Was the sidewinder tach on the dash pad an option or part of the L69 package?

 

It was optional.

 

RPO U16, available on any Olds A-body for the 1966 model year, including the Vista Cruiser. $52.66 seems pretty spendy. I'm guessing the six cylinder version is pretty rare...

 

I knew a guy who ordered (his father paid) a 66 Vista Cruiser Wagon with this tach option and a factory 4 speed. Back then, he said the 4 speed was a special order. He has passed away and the wagon is also long departed. As a side note, when still new from the dealership, I saw this wagon, with a K(?) stock classification, win stock eliminator at a local track.

 

I once had a NOS 6 cylinder tach. I couldn't believe it when I got it & it still had the ink part # stamped on it. I sent it to Redline Clock & Gauge and they converted it to 8 cylinder calibration.

 

Awesome! If anyone had one, it would be you.

 

As the VC page I posted above shows, the M20 and M21 transmissions were regular production options. There was nothing "special" about ordering them, you just had to check the box on the order form. It was no more "special" than ordering A/C or the tach or power windows. Of course today, when cars only come with one of three option packages, people forget the ability to order cars exactly the way you wanted them.