If you craved a vehicle that combined luxury and performance in 1964, it was hard to look beyond Pontiac’s Grand Prix. This was especially true if you ticked the box beside the Tri-Power option, which placed impressive power beneath the driver’s right foot. Such is the case with this Grand Prix, which is a turnkey proposition that presents quite nicely. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Pontiac listed here on eBay in Denver, Colorado. Handing the seller $31,900 would allow you to drive away in this classic, although they will consider offers.
Pontiac came to the Personal Luxury Car party in 1962 with the Grand Prix. Ford had dominated the sector with the Thunderbird, and Pontiac was keen to gain its slice of the market. The First Generation remained on sale until 1964, with this car emerging during that final production year. It wins my heart instantly, courtesy of its wheels. I have consistently rated Pontiac’s eight-lug wheels as the best-looking production wheels of the 1960s, and they deserve a place on any list of the all-time greatest. They manage to look bold and purposeful, but elegant and classy. The ones on this car perfectly complement the Maroon paint and Black vinyl top. The seller doesn’t present this Grand Prix as anything other than what it is, providing a wide array of listing images that showcase a selection of chips and marks. The most troubling is the visible rust that appears to be developing in this shot. Only an in-person inspection will confirm whether it is a significant problem or if addressing the issue would be straightforward. However, that appears to be the car’s only steel penetration, because the floors and lower extremities are rock-solid. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, as does the glass.
Powering this Grand Prix is the legendary 389ci V8. Equipped with a Tri-Power setup, this mighty motor should generate a factory-quoted 330hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque. By equipping the car with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes, the first owner perfectly combined outright performance with an effortless driving experience. The seller is sparing with information in their listing, failing to confirm whether this classic is numbers-matching. It rolls on relatively new tires, and the transmission is freshly serviced. It appears that handing over the cash is all that stands between the new owner and hitting the road behind the wheel of this classic.
The interior receives top marks, demonstrating Pontiac’s focus on combining performance and comfort. This Grand Prix scores ice-cold air conditioning, bucket seats, a console with an integrated factory tach, and an AM radio. The Black vinyl is free from wear, as is the carpet. The woodgrain provides a welcome contrast and shows no evidence of deterioration. The wheel is in good condition, and the only visible addition is an under-dash gauge mounted near the driver’s left knee. Overall, the interior could be this car’s cosmetic highlight.
Pontiac targeted potential Ford Thunderbird buyers when it released the Grand Prix in 1962, and by 1964, a Grand Prix with the Tri-Power option could show a T-Bird a clean set of heels. This ’64 isn’t perfect, but it is a solid classic with what appears to be only minor issues. The seller’s BIN figure looks realistic given recent successful sales, but it could be even better if they are flexible in their negotiations. Is this Grand Prix a classic that you would consider pursuing further?
I suppose it’s futile to continually prattle on about a GP everytime one comes down the pike. If you don’t understand by now, there’s no use trying. Denver, eh? I’ve been to Denver TWICE in 8 years, and felt like puking both times.
You calls that rust??? Good heavens, I think that’s just a stress crack at the seam, I’ve seen rusty GPs, you’d run in horror, you would.
Again and again, when it comes to prices, I don’t know my rear from 3rd base, all I know is in 1964, ANYONE could have this magnificent automobile for $3490, ironically, TEN PERCENT of the cost here. Practically everyone could enjoy a GP, today that number is reduced to a relative few. That’s a shame.
Amen
I live 50 miles from Denver and feel like puking every time I go there. Might not be for the same reasons as you did though.
$3500 is about $36000 today-and with the extras it had for its time it’d be well worth that when we figure the average car cost now is $50,000.
You’re right though Howard that to spend that for a Coffee And Cars showpiece is currently tough to justify for most of us-otherwise Scotty G.would be offing his D-50 and buying that Comanche diesel!
I know, but I never did agree with that “adjusted for inflation” hooey. I still say it was a lot easier coming up with $3400 in 1964 than $34grand today. I probably shouldn’t say this, but it’s me yelling at a cloud, and I can’t help but think these people with these types of cars for what I consider out of line prices, are like that kid that got all the newest toys, “nyah, nyah, you can’t have one”, and they never outgrew that.
In 1964 a Union worker made $4.25 per hour, that’s $170.00 gross per week. $3400 was a lot of money in 64. The average home costs just under $19.00.00
60s Pontiacs are the pinnacle of American styling
Absolutely, easily the most beautiful cars made back then. Bill Mitchell and company were knocking it out of the park!!!
I am with you on that! I liked a few Fords and Mopars, but I loved my 68 Firebird.
Jack Humbert was the chief designer in charge of Pontiac styling during the 1960s. His work contributed significantly to Pontiac’s youthful and performance-oriented image. Sadly, although we celebrate the designs under his leadership, he seems to get little of the public credit. Iconic designs like the 1964 Grand Prix, the entire 1965 range, the 1968 GTO, 1969 Grand Prix, 1970 1/2 Firebird, and others would not have existed if not for Jack Humbert. He deserves tremendous credit. Interestingly his design background was focused on interior design, no doubt why the ’60s Pontiacs had such awesome interiors, especially the 1965-’66, before the bean counters started taking money out of the interiors in the late ’60s.
A 64 Grand Prix along with a Sting Ray were on The Beach Boys Shut Down Vol 2 album cover released in early 1964
The Grand Prix was owned by Carl Wilson and the Corvette belonged to Dennis Wilson
Elegance and muscle. The kind of car that ought to have a strict dress code to be seen in. I’ve not scrutinized it, but hope it’s as nice as it looks. I guess the only thing that could be better was if it was a ‘63. Love the scallop around the headlamps on a ‘63.
Muscle, elegance and 8 lugs. Hope it’s as nice as it looks. Peak GM. Ought to have a strict dress code to be seen in. No ball caps, hoodies or T-shirts. Iron and starch that button down and find some nice shades. Might even require dinner jacket!
I had a 62 grand Prix with a 4 speed when I was 16 years old. So I quickly popped the clutch and broke the 411 gears. Mother’s boyfriend owned a car dealership and had it fixed for me except they put in 308 gears. I put it in first and it went chug chug chug. Oh, that must have been third so I did it again, put it in first and it was first. It would do about forty miles an hour in first , but that’s the way I kept it for quite a few years , I loved that car. Got pretty good mileage, too.
imagine that another tri power Pontiac for sale. any evidence it’s a true factory tri power or a home built 1?