Vehicle Description
1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J Hardtop
The Pontiac Grand Prix Model J, one of the 112,486 Grand Prix
models that were built in this landmark year, is the car moved from
the full-size Catalina chassis and its 121-inch wheelbase down to
the new GM "A-special" platform with 118 inches between the front
and rear wheels. The J indicated the standard Grand Prix trim
level, a package that also included the base engine,
the400ciPontiac big-bore V8 with 350 standard horsepower.
For consignment, an original California car that retains its
matching numbers drivetrain which has been rebuilt and has 96,060
title verified actual miles. Aside from the myriad of features the
car came with, an important upgrade or two has been added to bring
the car into the 21stcentury. These may not fall into the "muscle
car" category but enjoy an enthusiast following from those who know
that "personal luxury" can be powerful too. This car is a stunning
snapshot of late-60's and early-70's styling that was once
common...and is now classic.
Exterior
We're greeted by the striking chrome grille, coming to a point
Pontiac-style, flanked by a substantial chrome bumper that conforms
to the shape of the car. And what a shape! A long, tapered hood
flows to a roof that dips fastback-style to the short trunk and
abrupt rear end. Castilian Bronze Metallic blankets the car offset
by the black vinyl roof and rear pillars. The rear bumper is low
slung and straight and houses the simple, horizontal tail lights.
Below that, two conventional tailpipes peak out. A few notable
design features are here; the front marker lights are sharply
angular meaning they can be seen from the side or front. The "Grand
Prix" emblem is low on the front fenders and includes the trim
package designation. The door handles are low profile before low
profile was a thing. Five metal bars appear on the vinyl-covered
pillar...why? Because...bold design choice that just works. Four
headlights in individual bezels that don't connect. Rally II wheels
that are 14-inches dress the corners for an extra touch of class.
Finally, we note two areas near the bottom of the car showing some
small rust bubbles, some scuffs on the chrome bumper, and one other
paint touch up. Minor stuff for a car of this vintage.
Interior
Black vinyl door cards house electric window controls, (driver's
side), mirror adjustment rod, and armrest with built-in pull
handle. The driver's door shows some cracking vinyl on the
horizontal edge where it meets the A-pillar. Moving on to the
bucket seats which also wears black vinyl and contoured headrests.
The bank bench is belted for three more occupants who have ashtrays
and window controls within reach. The automatic shifter has a wood
knob and resides in the center console which is canted towards the
driver for a sporty feel and is accompanied by a storage bin. Some
patina on the shift indicator and surrounding plastic but nothing
major. And if you forget the trim package you chose, a Model J
emblem is mounted on the center console. The stock Pontiac steering
wheel has a tilt feature and frames the triple round gauges in the
dash, which is encased in a padded, black vinyl frame. Wood
applique on the canted dashboard lends itself to the "luxury" slant
promoted by Pontiac. An upgraded "vintage" radio is present along
with upgraded speakers on the rear deck and an amplifier mounted in
the otherwise original-looking trunk with a full-sized spare tire.
The headliner has some hints of sag but is in nice shape and is
where the shoulder belts are clipped.
Drivetrain
The rebuilt and numbers matching 400cipowerplant has never strayed
far from home and is topped by a single 4-barrel carburetor. Power
is sent to the rear wheels via the matching numbers transmission,
(also rebuilt), that is a TH400 3-speed automatic and a 10 bolt
rear axle puts the power to the pavement. An aluminum radiator
replaces the original. Power brakes were standard with disc up
front and drum out back. Exhaust is routed through a true dual
exhaust quieted by Flowmaster mufflers.
Undercarriage
Suspension, frame, driveshaft, rear axle...all showing some
advanced surface rust, (some pitting), but otherwise things are
structurally sound. The gas tank looks good as do the exhaust and
mufflers. Minor seepage is noted on the oil pan, not unexpected for
a driver from 1970. Coils on the independent suspension up front
and a four link with coils in rear with stock-style shock
absorbers.
Drivability
We were at first wow'd by the power and sound of the 400 cubes
which roared to life with a push of the gas and a turn of the key.
The car tracked nicely with only a hint of steering "slop" so
common in stock-configured GM's of the period. It is a smooth
runner and we love the comfortable sitting position and ergonomics.
Now for a few notes for things that we found inoperable: the wiper
high speed function, the passenger front power window, the radio,
the A/C, (which has been converted to R12), and the reverse
lights.
Somewhere between an all-out luxury sedan and a single-purpose
muscle car, sits the Grand Prix. When engines were still big and
being shared across model lines, the Grand Prix benefited from a
selection and the 400 is a proven winner. Drive this car as is,
(with safety features fixed), or consider a full restoration. This
Pontiac palette offers the unique opportunity to do either.
276579P298678
2-Pontiac
76 Grand Prix
57-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
9-1969
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
298678-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
ST 69 27657-1969 Grand Prix 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY PON198222-Pontiac Body #
TR 288-Black Vinyl Buckets
PNT 89B-Castilian Bronze, Black Top
04B-2nd Week April
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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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