Of all the various Pontiac Grand Prix generations, the sixth-gen cars are definitely my favorites. The name itself – Grand Prix – really does infer some level of performance, but throughout its history, the Grand Prix has more often than not been seen as a big, sleepy cruiser, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But when the 1980s ushered in a new era at Pontiac, we actually saw this nameplate get injected with new levels of style and performance. Despite that, very few are left in decent condition, so this time-warp 1988 Grand Prix SE listed here on Car Gurus is quite a find with just over 26,000 miles on the clock.
The Grand Prix definitely captured multiple 1980s styling trends in one package, from the all-white design with color-coordinated wheels to the tinted, grid-style taillights that look like they were lifted off of a DeLorean. The Grand Prix also featured a throaty dual exhaust and an aero-inspired nose design. The car shown here is a fairly basic spec in terms of trim and when compared to some of the other high-zoot models offered in the Grand Prix lineup at the time, but it still comes loaded with features and a respectable 2.8L V6.
If you weren’t taken by its outside looks, the interior would surely grab you. These seats make Recaros look like park benches what with their ridiculously over-stuffed cushions and deep side bolsters, not to mention the corresponding rear bucket seats. Now, some of you might be looking for the infamous multi-function steering wheel loaded with buttons, but this example doesn’t have that option. Still, it is loaded with other interesting tech from the time period, as you’ll see in the next photo. Looking beyond the options list, there’s no denying this Grand Prix is in shockingly nice condition.
Across GM’s lineup at the time, there was the option to add not only a ridiculous cassette deck with a graphic equalizer but also the small screen you see nestled behind the gear selector. This was a combination LED and pictograph compass read-out with various information like mileage, the trip computer, and odometer, and by today’s standards, functionally useless. But at the time, it was pretty slick, and gave Pontiac some extra cache that didn’t rely on button count. This Grand Prix is a survivor and likely one of the nicest ones left, but I’d still hold out for a McLaren coupe in black with the gold lace wheels. What’s your favorite era of the Grand Prix? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Doc for the find.
If you really want a FWD Gran Prix, snatch this one up. These cars are unicorns now. It’s easier to find a 1963 Gran Prix than it is one of these.
Lavery, i suspect your aware late 60s GP could be had with a h.o 428, and a 4spd ? These seemed decent, even stylish, and fairly honest fwd transportation, but the favorite really lol.
I personally think that the price is a little steep but you scroll through the pictures this one looks to have every available option, definitely Knight rider influence going on inside it would suck if the instrument cluster had a short.
I owned one of these back in late 80s, same color as shown. Always had issues with the rear brakes.
I had a ’82 Grand Prix when this first came out and boy I wanted one. I still prefer the ’62-68 Grand Prix but this one is really nice and I also like that McLaren Turbo.
This is in beautiful shape if this is a car you want. I remember those ridiculous seats and they were terribly uncomfortable.
This one seems to have the combination lock for the glove compartment.I once really wanted a blue version of this car that I found on a used car lot. I really love these and if I could find one Would love to have it. It would now be a great radwood Era car or perfect for cars and coffee now.
See my post below, Dan. Get you that blue GP you missed out on.
I was in High school when these came out. It was such a drastic change from the previous RWD generation. I loved the older ones and wouldve probably given my eye teeth for a noce Cutlass or Grand Prix. But unfortunately I have been bless with having a Champaign taste with a Beer Wallet!!! But anyway, I really liked these when they came out the Cutlass and Regals were very nice too. I always thought they drove nice when I had the opportunity to drive one, and wouldnt think twice of owning one today if I were in a position to buy one. I agree with the above comment by Explodingpinto. If you are in the market for a good one, this just might be it.
Car Gurus has a blue 1990 SE listed in Texas for several grand less and 10K more miles. The sellers of the Wisconsin GP must have been hitting up the legal Yooper herb to be asking 13 grand. Nice looking car, and GM gave their V6’s nice burbly exhaust systems back then.
how much is the car and in what state is it in?
Jeff here’s a simple basic rule of English. Names don’t infer anything. If you say (or write) something you imply. The hearer or reader, infers.
Respectable 2.8 V6. Hmm… I read so much negativity about GM’s 2.8L.
Nice car! I like that this seller is showing 101 photos. Not hiding anything here. I always find it odd that some people selling a car, show only 2 or 3 photos.
Like magic, the price fell under five figures on Car Gurus. I do like these headlights more than the blue 90’s. That crisp black line was a nice detH.ail.
The best sounding exhaust was to be had with the Pontiac 6000 STE. Nothing else sounded like the STE as it accelerated away from you.
My bro-in-law had a bright red with red wheels 1990 MY example of this car. He would let my then gf, later Mrs., borrow it pretty much anytime we asked. So fun to cruise around town on a Saturday night at 18 yo in a beautiful car that stood out the way a red GP should! I would love to have a low mileage twin to his today.
My 69 Grand Prix with a 428 and a 4 speed would crank out consistent high 13 second times in stock trim. Not exactly sleepy.
Great car. Perfect Sunday or occasional driver. Cars and coffee conversation piece for sure. Absolutely one of the cleanest around.