750hp, IRS chassis 1966 Pontiac 2+2 'Survivor Series' build by Roadster Shop

We hit the cold and frosty Illinois roads with this recently completed 1966 Pontiac 2+2 build equipped with our FAST TRACK IRS chassis and a 750hp Wegner Automotive LS3 at its core.
Derek’s 1966 Pontiac 2+2 ‘Survivor Series’ (original Marina Turquoise exterior) reflects the amazing mid-60's GM styling that's so hard to beat, only enhance…as such we went with our ‘8-lug’ style wheels machined by Greening Auto Company in 18x10” and 19x12”
A custom center console with machined inserts, head unit touch encoder and one of our prototype interface screens rest inside a full interior by the team at Miranda Built Inc with gauges by Dakota Digital.
See the full build gallery and additional completed pics at roadstershop.com
roadstershop.c...

[@andrewipp426]

Good looking car nice body lines and stance. Having an IRS suspension on a custom chassis , really keeps it planted . The electronics display and having a manual transmission backing an LS3 really sets off the build. The interior details and the sound of a blown motor is just killer. The wheels look like a factory 8 lug rim with such a cool look. So well done, and looks like it handles really well!!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

I agree Andrew!

[@romeyrome32]

You summed it up perfectly.

[@debi5292]

The LS3 makes it worthless. With the 421 it has collector value. Owner should have sent it out to Rod Butler who builds actual Pontiac engines for actual Pontiac cars. To ruin a collector car with Chinese LS junk is foolish and will be regretted some day.

[@harrypalmer291]

@debi5292. Couldn't have said it better myself. Keep the true old classics as true to the brand that made them as possible. Put an Ls in your worthless fox body that you built to bracket race if you "gotta have boosted performance!" Leave a classic like that alone please.

[@tyson4839]

​@@debi5292💯

[@md52anders]

Had a 65 starchief, could not beat the ride.

[@oldboy7724]

Those era Pontiac Catalinas and Bonnevilles were so beautiful. To take one and make it a modern driver is a dream. Genuine American Badassery!

[@jaylux5270]

If that’s not the ultimate road trip car, I don’t know what is. Nice job!

[@mchristr]

Thank you for not installing cartoonishly large wheels. The mid to late 60's GMs had such beautiful flowing lines. This is simply an outstanding car: big, gorgeous, with all the right hardware.

[@Mathew-qq1jg]

GM all day every day baby 😊 it's in my blood 🩸 my father owned many Chevelles...Novas...El Caminos... grandmother loved his Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs

[@chinchen5979]

the pontiac smokes the impala on looks alone.....imo. very very sweet ride....

[@patricksmith4952]

Don’t know why Chevrolet kept Buick and the other companies like gmc. Now Buick only had one great car and it was the regal. The only reason why people bought the 90’s to 2000 was the 3800 motor

[@bigblocklawyer]

For '66 yes. The '65 Impala coupe was exquisite. Same c pillars, way less busy quarters and front sheetmetal on the Impala.

[@HEYBERT1984]

Agreed for 1966

[@jackrabbit7389]

In your opinion maybe but not in reality the Impala was the best selling full-size car EVER for decades

[@bigblocklawyer]

@jackrabbit7389 '65 and '66 Impala are still the highest selling car, of any size for those model years. They sold nearly 1 million cars each those 2 years. Not even a jap shitbox or a kraut wagon with a lawn mower engine came close.

[@larrybridges1506]

I’ve never been a big fan of these bodies ……. Until now! Love the seats too. Well done gents!

[@JENNANDJUDD]

How do you not love the body 😂

[@scotmandel6699]

@@JENNANDJUDD Its really ugly for one thing. Not the one I would put money into.

[@MartinScreeton]

What a super build! Love these old Pontiacs with the luxury bucket seats and center consoles!

[@scarbourgeoisie]

Back in the day, this was a really classy body style with a sporty interior out of the box. Great silhouette. RS always knocks it out of the park, they never disappoint and this car is a prime example. The interior is top notch and probably my favourite part of the car, with the wheels being second. Nice work guys, you're customer is going to be really pleased with the final result.

[@RoadsterShop]

Thanks so much!

