When the urge hits to make some performance improvements on a vintage car, it’s wise to start with a fairly solid example with a reasonably straight body. Those with even more foresight think about how comfortable the finished product will be to drive in the future, which may have factored into the seller choosing a well-optioned SJ model third-generation Pontiac Grand Prix as the recipient of some fine mechanical upgrades. The components implemented here seem carefully planned, with the 4-speed manual transmission perhaps the paragon here. This one’s looking for a new home, so if you’re ready to shift some gears, this 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ can be found here on Craigslist in Valleyford, Washington. It’s priced at $15,000, and we’d like to thank reader Curvette for the excellent tip here!
The GP was all-new for 1969, featuring fresh styling outside plus a new chassis for the body to ride on. Opting for the SJ model got buyers a 428 engine as standard equipment with manual transmission availability, though the base model J only came with an automatic. The seller reports that this one was originally equipped with an automatic, but it’s been replaced with a Muncie M20 4-speed, with a heavy-duty clutch assembly making sure those gears operate properly. While it’s not specified whether the rebuilt 428 is original to the car, the seller says $19k has been spent so far, and that about 5,000 miles have been covered since the mechanical work was completed.
From a distance, the exterior looks pretty good overall, but a closer inspection reveals a few areas with rust starting to come through. However, any visible corrosion appears minor enough to be repairable without any panel swaps or major headaches. Just enjoying driving this Pontiac like it is for a while isn’t a bad idea either, as it seems all that’s left to do here is deal with some not-too-serious cosmetic issues.
This one’s also stated to be loaded with power options, plus there’s a tilt steering column and cruise control, and that interior looks plenty comfortable too. As with the outside, there are a few imperfections and areas showing wear inside, but this car seems like a good candidate to go at your own pace with the remaining details and be thankful that most of the mechanical work is already done. Is this 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ one you’d be interested in taking to the finish line?
When these were introduced, I remember being drawn to them for their clean, yet sporty looks, both outside and inside. I think their styling has aged well. I especially like them in dark colors, but this shade does add to the subtlety of the car. This one has had lots of work, but bringing it up a notch will require addressing the rust. Would be fun to drive with the 4-speed.
Thanks Mike.
Nice one. If Mike didn’t mention that this was converted from automatic I would’ve thought it came from the factory this way. They did a good job with the pedals and the console etc. 428 4 speed is a nice combination. I agree with Bob, address the rust before it gets out of control and enjoy it.
All the manuals that I ordered, didn’t come with cruise control.
If this stays garaged, the rust can be kept at bay. It has all the makings of a nice cruiser, with a 428 and almost 440hp and 500ft/lb of torque, with the 4-spd and 3.42 limited slip, it should be a fun car. $15k and the seller is negotiable, Too bad it’s on the wrong coast. I would get the car and A/C squared away and drive the car the way it is.
Good comments, nice find. Cool GP, like someone mentioned on here the other day, driving a big boat of a car equipped with a standard is even more of a treat🏁
The ad was deleted by author. If the ad was real, that shouldn’t be a surprise. Good deals don’t last.
Steve R
It’s been re-posted:
https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/valleyford-1969-pontiac-grand-prix-sj/afUdyyaAr5RYSE3DznoNM3
Deleted…again.
Per the 1969 Pontiac brochure, transmission availability was the same for base and SJ Grand Prix models: 3-speed standard, 4-speed and automatic optional. This one is is equipped just the way I would have ordered one – 428, 4-speed, no vinyl top. A gentleman’s GTO.
If this GP was in the NE it would be gone in heart beat!! This GP SJ is a serious ride. Reminds me of my 70 442 4 speed. At least I had AC. That is a low price for this Muscle car. I would love to have it but, west coast might as well been in China! 😂
In my neck of the woods in south west Ohio, there was a triple black one that the owner had bought new. The last time I saw it in the early 2010’s it still looked new. Never restored. When he ordered it he checked a lot of boxes on the order form including the 428 and 4 speed. I talked to him several times and found out he had never married and had no children. He would have to be in his early eighties now. I wonder what ever happened to him?
Before the Sharonville car show was discontinued (so late teens pre covid) I saw what I’m pretty sure was the car you are talking about. It was in Schottmillers side lot at the 42 split. I always walked all the side lots as there are usually a few super cool cars mixed in. Saw this super clean Black Grand Prix and when I looked in the drivers side window my heart about stopped when I saw the shifter. I have a couple photos in digital storage somewhere around here. The chance of there being two around here are slim to none.
I agree with KHayes I would also just get the car and the A/C squared away and enjoy it if everything checks out this seems like a great deal. But with recently being told i have cancer along with congestive heart failure this is just a dream but i can dream all i want nothing wrong with that. Also keeping it in a garage you can take care of rust later on.
Sorry to read about your health struggles, I hope both conditions were found early and are/will responding to treatment. There are a lot of good resources available online for research such as the websites for Mayo Clinic, Stanford, Cleveland clinic even Kaiser to name s few. I’ve used all of those to look up medical information for my parents and myself.
Hoping for a positive outcome.
Steve R
Thank you Steve the cancer came out of left field and with the congestive heart failure getting worse over 20 plus years could not get on a donor list for the liver cancer. My Cardiologist who i trust told me i would not last one Chemotherapy treatment because of the condition of my heart so that avenue is out. Maybe something changes with some other kind of treatment who knows and i will continue to keep fighting. I read your comments my friends and i were the same way before the internet every week we would bye the Auto Trader and the local newspaper ads fun times sometimes i think the hunt was more fun then the find.
Sorry to hear about your health conditions, @Lakota.
Dreaming about this car might be the best thing for you! I hope you get your health conditions favorably resolved and decide to treat yourself and buy yourself whatever your heart desires.
well, its gone. no surprise at that price. this is a rare G.P being the way its equipped. fix the a/c and enjoy it. great colors as well. these were a bit better looking than the 71,72 G/Ps to me anyway.
Good looking ride. Local tire guy had a SSJ in white and gold. Always pined for that sweet one. Wonder where it went?
Gone!
No surprise at that price.
Dream car.
Here in the south , where its 100 from march till october . A car with no A.C. wont sell .
They used different consoles with the 4 speed, and the ashtrays are almost impossible to find!
Another half-done job. Notice that this is a factory A/C car. Where’s the compressor? What else is half-done?
428 and 4-speed makes this car a real muscle car wrapped in a luxury package. Very desirable package! I would think this one at this price is a steal!
My neighbor, Al, who has since gone on to his reward, had a ’70 SJ that had the 455 but otherwise was about the same car. It was GORGEOUS with only about 40k on the clock.
Sitting in it, what struck me is how similar the shape of the dash and the placement of the shifter was to the Lincoln Mark VIII, (30+ years of GM refinement notwithstanding). Everything is aimed towards the driver and it feels like a cockpit.
Beautiful car. 428 & 4 speed Poncho always a dream of mine. My brother had a 77 TA w a 4speed, lord have mercy that car was sooo much fun! This is definitely an undercover muscle car. Very cool