1966 Pontiac GTO The Monkeemobile

The Monkeemobile is one of the most recognizable custom cars of the 1960s, created at the height of the American muscle car era and the explosion of pop-culture television. Originally designed and built by renowned customizer Dean Jeffries for the television series The Monkees, the Monkeemobile began life as a 1966 Pontiac GTO. The project was commissioned by Jim Wangers, Pontiac’s advertising executive and performance marketing manager, who saw the hit TV show as a unique opportunity to promote Pontiac’s youthful image.

Jeffries completed two cars in just four weeks. Both featured extensive body modifications, including an exaggerated front grille and nose, a split two-piece windshield, extended rear quarter panels, a T-bucket style convertible top, and a lengthened rear section that housed a third-row bench seat where the trunk would normally be. The cars were powered by Pontiac’s 389 cubic inch V8 engine and fitted with functional superchargers, though they were primarily built as visual showpieces rather than competitive performance vehicles.

Following the end of The Monkees television series, one of the two original Monkeemobiles remained under the ownership of Dean Jeffries, while the other was sold and later displayed publicly. In the years that followed, famed custom car builder George Barris, often referred to as the “King of the Kustomizers” and known for television cars such as the Batmobile and Munsters Koach, acquired one of the original Monkeemobiles. Barris maintained and promoted the car and eventually created additional Monkeemobiles for promotional tours and public appearances.

This particular Monkeemobile was built by George Barris and is based closely on the original Jeffries design. Barris’s version toured the United States with The Monkees during the late 1960s and early 1970s, serving as a rolling ambassador for the band’s success and the Pontiac brand. During its time on the road, the car was signed by all four members of the band, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, making it one of the few known Monkeemobiles with direct artist provenance.

Today, this Monkeemobile continues to share its legacy across the country under the care of its current owner, John Sbrigato of TVShowcars. Sbrigato tours the car nationwide to keep the passion, nostalgia, and spirit of the famed Monkeemobile alive for new generations of fans.

The Monkeemobile remains an enduring cultural icon, symbolizing the intersection of American entertainment, youth marketing, and automotive innovation. Its bold styling, exaggerated proportions, and connection to The Monkees made it instantly recognizable to millions of fans. More than half a century later, it continues to stand as a testament to the creativity of customizers like Dean Jeffries and George Barris, as well as to Pontiac’s golden era of performance and promotion.