[@gordocarbo]

@@RoadsterShop Any updates or customer feedback? This car looks great especially the color and repop wheels...got just enough sidewall on em too. Wish I could afford some front susp upgrades for my 67 Camino Put a 95 GM LT1 GM T56 in mine late 90s no parts out. Had to fab up a slave bracket getting geometry right is a betch . The rods on those slaves pivot some is that by design will the seal be ok? Pedal effort is very high if I mount the rod at the factory hole up top of the pedal. Mid way down, pedal is light but rod goes in, down and up. Weird

[@58raceguy]

Absolutely outstanding on every level. So tastefully done, just enough to make you stop and say “Wait... what???” I’ve always been a fan of the Pontiacs of this era and this takes an already neat car to a completely different level.

[@DesignEngineering]

Perfection as always guys!! This thing just sits perfectly!!!

[@dbelex]

Had a 66 Bonnie coupe in high school. 389 4bb. Smoked a lot of camaros and mustangs

[@mikeblankenship7930]

My dad bought one when i was in junior high. Loved these cars since.

[@christianobrien4465]

At 59 years old, I can honestly say I have finally found my very favorite car in the world and it's a damn one off. Oh well but I'll tell you something man that is absolutely the most beautiful car in every way that I've seen inside outside, drivetrain, everything jazzy, wheels, credible collar just the score of ever seen him down.

[@lkendrix7782]

You guys get it! You understand! We want old school style with modern day technology! I’m looking forward to doing a build with you guys soon!

[@dannymccarty344]

Where ever you work, are they hiring? I owe two more years on a 10 year old mini van. A 300 thousand mile mini van. It sucks to put 60 dollars gas in it. And it gets 25 mpg even! How's a brother get a break? Huh, and my van needs brakes too.

[@liquorinfrontpokerinrear3271]

I use to hang around Boyd Coddington's garage in Stanton CA. And seen my share of amazing builds, and I'd have to say, give credit where credit is do, WOW! That is one beautiful car! In my humble opinion, your work is up with the best in the business! .. Just one mans opinion!

[@gregepperson1793]

Easily the most badass Pontiac build I’ve ever seen!

[@joelschuder6545]

My dad came home from the Pontiac dealership with a brand new 2+2 421 triple carb 4speed posi Catalina purple with white convertible .I was 4 but I remember it very well.

[@matrox]

When I was in elementary school a friend of mines father bought a brand new 1966' Pontiac Bonneville. I went by after school to check it out. I was a Pontiac fan ever since.

[@jameshutchins3396]

All of the cars with over and under headlights I love. Thank you for keeping the chrome

[@marxfish]

My neighbor's cousin had one of these Pontiacs. When he visited from LA my neighbor and his cousin would sit in the driveway and listen to 45 records on the under dash turntable. Too cool.

[@scaneagle62]

Without a doubt the most beughtiful thing ive ever seen. Ive dreamed of this car for sixty years. The new and standard mix perfectly. Even the dude driving is pretty cool.

[@tyson4839]

Beautiful build! I have a 67 if you wanna keep it going! 😁

[@yamahaxs6501]

The wheels! Amazing interpretation of the original. I had a '65 25 years ago in my early 20s, and of every car I've owned, it's the one I wish I had kept the most.

[@brucebarnes9638]

My Dad was a Pontiac dealer in So Cal in the 60's & 70's. I remember the 2 +2 Catalina, what an amazing car. Great job on this one. Thank you for the memory!

[@dbc1dc]

The fact that you made a modern 8 lug wheel replica is one of the many aspects of this build that makes it BAD ASS. Such a great design on these Pontiacs of the sixties.

[@robertcross5794]

I have always been a fan of the 65/66 Pontiac big cars. You have done an awesome job with this one. I really like what you have done with the interior, especially the front buckets. You kept them low-back and retained the chrome trim. Nice! (also, kindly tell the seat belt police to f.o.)

[@-oiiio-3993]

I had a '66 Ventura decades ago. Essentially the same body as the 2+2 but without the ersatz 'side gills' and with fender skirts. 'Twas all stock, 389 w/ Carter AFB, dual exhaust automatic trans.

[@manmatt445]

Gotta love that "widetrack" poncho thing. Miss mine.

[@willrector9716]

Wow absolutely knocked outta the park with that one! Stellar products, thanks for what ya do fellas and gals!

[@granddad-mv5ef]

Wow! You retained the '66 and added 2023 to it. Love it!

