$17,995
Charlotte, North Carolina
Category
-
Mileage
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Posted Over 1 Month
The era of full-sized luxury muscle was dying, just like the rest of the high-horsepower machines, but that didn\'t stop Pontiac from building cars like this ultra-cool 1972 Grand Prix Model J. There\'s still a rumbling 400-inch V8 under the hood, a pair of bucket seats inside, and enough performance to make it a legitimate piece of the Pontiac legend. Time has been kind to the Grand Prix, whose design stands out as one of the better ones of the period. Of course, long hoods and short decks have been in fashion since the dawn of the industry, but this Grand Prix gets it exactly right. A slight freshening for the \'71 model year only helps, adding a neo-boat-tail rear end. This car has been nicely restored in its original Monarch Yellow, which suits the upscale Poncho just fine, especially with the black vinyl top. Befitting a car of this one\'s stature, fit and finish are quite good, particularly with that massive hood sitting flush which is no small achievement. The big doors line up well, too, and the paint has a great gloss that seems well-suited to the period, neither too shiny like a modern car nor faded-looking like original paint. This one just looks right. Note the crisp line along the lower edges of the body that makes panel alignment so critical, as well as neat details like the slotted rear side marker lights and pinstripes that highlight some of the more dramatic sheetmetal curves. Thankfully, Pontiac took it easy on the chrome, using it sparingly on the tightly-fitted bumpers to make a statement, and it remains in excellent condition. Pontiac\'s commitment to luxury and performance is quite evident inside, where you get comfortable buckets flanking a sporty console. A wrap-around instrument panel was new and Pontiac advertising called it \"aircraft-inspired\" which might be a reach, but it sure looks good. The black seat covers have to be recent, as they\'re just too nice to be original and there appear to be fresh carpets on the floor. However, the door panels are likely original and their condition suggests that this car has lived an exceptionally easy life. The car includes power windows, a tilt column, power brakes and steering (mandatory on a beast this size, I\'d think), and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that\'s a reliable travelling partner. The trunk is naked, but that also means that there are no secrets hiding under a mat, and you can see that this car is really clean. Mechanically, the 400 cubic inch Pontiac V8 is hard to beat. Torquey, smooth, and versatile, it moves the big GP with ease. Obviously detailed, it takes its influences from contemporary Trans Ams and wears enough chrome to suggest it was built to show off. Edelbrock supplied a new intake and 4-barrel carburetor to help add horsepower, as does the newer Flowmaster dual exhaust system. The underside is original and not detailed for show, but a dusting of undercoating does nothing to hide the fact that this car doesn\'t suffer from the tin worm like so many of its contemporaries. And those handsome Pontiac Rally II wheels look as good here as they do on its siblings, wearing big 235/70/15 blackwall radials. These cars have a dedicated following and with values only going up, now is the time to put a clean, attractive Grand Prix in your stable. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Charlotte showroom. For more information, please call (704) 598-2130 or toll free (866) 542-8392. Ad provided by OldCarOnline.com/cond>
