The 2+2 model distinguishes...
The 2+2 model distinguishes itself from other full-size Pontiacs by the chrome rear-quarter louvers. It also came with rear fender skirts, but "I think this Pontiac looks better without them," says owner Steve Heitbrink.
In 1966, the idea of a big engine in a big car wasn't anything new. Pontiac had been doing it since the '50s, and doing it well. The division already shook things up when it decided to shove a big engine into a mid-size car to give us the GTO in 1964. It enamored baby boomers with its combination of great looks, big power, and light weight.
However, the full-size 2+2 (1964-1967 in the U.S.), which tipped the scales at more than 4,000 pounds, was for the grownups who desired GTO power, performance, and styling in a larger package. Pontiac referred to the 2+2 as the GTO's "Big Brother," and it lived up to its title in many ways.
The classic Pontiac grille...
The classic Pontiac grille for '66 made the car appear wider and sportier. GTO kinship is readily apparent.
Steve, of Celina, Ohio, spotted this WJ-code, 376-horse, 421 H.O. Tri-Power, four-speed, 2+2 convertible while scanning the pages of Hemmings Motor News in 1999. The price was right at $1,750 and not too far away in Northern Indiana. "Besides," he thought, "Everybody has a GTO. Very few of us own a full-size musclecar." Previous restoration experience gained from a '66 Catalina convertible further encouraged him to take on the 2+2. It wasn't until he brought the ragtop home, however, that he found out how rare it is and how much work was in store for him.
It graduated to a separate model in 1966, and compared to the GTO at 115 inches, the 2+2 rode on a longer 121-inch Catalina wheelbase. Its standard engine was the larger 338-horse 421 as opposed to the GTO's 389, and interior and trunk space were appreciably greater as well. Its girth and the fact that it's not a more popular GTO or Firebird may scare other restorers and collectors away, but for Steve Heitbrink, it's all about being different.
Steve's 2+2 was equipped with...
Steve's 2+2 was equipped with a 376-horse WJ-code 421 H.O. Tri-Power engine; he believes the block is original. With an 068 288/302-degree cam and free-flowing long-branch manifolds, this engine provided 461 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque. He relates: "I added a few options to make the car a more comfortable driver. Power steering and brakes were on the top of the list!" Could you imagine trying to steer and stop a Pontiac this heavy without them?
His research revealed that of the 6,383 2+2s built in 1966, only 2,208 came with a manual transmission. It's unknown how many of these were convertibles, but it's safe to say this is an extremely rare Pontiac. Taking things a step further, only 562 WJ-code engines were built, but they were available across the full-size Pontiac line, not exclusive to 2+2s.
Numbers on paper are great, but the task at hand was to return this 2+2 to its former greatness. The body was in fair shape, but the Parchment interior was very poor, and the Pontiac was lacking a few of its original hi-po parts under the hood.
Steve recently retired from...
Steve recently retired from the Minster Machine Company, where he was a sales and project manager in the remanufacturing division. Coincidentally, during the '50s, '60s, and '70s, Minster Machine Company sold hundreds of presses to General Motors. There's a good chance many of the parts on his Pontiac were made on the very Minster presses he helped design and sell. The Hurst badge is a non-stock call out to the Hurst-shifted, four-speed manual transmission.
Outside
Most of the original body panels were retained, but the trunk floor was rusted through and both front fenders were in poor condition. A new trunk floor and taillight panel were sourced from a donor car; the front fenders are N.O.S pieces. The mostly rust-free remainder of the body was stripped with aircraft stripper, and the frame was removed and bead blasted.
Steve performed all the paint and bodywork himself, ultimately repainting the 2+2 in its factory hue of Barrier Blue. After installing the new sheetmetal, welding in new metal in the lower quarters behind the wheel openings, and smoothing the dings, two coats of PPG epoxy primer were sprayed before applying a few coats of sandable primer. Block sanding followed, PPG sealer came next, as did three coats of PPG base and three coats of clear. Final wet-sanding was done with 1,200- and 1,500-grit paper followed by 3M polishing products.
The original bumpers were straightened and rechromed. Steve restored the stainless trim himself, and all the emblems were replaced with N.O.S. or reproductions.
InsideThe interior was mostly gutted for the restoration. All new seat covers, carpeting, door panels, and rear interior panels were purchased from SMS Fabrics in Portland, Oregon. Dave Wenning of C-Creation Automotive Interiors in Celina, did the work. Though Dave was forced to make the seat covers from raw material using what was left of the originals for the pattern, the result is stunning. The stereo is a Radio Doctor system that uses the original radio and has MP3-player access for tunes.
 Though missing when he bought...  Though missing when he bought it, a correct Tri-Power system and 093 heads have since been installed on the 421. |  The Parchment interior color...  The Parchment interior color is original to this 2+2, but all the upholstery you see is new. Note the optional tilt column, Custom Sport wheel, and AM/FM radio that Steve added during the resto. This Pontiac also features the extra-cost gauge package and optional tachometer from the factory. |  |
 A Hurst-shifted, four-speed...  A Hurst-shifted, four-speed transmission leaves little doubt that this is a true muscle-car. Note the extra-cost console, complete with 421 emblem. |  The Parchment door panels...  The Parchment door panels were sourced from SMS Fabrics. All the trim was restored by Steve or replaced with N.O.S. or reproductions. Note the remote, outside rearview mirror knob at the upper right. |  This switch controls the courtesy...  This switch controls the courtesy lamps that illuminate the footwells. |