[@josephconsoli4128]

The care you guys put into not clashing the old with the new is very impressive. The chrome around the front seats for instance instantly brings the modern style seats back to '66. Five-star build!

[@danabergman3411]

WOW what a beauty. In 1968 my father purchased brand new in Michigan a 1968 Pontiac Catalina with a 400 motor, turquoise on turquoise 2 door hardtop, it was grand.

[@dsb1829]

Great looking rig with subtle looking modifications, despite the massive customizations. Love it.

[@peterhanson3391]

When we were teens my best friend had a 67 fastback catalina. We had so much fun in that car. There are alot of people today who've never been in one of these huge heavy powerful cars of the 60s and early 70s. Glad I was born when I was. Who ever rebuilt this car if I was to rebuild an old muscle car I'd have to consider these guys.

[@Pauley_in_GP]

As an older guy, I loved that big Poncho muscle back in the day. Good call keeping the stock appearance. Gorgeous interior! My advice for anyone who is considering getting one of these? First thing - make sure it will fit in your garage. ;) (LOL at saying "safety first" with no hands on the wheel. 😁)

[@tomhanna2714]

Man did that car ever send me down memory lane! My very first recollection of a car, any car, was that of my grandparent’s purple 1966 Catalina 4 door sedan. Vinyl everything inside, felt like a cruise missile going down the road. My grandfather was an overly practical man, to a fault and hated excess so I know he didn’t get the GTO, but back then it hardly mattered when even the basic engine option starter at “huge” and only got “hug-er” from there. I was 4 years old in 1972 and gas was 45 cents a gallon if memory serves. What I wouldnt give to have that car again and half a million bucks to do it up like this one! Damn!

[@twasbrillig33]

The wheels are PERFECT! as is everything else

[@EdMiF]

Those 60s Pontiacs...❤️ My folks had a black 63 GP that I was in love with. Wish I had it today, I'd probably do something like this with it.

[@tankthebear]

Wow. I am so jealous. I love those old ponchos ... add the new chassis and modern LS and all the nice touches - you have a luxury touring car that doubles as a sports car. And the looks!

[@deborahchesser7375]

Never thought I’d see a big ol Catalina built up, what a gorgeous machine.

[@goldysgarage189]

I'm not a Poncho guy by any means but that's irrelevant here. The integration of old and new is incredible. This thing must be an absolute joy to ramble along in. Oh and thank you for keeping the stick alive, it absolutely harkens back to performance cars when this big car rolled off the line back then.

[@larrypeeples-yk1rg]

Really nice

[@bobdavis3357]

BEAST! IF only Chevy built an Impala like this car in 66. My Dad has a 66 burgundy 421 ci SD with a HD automatic. Still in perfect condition with 4528 original miles. Sits in a climate controlled garage. But this is one sweet car here. Dad's car will go up for sale at auction when he leaves this world. He's 89 right now, still works on it himself. Still lifts weights at his gym in Tennessee. One of his finer collectibles

[@ittybitty7702]

HOW COULD YOU?

[@brandonchang4685]

Another work of art by RS!! Wishing all the success in the world

[@RoadsterShop]

Thank you so much 😀

[@sergeipad8001]

Man, the design of those beautiful old cars is like true fine art. They need to start making those again.

[@yagua0500]

✌🏾✌🏾, Beautiful & Badass, I'd love for a 1969 Grand Prix SJ done by you guys, like this.😁

[@chrisneal3909]

Nice car. My dad had one, navy blue, black vynle interior, Hurst 4spd, 8lugs, he taught my mom to drive it. I still want one.

[@rilianriggs4620]

I just watched my dream car. My father had a 65 2+2 421 4 speed convertible. He's been gone for a long time and I've always wanted one of those cars. I'm not successful enough to afford one so I guess I'll just enjoy these videos

[@steveogee7458]

I remember my buddies buying those for the 421 engine. Now I wish I had the cars. Looks so cool with that stance. Incredible engineering.

[@Generaider]

Yeah I've heard plenty of stories of kids junking Bonnevilles but keeping their 421 (or 428 or 455 if it was a later year) to put in something smaller It's a real shame Full size Pontiacs from the 60s get so little attention compared to the Firebirds & GTOs

[@qball1of1]

@@Generaider Still happening..this was a 421 car, no longer.

[@marccowen6214]

Car sounds sweet and nice colors... Great job!

