Independent · Source-led · American performance history Issue 01 · 1951–2023
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1966 · Pontiac · United States

1966 Pontiac 2+2

The 2+2 was listed as its own model for the only time, and production fell to 6,383.

United States · researched through 2026-09-22

White 1966 Pontiac 2+2 hardtop with a dark roof and louvered front fenders, in full side view at speed on a road
1966 Pontiac 2+2 hardtop coupe in white with a black roof (1966 Pontiac performance brochure)

For 1966 the 2+2 stood apart from the Catalina as its own listed model, offered as a hardtop and a convertible with a 338 hp four-barrel 421 standard, a Hurst-shifted three-speed, heavy-duty suspension, bucket seats, and a 3.42:1 axle with the manual or 3.23:1 with automatic. Identification ran to twin-lens taillamps, 2+2 emblems on the deck lid and rear fenders, vertical air slots behind the doors, and Pontiac 421 front-fender emblems. A compiled table prices the hardtop at $3,298 and the convertible at $3,602 and gives 6,383 built in all, with no split between the two bodies.1,2

Two conflicts run through the 1966 record. The 2+2's own series designation is disputed between the fact sheet's series 254 and the production table's series 252 with bodies 25237 and 25267, and a VIN or data-plate reference would be needed to settle which number the car actually carried. Separately, the plain Catalina series total (excluding the 2+2, tabulated on its own) is disputed between 254,310 and 247,927; both are shown as reported, since the two pages print different body rows for the year and neither states whether its total includes station wagons or the two-door sedan, leaving the gap unresolved here.1,2,3

A transmission breakdown for the 2+2 itself gives 2,208 manual and 4,175 Hydra-Matic cars, summing to the 6,383 already in this record, though the same source elsewhere prints the 2+2 total as 6,382, a one-unit discrepancy the record notes without resolving. For the plain Catalina, a separate breakdown of 5,003 manual and 242,924 Hydra-Matic cars sums to 247,927, the lower of the two disputed series totals. An unpublished lead holds an approximate split of roughly 4,100 hardtops and 2,200 convertibles for the 2+2, but that figure has no stated basis and the production table itself lists both body counts as unknown.3,2

The 421 four-barrel, standard on the 2+2 and optional elsewhere, made 338 hp at 4,600 rpm and 459 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm; a 421 Tri-Power made 356 hp at 4,800 rpm at the same torque and higher rpm, and the range-topping 421 HO Tri-Power made 376 hp at 5,000 rpm and 461 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. The standard transmission on the 2+2 was a Hurst-shifted three-speed manual, with a four-speed manual and a three-speed Hydra-Matic both optional.1

Beyond the standard equipment, options included a $54 tachometer, a $108 console, $120 aluminum hubs and brake drums for two-door cars, and an instrument gauge cluster ranging from $21 to $38 depending on configuration. On a 121-inch wheelbase, the Catalina and 2+2 shared an overall length of 214.8 inches, with the 2+2 hardtop standing 55.3 inches tall against 54.4 inches for the convertible, and shipping weights of 3,715 lb for the hardtop and 3,835 lb for the convertible. Fifteen exterior colors were listed for the year, including Starlight Black, Cameo Ivory, Fontaine Blue, Nightwatch Blue, Palmetto Green, Montero Red, and Candlelight Cream. Interior trim on the 2+2 itself ran to just four vinyl colors, black, red, blue, and parchment, a narrower choice than the Catalina's own broader cloth-and-vinyl and all-vinyl trim list.1,2,4

Fact sheet · 1966 · United States

The numbers

1966 Pontiac 2+2 — The 2+2 was listed as its own model for the only time, and production fell to 6,383.

Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-22.

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

  • 1966 2+2 production: 6,383 (hardtop and convertible combined).2,1
  • Standard engine: 421 four-barrel, 338 hp; 376 hp 421 HO Tri-Power optional.1

Production

Totals
What was countedCountBasisStatus
2+2, all bodies2,1 2+2 · not stated by source The table lists both body rows as Unk. 6,383 built, model-year Reported
Catalina series total (as printed on the Catalina page)3 Catalina · not stated by source Differs from the 254,310 series total already in this record (see conflicts). 247,927 built, model-year Reported
By body style and series
What was countedCountBasisStatus
2+2 hardtop2 2+2 · 2-door hardtop · not stated by source Unknown built, model-year Not published
2+2 convertible2 2+2 · convertible · not stated by source Unknown built, model-year Not published
Context
What was countedCountBasisStatus
Catalina series total (excluding 2+2)2 Catalina · not stated by source Context only; the 2+2 is tabulated in its own block. 254,310 built, model-year Reported
By transmission
What was countedCountBasisStatus
Catalina, synchromesh (manual)3 Catalina · manual (synchromesh) · not stated by source 5,003 built, model-year Reported
Catalina, Hydra-Matic3 Catalina · Hydra-Matic · not stated by source With the manual row this sums to 247,927. 242,924 built, model-year Reported
2+2, synchromesh (manual)3 2+2 · 421 · manual (synchromesh) · not stated by source 2,208 built, model-year Reported
2+2, Hydra-Matic3 2+2 · 421 · Hydra-Matic · not stated by source 2,208 + 4,175 = 6,383, the total in this record; the same page prints the 2+2 total as 6,382. 4,175 built, model-year Reported

The fact sheet's approximate split (about 4,100 coupes and 2,200 convertibles) is held as a lead.

