Vehicle Description
No other automaker in the '60s embodied performance quite like
Pontiac. While most brands had one or two performance cars in their
stable, EVERY Pontiac had a wide variety of spirited powerplants
and transmissions, plus a nasty reputation on the street. Dramatic
styling went hand-in-hand with these Ponchos, with unique,
aerodynamic styling found across the model line. Cars like this
gorgeous full-sized 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix hardtop were perfect
examples of that philosophy - with a beautiful design, a powerful
400/350HP V8, great factory options, and a comfortable interior
that brilliantly tows the line between sport and luxury.
1968 marked the final year for the big-bodied, B-Body Grand Prix.
There's no question this is a full-sized car, but the sleek,
redesigned shape hides the mass and definitely looks fast. Up
front, the '68 GP received a pronounced 'beak-nose' grille, a new
front bumper, and horizontally-mounted and concealed headlights
from the previous model year. A look at the profile and the eye is
immediately drawn to the sharp body crease running from end-to-end,
and the pronounced lower-body 'gills' behind the doors add more
intrigue to the one-year only design. Pontiac always knew how to
take educated risks in their designs, transforming otherwise bland
sheetmetal into works of art. Out back, this hardtop sports a
revised decklid and big chrome bumper with integrated L-shaped
taillights. Finished in April Gold, it's has a slightly greener hue
perhaps than traditional gold, but no less attractive. Bodywork is
very nicely done with laser-straight sheetmetal, particularly on
those dramatic quarters, and while it's not exactly a trailer
queen, it's still a strong competitor in the local show field that
will bring home a lot more trophies before it's done. With that
being said, it can be used as a top-of-the-heap driver classic
right away, garnering huge attention everywhere it goes. Most of
the chrome is concentrated within the beautiful ornate front grille
and hideaway headlights, the massive chrome bumpers at each end
sparkle against the gold paint, and the black vinyl 'Cordova' top
makes it look more like a grown-up's car.
There's something about a full-sized car with bucket seats and a
console that screams performance at any cost. It's like they forgot
it was a luxury car and went right for the good stuff when checking
off options on the original window sticker (of which we have an
official copy), including power windows, locks, and driver's seat,
cruise control, and factory A/C that's been converted to R134a
refrigerant but could still use a recharge. And if you look closer
for the A/C controls, you'll spot them to the right of the steering
wheel in a configuration that looks just like the factory
push-button radio - a pretty rare set-up by both location and
style. The goldish-green seat covers and carpets are quite nice and
probably original (or at the least exact OEM replacements), with
matching door panels that were redesigned for '68 and a beautifully
expansive dash that embodies Pontiac's performance/luxury style.
There's woodgrain applique throughout, and it doesn't look like the
cheap stuff, bringing in a rarified air of sophistication inside
the spacious cabin. Factory gauges cover the basics, so a duo of
Equus auxiliary units were installed in the center console to
provide the driver with more information, and just above them a
modern Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit was installed to handle the
tunes. An aftermarket steering with a real wood rim was swapped in
and fits the theme of the interior perfectly, especially with the
Pontiac-emblem horn button in the center. The rear bench seat is
spacious and looks to have been rarely used in its time, and out
back the cavernous trunk holds a properly mounted bias-ply spare
tire and jack set that's likely the original set, along with an
original Pontiac rubber mat on the floor.
The engine a burly 400 cubic inch V8, which is very likely the
car's original powerplant according to the block's casting and
suffix code, although we won't know for certain unless a full VIN
can be pulled. Originally rated at 350 horsepower, the 6.6L engine
was later made famous with its credentials scrolled on the side of
the Trans AM shaker hood scoop. Even though the EPA had started to
choke American motors as early as '68, it's still plenty powerful
and pulls this big hardtop around with the kind of effortlessness
you'd expect from the brand, and it still has the oats to show its
taillights to some pretty serious machinery. It's nicely detailed
and fairly correct under the hood, with the only notable upgrade
being the newer A/C compressor. Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel on
the block and valve covers, the oversized black snorkeled air
cleaner, and the 4-barrel carburetor underneath are all part of
Pontiac's knowledge that they were building cars for car guys and
gals. The undercarriage isn't flashy, but it's solid as can be and
looks super-clean coated in black protective finish, with all the
new components up front showing off the recently rebuilt front
suspension. The TH400 3-speed automatic offers snappy shifts and
the ride is luxury car smooth, although the bark from the fresh
Flowmaster-style dual exhaust system suggests there's a little more
here than meets the eye. American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are
the perfect choice here, and they're wrapped in 255/40/17 front and
275/40/17 rear performance radials that tuck into the fender wells
perfectly.
Offered with PHS documentation, original owner's manuals and
service books, a reproduction build sheet, and a copy of the
original window sticker, this Gran Prix is as loaded with
provenance as it is with curb appeal. Not many of these beauties
missed the crusher, it's great to see one so darn clean and
dialed-in come through our doors. Call today!