[@wedge4hire]

The Pontiac Catalina 2+2 will ALWAYS be the finest car Pontiac ever produced! From the factory, it was absolutely ridiculous! And this one, well words escape me!

[@greytogray6070]

Stunning, just... stunning. Love all of your builds, but that 65 you built and now this 66, are triumphs of automotive design, and you have only made them better. Absolutely exceptional work, incredible results. I'd love to see more on this car. Very well done Roadster Shop.

[@RoadsterShop]

Much appreciated! Thanks!

[@multicyclist]

That is perfect. Fantastic work creating this car. Those years Pontiac's are some of the most beautiful cars of it day. They also had a wider track than other cars lending themselves to this type of thing. My favorite would be the classic 1963 Grand Prix. One of those done up like this Catalina would be my ideal car.

[@brianzaborowski2724]

My god, I'd give both my nuts for that beauty! That is the most beautiful and tastefully done car I have ever laid eyes on, it is PERFECT! The stance, sound, handling, ride, no overly huge gaudy wheels and even the color. You guys nailed it with this, if I ever hit the lottery I want one exactly like it!

[@meesterp]

tank of gas would be extra.

[@captwar]

Great video. Thanks for making it. This brings back memories because I had a 1966 Pontiac Catalina. I did not have a stick shift. It was just an automatic. Still it would really move.

[@thyslop1737]

Some of those 60s Bonnevilles and Catalina were beautiful.

[@Ron-wy4rq]

I'm just thinking what your very talented performance experts at Roster Shop could have done with my Blue Flame two door 1962 PONTIAC LAURENTIAN. I was thinking of a 389 GTO engine or the 409 GTO. But after seeing the beautiful combination of 750hp, IRS chassis in the 1966 POTIAC 2+2 . I'm amazed at your great talent. Maybe someday day I will find another 1962 Canadian built Pontiac 2 door Laurentian. All the best for 2024 . Ron E MacGillivray

[@bruceandt]

You took me on a true ride. I have nothing to possibly add.

[@robray7106]

Absolutely stunning classic car with a modern ride!

[@13_13k]

Nice ride. My parents, or my mom's car when I was growing up and the car I learned to drive in and then drove until I bought my first car, was a '66 Pontiac Bonneville Wagon. What a great car. My family traveled in that car and with four kids plenty of room and room for the two German Shorthair dogs. I could get four or five friends and all of our surfboards and drive anywhere. Dad had the motor rebuilt and atroked it adding some horsepower to it. To this day , my mom will be 83 years young in a month and she drives her Subaru Wagon but, she will tell you she would rather have her "Chief" Pontiac Wagon over any car made.

[@chuckmccall1]

Unbelievable! What a work of "Art". Great Video, hope to become a customer soon!

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

Best done “resto mod”(?) car I’ve ever seen churned out by anybody. They did an outstanding job incorporating modern features while keeping the vintage flavor. Well done fellas!

[@terrymertz1923]

Imagine this thing coming up on ya in your rearview mirror! What a ride!

[@josephmatuszak3855]

Chef's Kiss. That is a fantastic build. Kudos.

[@jimsss222]

best mix of modern and classic I have sern so far, especially the interior. I’m impressed!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Great looking Pontiac!! 👍👍

[@robbierobinson3966]

WOW! LOVE IT. The sixties cars have so much class

[@nednobody3253]

Real nice Build, I was acquainted with a couple that had one back in the late 60s.

[@udp1073]

Sir, I suggest you to patent the "speed indicator 2.0"... when you floored it, the faster the speed buildup the wider your smile become... none of us car guy needed the following "dan this car is fast"... your smile already gave us the proper, unfiltered, info. and for this we all thank you, because all of us, in one moment or another, got that smile... as usual, incredible build... keep going sir, keep going, because you help all of us dream a bit, and smile with you

[@anthonysmigelski9219]

Perfect build. Not to over the top. A classy powerhouse.

[@KirkCrowell]

This is my absolute dream car. Perfect in every way!!!!

[@JMKGarage]

Very nicely updated, quality built car guys 👏. Not the model that comes up on my classic car wish list, but I would certainly take this!

[@aleintstein]

Great job, very sweet, melding of old and new.

[@bengepp9314]

If that watch is what it looks like and what it should be , Sir I salute you. And the Pontiac , Double salute of course , Dream car .

[@Area51Enduro-Tony]

My first car was a 1963 Catalina. Awesome build!

