1966 Pontiac GTO Dragster - The Tin Indian

Bill Knafel was among a select group of Pontiac dealers in the United States designated to serve as outlets for the brand’s racing activities. Despite General Motors’ official withdrawal from motorsports, the automaker continued to quietly support a few chosen dealers and private racers in a confidential manner.

In the autumn of 1965, Knafel ordered a 1966 Pontiac GTO with the intention of racing it throughout the 1966 season. This GTO would go on to become one of the most successful cars in drag racing history and likely the winningest Pontiac in the sport.

Known as the “Tin Indian V,” the 1966 GTO was raced by Arlen Vanke from January through July of 1966. Under Vanke’s skilled driving, the car achieved an extraordinary record, securing 27 class and eliminator titles at both the 1966 NASCAR Winter Nationals and the 1966 NHRA Spring Nationals.

In 1979, Merle Green acquired a 1966 Pontiac GTO requiring complete restoration, unaware of its remarkable racing heritage. Purchased for just $150, Green began an extensive restoration, sourcing new-old-stock (NOS) parts from dealerships and swap meets. Painted in Marina Turquoise, the car later served as his wife’s daily driver until 1985, when Green decided to begin a more comprehensive restoration.

A major revelation came in 1989, when Fred Simmonds, Pontiac’s Manager of Focused Marketing, uncovered shipping manifests from 1961 through 1986. These records confirmed that Green’s GTO was in fact the Knafel “Tin Indian V” GTO once driven by Arlen Vanke. This discovery transformed the course of the restoration, ensuring the car was completed with the correct racing equipment and authentic period details, preserving one of Pontiac’s most storied drag racing icons.