Pontiac had it all going on in ’64. The GTO erupted into a massive performance success that ultimately achieved legendary status. But, that’s not all as the Tin Indiam stayed true to its wide-track persona with big, go-fast cars like this beautiful 1964 Grand Prix. This McKinney, Texas resident is a looker and it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $17,100, with 40 bids tendered so far.
The Grand Prix wasn’t exactly Pontiac’s BMOC (big man on campus) in ’64 – that honor went to the Bonneville. The GP was more the svelte, refined, performance-oriented member of the lineup that was only available as a two-door hardtop. The roofline design did a fine job of blending a squared-off formal look with a bit of swept-back fare. The seller of our subject car states that the finish is “amazing” and I will admit that it looks pretty darn good – no mean feat if it’s actually original. The seller adds, “Used mostly for car shows and weekend cruises“. The Cragar S/S wheels are a nice addition; combined with white stripe tires, however? Well, that’s a matter of preference.
The seller mentions that this GP is powered by a 421 CI “HO” engine but that’s not really the case owing to its single four-barrel carburetor. Pontiac reserved the HO moniker for its “Trophy” triple carburetor, 370 gross HP, 421 CI HO V8 engine. Standard GP power for ’64 was a 320 gross HP “Trophy” 421 CI engine and that’s what appears to be ensconced under this car’s nicely chiseled hood. One change from stock is the intake manifold – it’s an Edelbrock piece that has been painted to match the engine. The big V8 is connected to what Pontiac called a Hydramatic automatic transmission but I believe that it’s actually an ill-fated Roto Hydramatic three-speed, colloquially known as a “Slim-Jim”. Research indicates that it was used in the early ’60s short-wheelbase Pontiacs like the Grand Prix and Catalina. The seller claims, “runs and drive perfect (sic)”.
Inside, we are treated to a standard equipment bucket seat/center console environment that is said to be all original. The whole get-up is in beautiful condition and there is even an original equipment tachometer still mounted, front and center on the center stack. The instrument panel, while not as glamorous as those found in premium cars of the late ’40s and early ’50s is still impressive in its own right. All of the stainless steel/chrome plated trim is a veritable visual feast and accentuates the width of this wide tracker. With the interior looking stock and original, there is one nod to the aftermarket with engine gauges attached to the bottom edge of the dash. BTW, this is an A/C equipped car.
The seller suggests that this Pontiac needs nothing and I would have to agree. It’s as fine an example as you’ll find today. Sure, some would prefer a four-speed manually equipped version like this 1965 2+2, and if this car has a weak spot, it is its automatic transmission. Beyond that, no demerits are warranted in my book, how about in yours?
Wow.
Just WOW.
Magnificent for a 1964 GP-or almost any I’ve seen of this vintage.
A bigger wow factor though would be seeing it in MY driveway/garage.
I don’t think an AT in a “personal luxury car” is a bad thing. The Crager SSs on the other hand belong on a Camaro, not a GP. Install a proper set of Pontiac 8-lug wheels and act your age.
421 with A/C ! Needs a 4 speed & tri power & if you aren’t the fastest kid on the block not sure you would care with this beauty!
I had a 65 Cat convert with the 389 2brl and Auto, also dealer installed AC. I bought it in 72 as the 2nd or 3rd owner. I was 16 and let me say it would smoke the tires in 1st, spin the tires catching 2nd, and bark them in 3rd. Nothing wrong with that stock AT if the “bands” are adjusted right and the vacuum modulator valve is clean, clear ans working with new vacuum lines. The only hop up items in my Poncho was the factory HEI pointless distributor and a pair if Cherry Bombs. Oh and I put the air cleaner cover on upside down to let her breathe. The torque in that 389 2brl was plenty enough that eventually I twisted the shaft on the pinion gear. Found out that was not uncommon, I was a kid remember. Dad.and I advanced timing 3 degrees, (you did that without a computer or chip.back then, just a timing light and a distributor wrench – or for the simple life) and she would get 22-24 mpg on a highway trip, cruising at 80+, speed limit was 75 then, with the AIR on. This 64 GP is making me want it.
In 1965 Pontiac abandoned the slim jim in full size Pontiacs and went with the TH400, a much stronger trans.
Don’t quite believe that gas mileage claim!
“They tool around town in their big Grand Prix’s-Strapped in their bucket seats shooting’ the breeze….
(Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga Sewing Circle, Book Review And Timing Association-1964 Jan and Dean)
Magnificent. Nice write up Jim.
This is beautiful.
Let’s mention the rarely seen P brakes, P steering + A/C.
If I could I would go after this Gran Prix hard.
And change the wheels.
Really hope this goes to a caring home!
It’s GranD Prix, okay?
The gauge at the console is a vacuum gauge on A/T cars, not a tach.
My dad had a new ‘64 GP, and I had two in ‘80. Mine were tired but the ‘cool’ still showed through.
Why would the seller refer to it as a tachometer? It’s a somewhat rhetorical question but I would think he knows the difference.
JO
tach looks like a vacuum gauge to me. may be a 389.
Another highly desirable car I would love to have in my driveway. It may have not been the big man on campus but it sure carried a big stick!
That jim slim autoloader 😒 can be trouble apparently. Gorgeous color.
I used to sit, cross-legged in the back seat of my dad’s 65 Parisienne Custom waiting for the Indian Chief to light up in red when the high beams were activated … no seat belts in the back of course. Love these big ol Pochos. Great memories.
That shifter and shift plate are NOT STANDARD 1964 GP fare. Just looked at an interior pic of a 64 GP on line. Shift knob should be a small chrome ball with a small button in center and there is no raised shifter plate. The one in the picture in this article seems to have been lifted from a 1968 or later GTO or LeMans.
Did Hurst have an aftermarket shifter package for this model?
Good catch! That is a Pontiac shifter from a later year. I wonder if it is accompanied by a later (better) transmission. Slim Jims were never noted for reliability.
Beautiful looking car. IMHO, it’s the last good looking Grand Prix until the 1967-68 model year. Given its condition, I’d be willing to pay between $10k and $15k. I’d still have enough money to have it inspected before buying it and then have upgrades as needed.
389 was the base engine.
outstanding find if i had the room, i would chase it down
Is it just me or does anyone else see two radios?!? Why hasn’t someone asked about that? It sure looks odd!
One is the climate control panel.
One is the climate system. My Dad had a 64 Catalina that was totaled in an end over end accident when he was run off the road. The replacement was a 67 GP. Same climate control in it.
The 64 Grand Prix was the first GP to capture my attention. I was only 9 years old, but already was a real Gearhead. The exterior styling was perfect, and on the interior, the dash was a work of art. And I loved the color the IP lit up at night. It was like a neon blue, in 1964, it was the future. I loved the way the front bumper came up and cradled the stacked headlights. It seemed everyone in Southern California liked them, they were all over the place. There was no doubt that the best-looking, and performance oriented was the Pontiac Division. The 65 2+2 has been one of my all time favorites.
Buy that baby some 8 lugs!
Far to pretty for its own good. Up to 20,200 with over 17 hours to go. Can’t say that it isn’t worth it. I’d love to be the winner of this one. The Cragers with the white sidewalls do need to go though. A GP of this of caliber deserves the 8 lug wheels with those whitewalls. Or, the standard black steel wheels, a set of baby moons, and trim rings, without the whitewalls. Just my own personal preference. Either option would make a better look. The car itself, I wouldn’t change anything.
I guess, this old guy (me) is showing his age now. LOL!!