Fantastic high-quality restoration, don’t let the big wheels fool you. Factory black car with PHS documentation. 389 Tri-Power, Hurst dual-gate shifter, beautiful new interior. Spotless inside and out.
This big black Grand Prix clearly didn’t spend much time out in the elements, as the undercarriage is incredibly clean and the laser-straight flanks show no evidence of wholesale panel replacement or careless bondo work—even the quarter panels still show their original spot welds. The photos don’t lie, this sucker is STRAIGHT! Thanks to some expensive restoration work, it shows extremely well with great panel fit, a deep gloss to the paint, and a few tricks like the Super Duty hood scoop and the roof, which has a little metallic in the finish to match the custom wheels. It’s just a great-looking car from any angle, and the black paint gives it a predatory look that seems entirely right for a full-sized car from the excitement division. All the brightwork on this particular Grand Prix is in fantastic shape, from the bumpers (which have been recently refinished) to the cool strip of chrome that runs along the tops of the quarters to emphasize the mini fins still perched on top. All the glass is in excellent shape with a unique E-Z-EYE tint and the weather seals were replaced so it seals up like a luxury car should.
The interior was changed from parchment to black during the restoration, and I can’t imagine anyone would complain about that decision. Correct seat covers show simple vertical pleats and it’s pretty awesome to see buckets and a console in a full-sized cruiser like this. Note that the steering wheel with its clear plastic rim is in fantastic original condition, something you don’t see very often on these cars and the reproduction parts aren’t quite the right color. Factory gauges include a wide speedometer, ammeter, and fuel gauge in the main panel, plus a functional tachometer down on the console, all joined by an aftermarket temperature gauge very neatly integrated into the dash next to the lighter. That Hurst badge on the trunk refers to the unique Hurst “Dual Gate” shifter on the console, also called the “His-N-Hers” shifter that was popular on Pontiacs throughout the ‘60s. However, we have never seen one like this with a built-in key lock to lock out the manual feature in the right-hand gate—too cool! The massive trunk is correctly finished with red mats and cardboard side panels, and you’ll find no issues lurking underneath. This is an extremely clean car!
Pontiac’s 389 cubic inch V8 was standard equipment in the Grand Prix, with this one topped by a Tri-Power setup that was added during the restoration. Correct Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel, those little chrome air cleaner, and even a generator keep the engine bay looking very correct and authentic. There’s a giant radiator up front, new wiring throughout, a reproduction Delco “tar top” battery, and aside from one or two hose clamps, it’s pretty much the way the factory intended. It starts easily and idles well with no fussiness from the carburetors, and on the road there’s a definite spot where you can feel the outer carbs coming online, joined by a substantial hit of acceleration. This is a big car but it is certainly not a slow car and if you like to drive, the Grand Prix delivers!
Underneath you’ll find completely solid floors that remain in fantastic condition. There’s a light dusting of undercoating just to seal it up, but it hides nothing and the original seams and welds are all clearly visible; more proof that this car never spent its time in winter weather. The 3-speed Roto-Hydramatic automatic transmission shifts well and spins 3.23 gears in the giant rear end, making this a superb high-speed cruiser. The suspension features new shocks, the exhaust system is recent with mellow-sounding Flowmaster mufflers, and a fresh gas tank hangs out back so this car is ready to enjoy immediately. Boss Motorsports wheels carry staggered 245/40/18 front and 245/40/20 rear tires.
Paperwork includes a full PHS documentation package, reproduction window sticker, and an original sales brochure.
With fewer than 30,000 built in its first year, the Grand Prix is still pretty exclusive, and this big black coupe has a ton of presence on the road or on the show field. It has been beautifully restored and runs well enough to go anywhere. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