Prices when new

ModelPriceBasis
2+2 hardtop2 $3,298 factory price as compiled, 1966 model year
2+2 convertible2 $3,602 factory price as compiled, 1966 model year

Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.

Engines

EngineFactory ratingAvailabilityBuilt
421 4-bbl1 421 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.5:1 338 hp @ 4,600, 459 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) 2+2 standard; optional others Not yet sourced
421 Tri-Power1 421 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 356 hp @ 4,800, 459 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) optional all lines Not yet sourced
421 HO Tri-Power1 421 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 376 hp @ 5,000, 461 lb-ft @ 3,600 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) optional all lines 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

TransmissionAvailabilityBuilt
Three-speed manual, Hurst floor shift1 standard on 2+2 Not yet sourced
Four-speed manual, floor shift1 optional Not yet sourced
Three-speed Hydra-Matic1 optional Not yet sourced

Options and packages

CodeOptionPriceInstalled
option (code not stated by source) Tachometer1 $54 Not yet sourced
option (code not stated by source) Console1 $108 Not yet sourced
option (code not stated by source) Aluminum hubs and brake drums (2-doors)1 $120 Not yet sourced
option (code not stated by source) Instrument gauge cluster (price range)1 $21 Not yet sourced

Paint

CodeColorBuilt
A Starlight Black1 Not yet sourced
B Blue Charcoal1 Not yet sourced
C Cameo Ivory1 Not yet sourced
D Fontaine Blue1 Not yet sourced
E Nightwatch Blue1 Not yet sourced
H Palmetto Green1 Not yet sourced
K Reef Turquoise1 Not yet sourced
L Marina Turquoise1 Not yet sourced
N Burgundy1 Not yet sourced
O Coronado Gold1 Not yet sourced
P Barrier Blue1 Not yet sourced
R Montero Red1 Not yet sourced
T Martinique Bronze1 Not yet sourced
V Mission Beige1 Not yet sourced
W Platinum1 Not yet sourced
Y Candlelight Cream1 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

CodeTrimBuilt
521 Black (vinyl, per the page's key) [2+2 trim list]4 Not yet sourced
522 Red (vinyl, per the page's key) [2+2 trim list]4 Not yet sourced
523 Blue (vinyl, per the page's key) [2+2 trim list]4 Not yet sourced
524 Parchment (vinyl, per the page's key) [2+2 trim list]4 Not yet sourced
501,506,534 Blue (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
502,507,535 Turquoise (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
503,509 Red (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
505,508 Fawn (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
511,516,525 Blue (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
512,517,526 Turquoise (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
513,518,527 Fawn (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
515,520,529 Black (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
519,514,528 Red (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
538,539,540 Black (cloth, vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced
599 Slate (vinyl, per the page's key) [Catalina trim list]4 Not yet sourced

Specifications

MeasureValueApplies to
Wheelbase1 121 in 2+2
Overall length1 214.8 in Catalina and 2+2
Overall height1 55.3 in 2+2 hardtop
Overall height1 54.4 in 2+2 convertible
Shipping weight2 3,715 lb 2+2 hardtop
Shipping weight2 3,835 lb 2+2 convertible

Identification

Exterior identification
Twin-lens taillamps, 2+2 emblems on deck lid and rear fenders, vertical air slots behind the doors, Pontiac 421 front-fender emblems.1
Body (cowl) plate
Body (cowl) plate riveted to the top left cowl under the hood. It carries the build date (month 01-12 and week A-E), the style number (year, series and body style), the body number (assembly-plant prefix and production sequence), the trim code, the lower and upper paint codes, and factory accessory codes. The page's example plate reads: Build Date 04B; Style 66-24217; Body PON21XXX; Trim 223-B; Paint N-2; ACC. WXS 2KWG.4
Body-plate assembly-plant codes
BA = Doraville, GA; BT = Arlington, TX; BC = Southgate, CA; BW = Wilmington, DE; BK = Kansas City, KS; EUC = Euclid, OH; BL = Linden, NJ; PON = Pontiac, MI.4

Decode a VIN →

Where the sources disagree

2+2 series designation

  • Series 2541
  • Series 252 with bodies 25237 and 252672

Show both; a VIN or data-plate reference should settle which series number the 1966 2+2 carried.

1966 Catalina series total

  • 254,3102
  • 247,9273

Both shown. The two pages print different body rows for 1966 and neither states whether its total includes station wagons or the two-door sedan, so the difference cannot be resolved here.

Identification

Read a 1966 Pontiac VIN

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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.
  • Ford Thunderbird A 345-hp 428 became a $64.77 option, and the Town Landau outsold every other body combined.
  • 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 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.