The 1966 Pontiac GTO is the year I recommend most often to someone entering the GTO market. The 1964 and 1965 cars were options packages on the Tempest; the 1966 was a model in its own right with its own exterior design.

The stacked headlamp design is distinctive and clean. The 389 was replaced by the 400 cubic inch engine in 1967, but the 389 Tri-Power in 1966 — the last year the Tri-Power was offered — is the most exciting engine option in the first-generation GTO.

The 1966 convertible with the Tri-Power is the ultimate first-gen GTO driving experience. If the budget doesn't support a Tri-Power car, the standard 389 four-barrel is a strong, torquey engine that suits the car well. The 1966 hardtop is the sweet spot for most buyers.