If you walked into a Pontiac dealership in 1977, you would probably be drawn to either the Trans Am or the Grand Prix. Sure there were other two door cars but sales were hitting all time highs with these two models. This 40,964 mile 1977 Grand Prix is located in Columbus, Ohio. It is listed for sale here on eBay for $19,999. While the market is up for these cars, this price is probably a little optimistic considering this is the base model powered by a 301 cubic inch V8 engine. Despite the price though, it is a low mileage car in great condition. There are 17 days remaining in this listing.
The Pontiac Grand Prix could be built with 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. 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 bench seat but other options were available. This car has some nice options including cloth seats and is powered by the base 301 cubic inch V8 engine with a two barrel carburetor. It generated barely enough power (135 hp) to move this big luxury car.
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 but I wish this car had a tach in place of the clock. I own a black 1977 SJ which was the sport model and came with the L78 400 cubic inch V8 engine, bucket seats and console. Like this car, it has the Pontiac 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.
Pontiac sold 288,430 Grand Prix in 1977 which was an all time high. This car is certainly exceptional and maybe worth the asking price based on its condition. The build date shows that this car was manufactured in November of 1976. Many owners of the 301 V8 engines have some sad stories about this engine including the pre-ignition knock problems due the design of the combustion chamber. Who out there had a 301 V8 powered Grand Prix?
I had a 301 powered Catalina and it was junk,going down the highway about 60 and it spun a bearing, replaced it with a ’73 350.
Black and red (same as white and red) always looks good to me. My up the street buddy when I was younger had a blue on blue ’77 GP. And while it was a typical malaise era slug on the streets, it was a beautiful highway cruiser. This one looks sharp. My only quibble, as a matter of personal taste, I’ve always felt that the Grand Prix looks more proper with white walls.
Beautiful car, horrible engine, can you bolt up the same turbo from the trans-am, or can you even find those anymore? , en car would have original engine, but me power.
The 301 is unfortunate. I had a ’78 Bonneville with it back in the day and it was constantly overheating due to coolant loss from a bad head gasket.
I got so angry one time, I popped the hood, jumped right out, tore off the cap, and peed straight into the radiator, in broad daylight. Several people walked and looked at me aghast. Far from my proudest hour, but I feel in retrospect my frustration was understandable.
I normally don’t like messing with originality but this is one case where you might want to consider it.
A mild 350 mill would be welcome. Beautiful car. 🏁
Very good looking! This one is in excellent condition. It lacks power windows though. GM management decisions lead to Pontiac’s downfall. They are worthless!
My buddy had a burgandy LJ with matching bucket seat interior 400,and t-tops.. That was one cool Friday night cruiser
Very clean. A nice 400 swap would be the 1st thing I’d do. My plan would be to keep it civil around 360 hp with some nice ram air heads.
I bought a new one & it was the last year of the real GP’s!
For ’78, IMO the Lemans 2 door coupe was a better looking car that looked like an old fashioned hardtop! & the dash had all those cool pontiac gage pods!
A 350 v8 was avail in Calif, but i’m guessing it was no powerhouse.