Vehicle Description
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop
It was master architect Louis Sullivan who preached that "form ever
follows function," and form seldom followed function more
beautifully than in Pontiac's aluminum hub and drum wheel option,
more popularly known as the "8-lug" wheel. Designed to provide
better braking through cooling, the crisp radiating fins of these
cast-aluminum wheels perfectly set off the broad-shouldered looks
of big Pontiacs during the marque's Wide-Track days. The idea
behind the 8-lug was to use the superior heat conductivity of
aluminum to reduce brake fade. The finned aluminum hub and drum
were cast around an iron liner, which provided a durable surface
for the brake shoes to press against. A steel rim was attached to
the hub, held at eight points around its perimeter by lugs and
decorative chromed nuts. The rim was dressed up with a
chrome-plated stainless-steel trim ring and a center cap, also
chrome-plated stainless completed the wheel. Aside from its
advanced engineering, the 8-lug wheel represents the first modern
example of an American manufacturer offering a custom wheel as a
factory option. The 8-lug wheels were offered on all full-size
Pontiacs midway through the 1960 model year, and were available
until the 1969 model year, when disc brakes became available. They
bolted up to the standard-equipment axles with no modifications,
and even used the same brake shoes as their iron-drum siblings. The
original drums, known as the short-fin design, were used in 1960
through 1962; the front drums changed in 1962 when tapered bearings
replaced ball bearings. The fins were lengthened in 1963, requiring
a change in the rim design. In 1964, the drums were painted black,
with the top edge of each fin remaining unfinished aluminum.
Finally, in 1965, the drums were widened by a quarter-inch, as were
the iron drums that were standard equipment. The trim rings were
altered once, in 1963, and the design of the center cap changed
four times.
For consignment, the first generation second year of the Grand Prix
that could be considered a sleeper car. Big and bold, lots of long
panels of steel, European style driving lights in the grille, and a
slightly finned rear with taillights and trim that runs the gamut
from rear quarter to quarter. Deep wide sporty bucket seats, all in
near perfect shape for this car, and oh! ...some muscle under the
long hood. The beneficiary of a frame on restoration, this highly
optioned, (count them 18 added options), car has been upgraded to
Tri-Power, wears correct 8-lug wheels, is PHS documented, has
Wonder Touch power steering and brakes, Soft Ray glass, a power
driver's seat, Magic cruise control, and a Safe-T-Track
differential. Big luxury in a big muscle package before the general
public even knew about the term "muscle car". The admen of the day
quipped "If you don't want to be looked at wherever you go, don't
go in this!" and this writer is inclined to concur...
Exterior
With the trim tag carrying the SPEC designator for the paint, we
have stumbled into a special order paint car and the body is bathed
in a respray of an Ember Red hue for this car. We see a deep end of
the pool finish with laser straight steel slabs sporting no rust
and mirror polished trim and bumpers. From the dual stacked
headlights up front which flank a dual grille, we can start to see
the beginnings of the iconic Pontiac beak just in the formation
stage. The front bumper emulates this design below and is in
excellent condition. On the long slab sides a rocker trim spear
cuts through the center of the car and maintains good alignment on
the panels as it meets up with the pencil thin stainless wheel arch
moldings. A long hood and trunk are on each end, and in back tail
lights float above a corresponding bumper with optional reverse
lights that wraps upward to meet the small rakish fins at the tail
end of the rear quarters and make the edges look almost like pure
chrome, save for the red taillights embedded within. This ribbed
trim spear runs horizontally across the trunk and sports GP
badging. A long expansive roof covers the passengers and works with
the polished stainless glass surrounds and B-pillar trim to create
the aura of motion while standing still. Restored and like new
8-lug wheels in 14-inch format wheels with their chromed and
polished trim rings and and center vanes emulate a hurricane icon
to add to the static motion design. Thin whitewall in 205/75R14
format from the 22nd week of 2021 wrap these wheels and add the
perfect touch of class to the wheels.
Interior
Opening the doors and we are met by a red vinyl trimmed passenger
compartment. The door panels are in showroom new shape as are the
handles and cranks set within a field of vertically ribbed vinyl
thatinterplays with smooth red vinyl and red carpeting on the
lowers. The wide red Morrokide vinyl buckets in front , also like
new, are clean and tear free and have some nice surrounding chrome
edging and yet another option makes an appearance...a power
driver's seat. A metal trimmed center console is seen in the center
and houses the Seattle space needle gearshift, a lockable storage
compartment and a Pontiac manifold vacuum gauge. The dash is pure
original GM design with an inverted V covered with lots of shiny
trim, wood applique, and red paint. Laden with chrome, including
the factory left side Pontiac tachometer, things are factory fresh
andvery clean overall. Dash central holds a slew of chrome knobs
along with the optional AM/FM push button radio with its optional
rear speaker and manual antenna. A hiddengem and true rarity is the
optional cruise control knob residing just to the right of the red
painted steering column. Floating all this greatness is a beautiful
red carpet with factoryarrowheadrubber mats and a whitey tighty
headliner is above and shows nicely. The rear bench is like new and
has a fold down center armrest that is wide enough to be shared by
both rear passengers, or put up to accommodate a third
passenger.
Drivetrain
The factory 16K coded 389ci V8 decked out in sky blue sits in a
clean engine bay. In stock form this mill pumped out 303hp but now
with the addition of a 1964 Tri-Power set up the pony count is
boosted to 313hp. Capping off the block are casting number 543797
cylinder heads and a trio of chrome air cleaners are on for a
little extra dress up. Bolted to the back of this mill is a correct
PG tag coded Roto Hydramatic-375 3-speed automatic transmission and
a 3.23 gear Safe-T-Track rear axle handling turning both of the
rear tires.
Undercarriage
A light surface rust is seen throughout with a dusting of black
covering the majority of the undercarriage. Even with thelight
surface rust, everything remainssolid with no invasive rust
creating any structural problems. Independent coil springs are on
front, and a 4 link with coil springs are on the rear. Power drum
brakes are all around. Factory style dual exhaust is noted for the
throaty exhale.
Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and we were in the warmup phase where idling was
very smooth from the start. Throwing it into gear we were off and
were entertained by a smooth ride, nice acceleration, and good
handling. It was an overall pleasurable experience with all
functions operating as they should. As a matter of fact, the only
fault to be noted is from the consignor and he states that the
front and rear glass should be resealed as there is water intrusion
during heavy rains.
A true highlight in the inventory of our ever changing Hallowed
Halls. If you are even a lukewarm fan of the Grand Prix this
example is a must see when visiting with ...for more information
please contact the seller.