[@michaelguinn5736]

I'm not much into the Pro-Touring cars, but this Pontiac screams to the "Wide Track Pontiac" statement!! Very nice!!

[@jarronellis5801]

Wow that car is awesome

[@jblovell9065]

Can’t explain it but there is a big understated cool factor with these big heavy muscle cars

[@kp2855]

Great job all the way around on this one!

[@69ChevyGarage]

Complete package there, a car definitely up my alley and I'm not a big Pontiac guy either.

[@johnnyohness]

When the owner sees this treasure he's going to shit a pile of HAPPY. OMG, the seats are off the hook the wheels and console are to the moon. I was 16 when these cars were rolling out of the showrooms. It is nice remembering when you could buy a WHOLE car for about 2893.00. Today you get half the car for 25 times the price. What a delicious resto-mod. That would bring a healthy pile of Lincolns at Barret Jackson. Congratulations on an awesome job. Totally off the hook.

[@markanthony3275]

Love the big Pontiacs of the mid sixties. Love the Gothic styling ! My favourite is a 67 Grande Parisienne 2+2 convertible.

[@JamesBond-hu9rg]

When I was a kid In Detroit. Dad helped do the Art work for Pontiac. I used to watch him draw out the sene and paint with Water color s. And then break out the New Invention. The “Air Brush “. And this and the 65 Catalina were supposed to be the New GTO. . Dad had many Free Pontiacs to drive and test out too. And Rare Oldsmobile’s. 61-72

[@allantaylor3288]

Nice change from an Impala. Nice body lines and build. Always been a fan of the Pontiac brand.

[@kompro427]

Outstanding work! My dad had a 65 Parisienne (Canadian version) very similar to this one, except it had a white interior. I remember that car like it was yesterday. Cars from the sixties were so classy and had a lot of style. Today's cars are boring.

[@stephenconway9284]

Yes today's cars are boring. When I was graduating from college I wanted to get a 1986 or 87 Buick Grand National but I never got one. I bought a 2015 Dodge Challenger SXT with a V6 and it can get 30 miles per gallon and still do 0 to 60 and under 7 seconds. I live in Canada and I believe my car is Canadian built. It may not look exactly the same as the 1970 to 74 Challenger or Barracuda but it sure has the modern amenities similar to this modern retro rod. Digital air conditioning digital everything, no smelly exhaust to worry about, a 305 horsepower V6 and it is quiet in the interior with the radio off. I have a 1966 Mustang GT and even though it has a V8, it you can smell the exhaust, you can smell the carburetor, you can smell the gasoline in the carburetor after you turn it off. It has squeaks and rattles and you don't find that in a modern muscle car or even my Challenger which is a loaded Dodge Challenger RT package without the sunroof or the Hemi but it's fast enough considering everywhere in Edmonton there is photo radar. Yes, I've seen your Canadian cars of the past, I have witnessed people with modified Canadian acadians, Beaumont super sports, and other Canadian cars that were modified from the original GM cars. As an american, it's great to see the Canadian unique models that were available back then and how people have modified the hell out of them today.

[@kennykarlsson6691]

Just beautiful. Love the looks of that car. Its just like the saying, they dont make them like they used to.

[@HemiDartGT]

Nice to see something different, beautiful car.

[@patrickmatias746]

Beautiful workmanship

[@davedifranco4033]

I had a 66 bonni convertible..421 white leather int. Midnight blue..white top..total class.

[@BretWFL]

This is awesome. What an amazing build. IMO it is perfect.

[@stevesosebee5860]

I love this car !!!

[@frankrivvi5553]

Amazing work as usual, roadster shop is Awesome👍💪🙌🤙

[@jamesh7571]

Looks Excellent my dude!

[@johnk-ht4yj]

Those seats & shifter......color & wheels too. Had the 64'. & 63" Star Chief.

[@cherylkirk7242]

That looks and sounds really nice!!🤙🤙

[@MrStevecrasher]

Beautiful work

[@alanshumway2541]

Ultra Cool!

[@vortexgen1]

I love the ponchos out of the 60's. I have a '64 GTO. I like the Pontiacs more than the Chevys of that era, because of the distinctive and different styling of the Pontiacs.

[@jamestorres5582]

Beautiful Whip !!!

[@FrankHoage]

Amazing keeping it close to original looks.