Pontiac was on a roll in the mid to late 1970’s. They were producing the cars that people wanted. From the Trans Am to the Grand Prix, sales were hitting all time highs. This 29,500 mile example of a 1977 Grand Prix is located in Schenectady, New York. It is listed for sale here on Facebook Marketplace for $19,999. While the market is up for these cars, the price might be a little optimistic considering this is the base model powered by a 301 cubic inch V8 engine. This Grand Prix has been listed for 5 days so far.
The Green Lantern would love this car because it is green on the outside and green on the inside. As in the prior years, Pontiac produced three models or levels of the Grand Prix in 1977 including the base Grand Prix, SJ (sport) and LJ (luxury). This is the base model which was formerly called the J model. It came with standard features, a vinyl bench seat but other options were available. The SJ was the sport model and came with the L78 400 cubic inch V8 engine, bucket seats and console. It also had Rally II wheels. The luxury model was the LJ and had a velour deluxe interior with the upgraded steering wheel and was usually loaded with options like power windows, power locks, tilt, air conditioning and 8 track stereo.
This car looks to be in great shape and was optioned with the gauge package that was standard on the SJ. I like the gauges instead of the idiot lights. A vacuum powered economy gauge sits in place of the clock or where the tach would go. Pontiac offered several different engines in 1977 including the 301 cubic inch V8, 350 cubic inch V8, 400 cubic inch V8 and 403 cubic inch V8. The Pontiac engines could not meet California’s emission standards so only the Oldsmobile 350 cubic inch V8 and 403 cubic inch V8 were available in that state.
The seller states that this car has a 305 cubic inch V8 engine but that engine was not available in the 1977 Grand Prix. It was rumored Oldsmobile ran out of engines and some Grand Prix’s were built with Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8 engines in California. It is likely that this car has a 301 cubic inch V8 engine that, by most accounts, generated barely enough power (135 hp) to move this large car. Did you know that the 301 V8 engines has pre-ignition knock problems due the design of the combustion chamber? In all, Pontiac sold 288,430 Grand Prix in 1977.
Paint and bodywork are very expensive nowadays due to environmental regulations and just general post COVID gouging. Buy the best rust free car that you can afford. Lack of horsepower is very easy to improve with today’s aftermarket industry.
Le Mans, Grand Prix, Trans Am, I’m surprised Pontiac didn’t make a model named “Kentucky Derby”. This Grand Prix looks really nice, and just about any year Grand Prix was a good-looking car.
I had a 77, 350, white with landau top, t tops, base model. Had the motor redone .30 over, put buckets center console and floor shifter in. Was working it up and looking great as mg dream car. Until the late wife totalled it on me Christmas night of 95. Then the drivetrain was transplanted into a 80 El Camino SS body. Then watch out!
Ah man I know what that’s like my wife totaled 89’ Grand Prix SE loaded white /grey leather moon roof , luggage rack but not fast. My favorite car is the 73’ Grand Prix which was the first of the 73-77 generation. 250hp and 370 lbs. torque moved out nice.
Nice looking in the two tone green with matching interior. Not much missing except maybe an engine upgrade. Would be a nice addition to any collection.
My first car was a 77 Grand Prix nearly identical to this one. It was an LJ and formerly my grandpa’s car. It was this color (Berkshire Green) with the same color padded vinyl 1/2 top. The tan velour interior was like sitting on two sofas. I had a lot of fun driving (and parking) that car. I think I sold it with 34,000 miles in 1990.