Vehicle Description
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix
In the world of performance cars, a "sleeper" car can be best
defined as a car that has all the outward appearances of a standard
or base model car, but with added performance. Essentially all go
and no show. Even before the introduction of the GTO in 1964,
Pontiac had already established itself as a force to be reckoned
with on the street and track. This reputation ebbed and flowed in
the following decades until its unfortunate demise in 2010.
For consignment the first generation of the GP 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 pretty
good shape for this car, and oh! ...some muscle under the long
hood.
Exterior
With a respray of blue the exterior of this car has mostly straight
panels that have a few faults here and there, but it remains mostly
original looking as it did from the factory. Chipping, some surface
rust, cracking, and slight bubbling is seen when you get really
close to this car. The chrome and brite-work have some dimpling,
fading of the mirrorlike finish, and small areas of rust. At the
joints where body panels meet smaller pieces, there is some
chipping in the seams of the paint. Badging is all correct and also
shows some rust beginnings. 14-inch honeycomb sport wheels are all
around and the caps show rusting.
Interior
Opening the doors and we are met by a blue vinyl trimmed passenger
compartment. Door panels are in good shape as are handles and
cranks. The wide deep blue vinyl buckets in front are clean and
tear free and have some nice surrounding chrome edging. A metal
trimmed center console is seen in the center and houses the
gearshift 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 blue paint. It shows with a few areas
where paint has been scratched off due to wear, but it is
presenting very clean overall. Carpet is beautiful, and headliner
above 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
A 389ci V8 decked out in sky blue sits in a clean engine bay. It is
fed by a Carter 4-barrel carburetor and has the standard Pontiac
3-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, and a 3.23 gear rear
axle.
Undercarriage
A coating of surface rust is seen throughout, however none appears
to be invasive or 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.
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.
A good looker, with a few faults throughout, but some slight elbow
grease and some effort on the TLC end, and you will have a great
example of the first-generation GP.
VIN Decode
963L20474
9-Grand Prix
63-1963
L-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
20474-Sequential Unit Number
Trim Tag
12C-3rd Week December 1962 Build
STYLE 63 2957-1963 Grandprix 2 Door Sport Coupe
BODY BL2916-Linden Body #
TRIM 288-Blue Vinyl
PAINT WW-Nocturne Blue
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
