The Iconic 1966 Pontiac GTO "Monkeemobile" Rolls in
The Saratoga Automobile Museum is excited to announce the arrival of one of the most recognizable and beloved custom cars of the 1960s, the 1966 Pontiac GTO "Monkeemobile." This legendary vehicle will be on display as part of the Museum’s new exhibition, Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle, running from November 3, 2025 through April 26, 2026. The Museum will host an Exhibit Reception on Thursday, November 13, from 5 to 7 PM, featuring light refreshments, a cash bar, and a gallery talk beginning at approximately 6 PM.
Few cars capture the spirit of 1960s America like the Monkeemobile. Originally built by Hollywood customizer Dean Jeffries for the hit television series The Monkees, this unique machine represents the perfect blend of muscle car performance, pop culture, and television entertainment. Commissioned by Jim Wangers, Pontiac’s performance marketing manager, the Monkeemobile began life as a 1966 Pontiac GTO before being transformed into an over-the-top showpiece featuring an exaggerated grille, split windshield, flared rear panels, and even a third-row seat where the trunk would normally be.
Two Monkeemobiles were originally created for the show, but this particular example, built by legendary custom car icon George Barris, known as the “King of the Kustomizers,” went on to tour the country with The Monkees during the height of their fame. Signed by all four band members, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork, this Monkeemobile remains a tangible link to one of the most vibrant eras in American pop history.
"We’re absolutely thrilled to bring this incredible piece of pop culture to Saratoga," said Brandon Salls, Creative Director at the Saratoga Automobile Museum. "The Monkeemobile isn’t just a car; it’s a time capsule of an era when music, television, and automotive design collided in the most creative and colorful ways."
A true standout among the lineup in Pontiac: The Dawn of Muscle, the Monkeemobile embodies Pontiac’s bold spirit and its role in defining the American muscle car movement. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see this historic vehicle up close, a car that continues to inspire nostalgia, joy, and admiration nearly 60 years after it first appeared on television screens.