If you are the type of person who is less concerned about originality than luxury and performance, this 1973 Pontiac Grand Am deserves a close look. It presents beautifully following a recent repaint, while the 455ci V8 under its hood promises plenty of power. It has a few minor interior shortcomings, but these could be addressed at the buyer’s leisure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this classic listed here on Craigslist in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. You could drive home in this turnkey gem after handing the seller $32,500.
Pontiac introduced the Grand Am in 1973 as a direct competitor for imports produced by prestige manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The company sought to perfectly combine luxury with performance, and many believe it achieved that goal admirably. Our feature vehicle is a first-year example finished in Burnished Umber Metallic. The seller confirms that it received a professional repaint in its original shade, and faulting its exterior presentation is seemingly impossible. The paint shines richly, and the panels are laser-straight. There is no evidence of rust, and the chrome looks exceptional. One exterior highlight is the Endura nose, which shows no signs of the type of deterioration that often occurs due to long-term UV exposure. The power Moonroof is a later addition, but the installation quality looks first-rate. The tinted glass is free from major defects, and the 15″ Rally II wheels are excellent.
The 1973 Grand Am was V8-only territory, and Pontiac obviously meant business when it nominated its 400ci powerplant as the entry-level engine. This car features the larger 455ci motor, although it is worth noting that it isn’t numbers-matching. The YH Code confirms it as a 1970-vintage unit that generated 360hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque. The 455 is teamed with a three-speed Turbo 400 transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. If this engine retains its original power and torque figures, this will be a genuinely fast car. The ¼-mile journey should take around 14.7 seconds as the Grand Am winds its way to 120mph. The performance potential is best reflected by the seller’s claim that it can fry its tires. Potential buyers can consider this Pontiac a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
If this Grand Am has a genuine weakness, the condition of the driver’s seat could hold that dubious distinction. The Parchment cloth cover exhibits wear, stretching, and general deterioration. This is a shame because the rest of the interior presents quite nicely. Sourcing replacement seatcovers shouldn’t be difficult, although potential buyers on a budget might elect to hide the problem beneath a set of high-quality slipcovers. The seller added a more modern stereo with Bluetooth for tunes on the move, but that appears to be the only change. This classic cements its luxury credentials courtesy of ice-cold air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, the sports gauge package with a tach, and a tilt wheel.
Pontiac produced 43,137 examples of the Grand Am in 1973, with 34,446 buyers selecting the Coupe. This Grand Am isn’t cheap, nor is it 100% original. However, that poses the question of whether the seller’s price is justified. The water becomes cloudy once a classic is modified, but recent sales results suggest that their figure is realistic. Therefore, if you are the type of person who loves nothing more than to combine luxury and performance, it could be worth a closer look.
This is one of the nicest early Grand Ams I think we’ve seen in a while. One of the coolest ones I think I’ve seen which is very rare is a 4 door with a 4 speed manual.
Originality is nice, but I think dropping a ’70 vintage 455 that will “Fry the Tires” is a fantastic idea. And one that Pontiac probably wished they could’ve done but unfortunately had their hands tied behind their back due to emissions regulations.
Very nice Grand Am. Great body and paint work, great period color too.
Driveinstile a 4sp would’ve been a home run here. 🏁
I agree. But all that torque with an automatic is fine by me too.
Yessir. Especially a 400 Turbo Hydramatic.
The manual 4 speed was only available with the 400 c.i. engine.
Right on Rick 👍
Nice Grand Am. Just too bad someone cut a hole in a perfectly good roof. Though it does look like a decent job was done, I’ve yet to see one that does not leak. Good looking colonnade though.
Merry Christmas, Barn Finders.
Only a small percentage had the rare factory sunroof, and this looks to be a stock one rather than aftermarket.
Dan, the sunroof is a SERIOUS bonus on this one! Only a few hundred got it.
The ad write up suggests that the sunroof is aftermarket… I’m betting it is a ASC sunroof, whick are excellent aftermarket units.
Pontiac really nailed the styling of the first GM “collonade” hardtops in 1973, and of those, the Grand Am looked the best. And,this car at least has some muscle to back its looks. I’d be interested but hoo-wee! That price! Maybe 20k would be more in the ball park. I’ve a feeling the seller is in no hurry.
Factory roof , no 4sd for the 455
The factory roof did not have an air deflector like this later unit. The 455 was an automatic only proposition. Still a beautiful car and one of the best collonades.
Pretty sure it is A Webasto
Factory roofs were problematic properly installed after market were better.
Let’s be kind about the seats and say the owner chose the ruched upholstery
option.
Terry and Nelson: Although I could never be accused of being a Chevy fan, I actually considered a Chevelle Laguna S-3 coupe with a 454 as my first new car. Thought the white with maroon trim was sharp. Dealers were shoving them out the door for anything close to MSRP when the first gas crisis hit in ’73.
Thumbing thru the Sunday Detroit News around new year 1987 and found an ad for a ’73 Chevelle, 454 auto for $750. Turned out to be a Laguna coupe. Kid who owned it ran out of money. Needed a couple tires to get home but gave me two years of good service. Sold it for the same.
Factory cinemas were properly installed aftermarket would be the best
Sorry, factory sunroofs had problems
Hell with the car, what about the AD Chevy truck in the background?!
A rusty stake body over this beautiful car? Ok
Sorry, just not into cars, drove pickups all my life.
Nice car, the best of the best. Don’t know how the other better 455 is going to hurt “value” it Would not bother me. The factory 4 speeds in 73 for this car were 400 only. The turbo 400 is a great set up with the 455 in my opinion. One small matter, adding a second air snorkel to the air cleaner cover just makes any factory set up look nicer.
Speaking of the air cleaner, deleting that tacky 455 decal would make a world of difference in presentation, much more in my opinion than a dual snorkel, although it would be cool.
These cars were supposed to be offered with the 455 Super Duty but it never happened.