8 |
Parchment (See below); VINYL ROOF COLORS3 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase3 | 113 in | All 1966 bodies (printed as 113") |
| Overall length3 | 205.4 in | All 1966 bodies |
| Width3 | 77.3 in | All 1966 bodies |
| Height3 | 52.5 in | Conventional Hardtop |
| Height3 | 52.6 in | Town Hardtop |
| Height3 | 52.7 in | Town Landau |
| Height3 | 52.5 in | Convertible |
| Weight (basis not stated on the page)3 | 4,582 lb | Conventional Hardtop |
| Weight (basis not stated on the page)3 | 4,560 lb | Town Hardtop |
| Weight (basis not stated on the page)3 | 4,568 lb | Town Landau |
| Weight (basis not stated on the page)3 | 4,692 lb | Convertible |
| Front tread3 | 61 in | Front suspension |
| Rear tread3 | 60 in | Rear suspension |
| Front suspension3 | Independent with ball joints; 4.18 in ID helical coil springs, rubber mounted; link-type stabilizer mounting, rubber-bushed | Front |
| Rear suspension3 | Longitudinal semielliptic leaf springs, rubber-bushed attachments; 5 leaves, 60.00 x 2.5 in; tension-type spring shackles | Rear |
| Steering3 | Recirculating ball and nut with integral power unit; parallelogram linkage with cross link and idler arm | All 1966 bodies |
| Steering ratio3 | 20.4 to 1 | All 1966 bodies |
| Steering wheel turns, lock to lock3 | 3.6 turns | All 1966 bodies |
| Turning diameter (printed as curb to curb)3 | 42.6 ft | All 1966 bodies |
| Steering wheel diameter3 | 16 in | All 1966 bodies |
| Engine code Z: Thunderbird 390 Special V-8 power3 | 315 hp | Engine code Z; at 4,600 rpm; rating basis not stated on the page |
| Engine code Z: maximum torque3 | 427 lb-ft | Engine code Z; at 2,800 rpm |
| Engine code Z: bore and stroke3 | 4.05 x 3.78 in | Engine code Z; compression ratio 10.5:1; Ford 9510 4-barrel carburetor; dual exhaust system with resonators |
| Engine code Q: Thunderbird 428 V-8 power3 | 345 hp | Engine code Q; at 4,600 rpm; rating basis not stated on the page |
| Engine code Q: maximum torque3 | 462 lb-ft | Engine code Q; at 2,800 rpm |
| Engine code Q: bore and stroke3 | 4.13 x 3.98 in | Engine code Q; compression ratio 10.5:1; Ford 9510 4-barrel carburetor; dual exhaust system with resonators |
| Engine code 8: 428 cubic inch V-8 power3 | 265 hp | Engine code 8; at 4,400 rpm; low octane for export only; rating basis not stated on the page |
| Engine code 8: bore and stroke as printed3 | 4.00 x 3.30 in | Engine code 8; compression ratio 8.9:1; Ford 9510 4-barrel carburetor; dual exhaust system with resonators; the printed bore and stroke do not multiply out to 428 cubic inches and are quoted as printed |
| Transmission code 43 | C6 Dual Range (automatic, 3-speed) | Installed with all 428 engines; used exclusively after mid-November through the remainder of production |
| Transmission code 83 | Cruise-O-Matic (automatic, 3-speed) | Installed with the 390 engine; used in early production only, discontinued in mid-November |
| Rear axle ratios by code3 | 1 = 3.00:1; 3 = 3.20:1; 6 = 2.80:1; 01 = 3.00:1 and 11 = 3.00:1 (both used until October 18, 1965); A = 3.00:1 limited slip; F = 2.80:1 limited slip; 0A = 3.00:1 limited slip, 1A = 3.00:1 limited slip and 6A = 2.80:1 limited slip (each used until October 18, 1965) | Rear axle codes |
Identification
Read a 1966 Ford VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1966
- Buick Riviera A longer, heavier new body on the same X-frame; 5,718 of 45,348 carried the GS option, and the dual-quad Super Wildcat went from dealer add-on to factory MZ engine in March 1966.
- Buick Skylark Gran Sport, GS and GSX The Gran Sport became its own Skylark series (44600) on the restyled body, still with the 401 at 325 hp; 13,816 are tabulated.
- Buick Wildcat The one-year Wildcat Gran Sport: 1,244 built, 242 convertibles, 22 Super Wildcats.
- Chevrolet Chevelle and Malibu SS The first full year of the SS 396 as its own series, with a 396 V8 in every car: 66,843 sport coupes and 5,429 convertibles.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova The source engine table lists the 327 L79 at 350 gross hp. Enthusiast-compiled production: 172,485 cars; Super Sport 20,986.
- Chevrolet El Camino SS No factory Super Sport El Camino is documented for this year; the record carries the host El Camino production as context.
- Chevrolet Impala SS Impala SS falls to 119,314 as the 427 arrives; 3,247 full-size Chevrolets got the 390-hp L36.
- Dodge Charger Dodge's first Charger, a fastback on the Coronet platform introduced on 1 January 1966, built 37,344 times, 468 of them with the new Street Hemi.
- Dodge Coronet R/T and Super Bee The first year the 426 Hemi was sold as a street engine; in the Coronet it was an option on ordinary sedans, hardtops and convertibles, before any R/T package existed.
- Ford Fairlane A new, wider Fairlane could take the 390 big-block for the first time, bringing the Fairlane 500 GT and GTA, and a small run of R-code 427 hardtops was built for Super Stock racing.
- Ford Galaxie The 428 became the big-car performance engine and gave its name to the Galaxie 500 7-Litre hardtop and convertible, with the 427 still available.
- Mercury Comet and Cyclone The Comet moved to the larger Fairlane-based body, and the Cyclone GT brought the 335-hp 390 with twin hood scoops, bucket seats and a heavy-duty suspension.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The S-55 returned as its own line, a hardtop and convertible with the 345 hp 428 'Super Marauder' V8.
- Oldsmobile Cutlass, 4-4-2 and Hurst/Olds The 4-4-2 package gained the L69 three-two-barrel 'Tri-Carb' option at 360 hp, and a handful of factory W-30 forced-air cars were built for drag racing.
- Oldsmobile Starfire The last Starfire of the 1960s: coupe only, moved downmarket, 13,019 sold.
- Plymouth Barracuda and 'Cuda The last glassback-era year: one fastback body, the 273 Commando as the top engine, and production that fell to 38,029.
- Plymouth GTX, Belvedere and Satellite The 426 Street Hemi reached showrooms in the Belvedere and Satellite, and 1,546 were built into Plymouth intermediates.
- Pontiac Catalina 2+2 and Super Duty The 2+2 was listed as its own model for the only time, and production fell to 6,383.
- Pontiac GTO The GTO becomes its own Pontiac series and has its biggest year: 96,946 built.
- Pontiac Grand Prix Production fell to 36,757 as the GTO and 2+2 drew performance buyers.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans Pontiac's overhead-cam six and the Sprint package arrive beside the 326 HO.
- Rambler and AMC Marlin The Marlin's second year: production fell to 4,547, less than half the 1965 figure.