Documented Body Off Restored Grand Prix 400 V8 Tri-Power V8 PS Factory A/C

SUMMARY

Like its GTO brethren, the original Pontiac Grand Prix highlighted a unique niche in the new car market. Combining the affordability of the brand's full-size Catalina with the luxury of its line-topping Bonneville, the car proved a relatively simple and very successful formula. That said, by 1970 Pontiac's newest hit was facing serious competition from the Oldsmobile Cutlass and Chevrolet Monte Carlo. That means cars like this pristine Model J have become seriously scarce. Wrapping 400 cubic inches of original Pontiac V8 in storied Tri-power induction and a correct, ground-up restoration, this superb G-Body is a fully documented wonder. And if you're looking for some unique and impressive metal that your bank won't require multiple signatures to finance, it's a prime candidate for your next classic!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Born at GM's ill-fated Lakewood Assembly, this awesome Poncho is the beneficiary of a detailed, body-off restoration that massaged every square inch of its sculpted profile into pristine, show-worthy condition. Completed in 2004, that transformation saw the car's panels stripped all the way down to bare metal. With those surfaces smooth and clean, a thick layer of primer was buried in correct Palisade Green 2-stage. That PPS was capped in correct Green vinyl. And today, this first class hardtop combines the best aspects of storied Tin Indian performance with the kind of old school style that's exclusive to Motor City muscle!

Tough, understated and attractive, this Grand Prix perfectly defines Pontiac's lasting legacy of tempering aggression with sophistication. The front of the car, dominated by a bold beak that's a clear throwback to pre-war Pontiacs, anchors chrome-capped headlights between aggressive corner lamps. Above that beak, a muscular hood balances a familiar tach and correct, recessed wipers opposite a bright arrowhead. Behind that bonnet, NOS stainless frames correct glass while bright mirrors reflect conservative "GRAND PRIX" scripts. At the base of that trim, crisp louvers parallel dent-free rocker guards while trick door handles complement correct wheel lips. And at the back of the car, a heavy bumper founds wide taillights between small reflectors, a small "MODEL J" badge, polished exhaust tips and a third "GRAND PRIX" script.

ENGINE

Peer under the long hood and you'll find 400 cubic inches of original Pontiac V8 that, thanks to the pros at Webster, New York's Farmer Automotive, seats a balanced lower assembly in a .030 overbore. At the top of the mill, 1966 Rochester Tri-power bridges the gap between stainless fuel lines, polished air cleaners and a cast iron intake. That air/fuel mixture floods factory heads, which hide hardened valve seats under polished rocker covers. Those valves get bumped by a Crower hydraulic cam, which rides above a polished and magnafluxed crank. The fires get lit by Pertronix II electronic ignition, which sequences spark between a chrome coil, fresh 7mm Hi-Temp Radio Suppression cables and an MSD 6AL amplifier. Below those wires, coated Hooker Competition headers make quick work of spent gases. At the front of those tubes, fresh V-belts spin a polished alternator between correct power steering and an old school Frigidaire compressor that's sequenced to correct air conditioning. A Melling oil pump, a 4-row radiator and a correct Delco Moraine brake booster keep the fluids flowing. Items like ARP bolts, roller timing components and a polished K&N breather round out a roster of reliable details. And, naturally, the hot engine is branded with a matching 124138 partial VIN.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Logging only sunny day miles since their restoration, this coupe's body-matched floors and powdercoated chassis are completely free of significant issues and major defects. The stout 400 twists a 2,500 RPM stall converter, which commands a correct Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed. That chrome-trimmed torque slinger grinds power to a rebuilt GM 12-bolt, which hides NOS 3.31 gears and a Richmond posi-traction differential behind a polished inspection cover. That drivetrain rides a heavy-duty suspension, which supplements thick sway bars and boxed rear control arms with Moog coils, KYB Gas-a-Just shocks and urethane Energy Suspension bushings. A correct combination of power-assisted discs and drums have been slotted for better braking. Turns come courtesy of factory power steering. Factory optioned with dual exhaust, this Pontiac is presently equipped with a 2.5-inch Flowmaster American Thunder system, which balances an H-shaped crossover in front of dual-chamber mufflers. And a quartet of polished Rally IIs, shod with 225/70R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As, replace the car's original 14-inch Rally IIs.

INTERIOR

Open the solid doors and you'll find a largely original interior that's been tweaked where it counts. Front and center, tight vinyl shrouds a correct combination of bench and bucket seats. The 400's vitals are displayed by familiar Rally Gauges which, along with a correct pushbutton radio and factory air conditioning, hang in a stainless and wood-trimmed dash. Clean carpet floats a correct console, complete with a "GP" branded shifter, between correct foot pedals and tough Pontiac floor mats. At the sides of the car, pliable door panels front correct power windows. In front of the driver, a correct Deluxe Steering Wheel laps a retrofitted fuel pump switch that acts as solid theft deterrent. Behind the passengers, a correctly lit trunk hides a full-size spare tire. And the tunes keep bumping thanks to a hidden Sony CD player, a remote Pioneer CD changer, a large Alpine amplifier and a sweet combination of Pyle and Kicker speakers.

PROVENANCE

In addition to official Pontiac Historic Services documentation, our sale includes an original GM Build Sheet. Here's a look at this Grand Prix's pertinent standard and optional equipment:

MODEL 27657: Pontiac (2) Grand Prix (76) 2-door hardtop (57)
TOP GRN: Green vinyl top
ENGINE XH: 400 cubic inch V8 that's backed by a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed
TRANSMISSION PW: Turbo-Hydramatic 400 3-speed automatic transmission
AXLE AD: Grand Prix rear axle that's fitted with 2.93 gears
TRIM 286: Green trim
LOWER COLOR 45: Palisade Green paint
UPPER COLOR G: Green vinyl top
WHEELS JS: 14-inch Rally II Wheels

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

ASSEMBLY Lakewood in Atlanta, Georgia
DELIVERED TO Casey Beckham Pontiac in Anaheim, California

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

GTOs are nice and Trans Ams are fun, but when was the last time you saw a Pontiac that's as unique and cool as this spotless Grand Prix? Mixing the style and flair of a true sports sedan with the strength and swagger of a fire breathing muscle car, this hardtop has personality in spades! And, thanks to excellent provenance and a detailed restoration, it's primed for the road or the show. Looking for a unique cruiser that has serious style, loads of power and the ability to turn heads wherever it goes? Here's your next classic!