Some enthusiasts crave a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, but aren’t drawn to the idea of owning a classic Convertible. This 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ offers an excellent solution, courtesy of its T-Top. It presents extremely well for what is essentially a survivor-grade vehicle, and the 403ci V8 under the hood should provide respectable performance by Malaise Era standards. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Grand Prix listed here on eBay in Brooklyn, New York. The seller set their BIN at $29,800, and with no option to make an offer, it appears that figure is fairly firm.
Introduced for the 1973 model year, Pontiac’s Fourth Generation Grand Prix rode on a slightly shorter wheelbase than its predecessor, although the overall length increased marginally. Compliance with emerging safety regulations increased curb weight, while emissions regulations reduced engine power. This Grand Prix LJ rolled off the line in 1977, finished in subtle Cameo White. The seller confirms that most of the paint is original, with only a few minor touch-ups. They state that the paint on the roof and trunk lid exhibits slight fading, but it remains presentable if the buyer wishes to preserve the car’s survivor status. The Grand Prix spent most of its life in California, protecting it from potential rust problems. It is rock-solid, which I would expect from a Grand Prix in this price bracket. The T-Top seals are in good condition, and the seller includes the original storage bags in the deal. The trim looks impressive for its age, and the glass is clear.
This Grand Prix features the 403ci Olds V8, the largest engine offered during that model year. The seller stresses its range-topping status, but it is worth noting that since this classic started life in California, it was always going to have an Olds engine under the hood. Buyers in that state could choose between the 350 and the 403, and since this motor was the most powerful available to Grand Prix buyers in 1977, the seller’s statement is fair. This motor delivers 185hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. It also features power steering and power front disc brakes, providing an effortless driving experience. Potential buyers can consider this classic a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives well, and the sale includes the original dealership documentation and the Window Sticker.
The first owner’s decision to team a Cameo White exterior with an interior trimmed in dazzling Red cloth always guaranteed that this Grand Prix turned heads. It should still do so today, because its condition is impressive. I’m unsure whether the driver’s seat might be developing a seam separation, or if it is an optical illusion. However, that is about the only question mark hanging over it. There is no significant wear, and no evidence of abuse or neglect. The lack of UV damage suggests it has spent its idle time indoors, protected from the sun’s harmful rays. The seller states that the air conditioning requires a recharge and that the clock is inoperative. Otherwise, it appears that the power windows, power locks, cruise control, and the tilt wheel work as they should.
There is a lot to like about this 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ, and little to criticize. Its presentation is impressive for a survivor of this vintage, and its turnkey status adds to its appeal. The idea of hitting the road on a sunny day with the T-Top panels removed sounds truly tempting, while the interior options will make life aboard this classic very comfortable. The listing statistics are quite modest, but the seller’s decision to price this Pontiac at the top end of the market might be the main reason. However, I won’t be surprised if it eventually finds a new home. Will you?
Old school mild cruiser. 😎
Very sharp. Gotta love that RED interior.
Amazing how many cars post that the AC needs recharged. If that’s all it needs, just do it. Most likely, that’s just a way to infer that the AC still works, when, in actuality, it needs repaired or replaced .
Very nice car. AC needs a recharge is a euphemism for “be prepared to spend an additional $1500.00 on servicing the system after you buy my car because I am done screwing around with it!”
For decades, Pontiac’s styling mission was clearly to take whatever Chevy had done with the platform, and add “too much” on to it.
Great looking car, t-tops nice. White with a red interior, perfect combo. Good looking wheels. Needs a set of RWL tires. Then you see the bench seat and auto on the column.One more car that should never had those two options available.
then the 78 downsized GP came about and, even though I found it to be an attractive car, didn’t have the styling bravado that the 77 had.
If you zoom in and look closely at the steering wheel column, you’ll see that turn signal lever is NOT stock, nor of Pontiac (GM) origin. It looks more like a Chrysler lever. I know because my mama had a 77 Grand Prix LJ which had cruise control and it had a single cruise engagement button on the end of it with no tap up or tap down provision. Also, if you look at the 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix brochure, you will see this is the case. Seller either doesn’t know or is not being honest. I also noticed that cruise control was not listed on the options list of the original sticker and it sure wasn’t a standard feature, even on the LJ model.
You know, I think you’re right on the cruise issue. It is a Mopar set-up, although they did a neat install of it. I guess I don’t have much of an issue with it; at least it’s not one of those square control aftermarkets that glue to the dash.
Someone else said RWL tires & I’m ok either way with the white color. WW give it a lux look while RWL give the sporty look.
I think the driver seat back issue is a wear not a separation issue. Might be able to redye that area if it hasn’t worn all the way down.
I’m missing a power seat what with all the other options.
Sharp color combo in & out but I don’t care for t-tops.
really good-looking G/P. lots of options but the bench seat is a real wet blanket on this 1. at least it does not have a 301 in it. should move good with the 403 in it.
I should have bought a GP. In 77 I bought a milder Olds Cutlass in black with the red firethorn interior. It was a great car and wish I still had it but the Pontiac had more styling flair. I see this didn’t have a factory radio which is a deal breaker for me.
No buckets…No thanks!!
The last year for the great A body in the “Personal Luxury Coupe” wars between the Olds Cutlass Supreme, Buick Regal/Century and the Chevy Monte Carlo. A top of the line LJ model, 403 motor, Honeycomb sport rims to compliment the popular T-Tops option of that era. And just as anticipated viewing the interior and to my disbelief I noticed the front seat armrest and said myself WHAAAAT! A Colum shift!!??? I’m a luxury car guy and I’ve had so many vehicles (Caddy’s Buicks & Olds) with the column shift but I was totally surprised to se this top of the line sport luxury coupe with what looks like is loaded with all the options for 1977 and I see a column shift! I’m sure that is what the original owner opted for in 1977. I just personally feel this Grand Prix deserves a nice console shift to amplify it’s sporty but also luxurious identity.
Lots of LJs had the bench (not all). The SJs had buckets/console. Back in the day, bench was better for date nights. Price still seems overly optimistic.
Those are snowflake wheels. The honeycombs were urethane on steel from earlier in the 70’s. Look at the window sticker, apparently that car came from the factory with steel rally II’s and trim rings. Rust inside the glove box door? Leaky Hurst Hatch perhaps.
The seller must really like this car, as it’s going to be for sale for a long, long time at this price. It’s a nice, #2.5 driver quality car (A/C issues realistically described by JDC and BMH, paint and other issues also), not the #1 condition car it’s priced as. Half of the listing price is more realistic.
That 403 makes it easy to swap a 455 engine and 400 transmission. Then it would be a real Gran Prix with an additional 200 or so HP.
It is a very nice looking car, and I like the T-Tops.
I did not spot anywhere that the mileage is mentioned, and the photos may be conveniently set to hide the odometer. It just feels like deception.