Pontiac’s new-for’69 Grand Prix dropped 800 lb from the previous model, targeting sportier buyers with a move from full-size to a longer wheelbase version of the mid-sized A-body (LeMans / Tempest / GTO) platform. This 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ in Bernville, Pennsylvania comes to market in remarkable never-restored condition including a leather interior and the 428, Pontiac’s biggest-cube mill before the 455 hit the showrooms in model year 1970. Check out more pictures and details here on eBay where at least seven bidders have the GP’s market value over $6500 without meeting the seller’s Reserve. An $11,900 Buy It Now price could end the auction in a hurry, otherwise you’ve got about two days left. Thanks to PontiacServer for some details.
With leather, tilt wheel, air conditioning, power windows and locks, trunk popper, and auto temp control, this sweet Grand Prix offered Cadillac comfort in a sporty and stylish two-door. A three-speed automatic transmission handles the gear changes. The center console and hooded command center underscore the GP’s driver-centric theme.
Subdued rear styling includes broad rectangular light modules framing the license plate. Fold down the plate to reveal the hidden fuel filler. Dual exhausts let the 428 breathe. Pontiac called this top trim level SJ as a tribute to the fabulous 1930s Duesenberg SJ. Though not currently road-worthy, according to the listing it “starts with a jump” and enjoyed time with its original owner until 2005.
It may look like a million other GM engines of its time, but the XF 428 made 370 HP (gross) and this one even kept its four-barrel Rochester QuadraJet carburetor. Earning the nickname “QuadraBog” for their age-induced sluggish accelerator pumps, many of these carburetors earned a quick flight into the trash bin in favor of aftermarket replacements, but when properly tuned, the QJ does just fine. Cruise control, power brakes and power steering ease your motoring duties. Would you tear this one apart for a full restoration or drive it while tackling one element at a time?
I remember in the summer of 1968 when pre-teen me got his copy of Motor Trend Magazine, which featured the new 1969 Grand Prix. I thought it was a cleanly styled, classy looking car, with a well-appointed interior and offering potent powertrains. I like it then, still like them today. Pretty good ebay ad shows where this example needs attention, which I hope someone will give it.
Thanks Todd.
Back in the 1980’s a group of my friends and I pulled our money together and bought a 1969 Grand Prix SJ 428 with the idea that we were going to build a drag car out of it. All we really ever did was pretty much destroy a perfectly good car. Every time I see one of these I think back to how stupid we were. But hey everyone is kinda stupid at 18 right?
No kinda for me, just lucky I survived all the stupid crap I did
Somebody save this one!! The floors look clean. It looks very complete. If I had more room I would save it and the price is good!
Only thing I think it needs is the factory hood mounted tach, to be my dream car.
Best wishes to whomever scores this beauty.
A friend of mine bought a new black SJ model with a 4 speed. Fast car in its day.
A great find for someone, after an IPI. Congratulations to the new owner!
I’d be all over this but, I have too many project cars already. Wonder if he’d take my Caribou in trade? . . . . .
A very nice car with plenty of options. Limelight Green is a beautiful color. My 69 GTO was Limelight. Antique Gold is another nice hue instead of boring bkack or red. Not many true 428s left. What rust I see is not that bad for a car this old. Not sure why people spend money on tires when a car isn’t drivable.
Only thing it’s missing is a 4speed, my second favorite GP . My first of course is my 63 GP 4speed mild custom.
My dad was going to buy a sweet 70 SJ in an awesome dark blue in 72, paid a small deposit on it and when we went back to get it the dealer had sold it to someone else that another sales guy knew. There was almost a fight. Sorry we missed it.
Like…..
Talk about the one car that I have always wanted more than any other! During the first oil crunch in early 1974 I was 17 and wanted to buy a ‘69 Grand Prix much like this one. It was an SJ with leather seats. The Pontiac dealer wanted $1,250 for it. My father said “Are you nuts? This thing will be lucky to get 10 MPG. I listened to him and have regretted my decision to this day. Thanks dad!
Had one of these but a dark green and black roof. Mine too had a 428. It was 10 years old and well kept at the time. I got it for a song from an outer part of the circle friend. He worked on it and then couldn’t get it to start. I showed interest in it and he said if I got him a baggie of the ‘devils lettuce’ I could have the car. So 25 dollars later I owned the Gran Prix. He had pulled the distributor and didn’t mark the teeth location. It was so out of time is why it wouldn’t start. A trip to the library to check out a Haynes and a timing light and it was back on the road. He was really surprised it was that easy. He was surprised but not mad. He set a price and I paid what he asked so there was nothing for him to complain about. The car was in excellent condition. This was back when a clean 10 years old car could be gotten at a very affordable price.
I bought one as soon as they came out. I thought it was stunning! Biggest mistake I ever made. Went through tires faster than gas and it sure went through gas! It was the only car I ever owned that I actually hated. An absolute lemon!! It provided so much frustration, I remember slamming the door when I got out, then turning around and kicking it! And, I assure you, that is not like me! It was so annoying that I’ve blocked out the memory of owning it. My only fond memory was about 2 or 3 months after I bought it. I drove it to a Volvo dealership and asked if they had a model I could do an even trade for. The owner of the dealership laughed and said “Sure, take your pick!” I did and, as the story goes, I lived happy ever after.
FYI: It was my third new Pontiac in a row. It was also my last.
But, it sure looked nice.