Grand Prix + Trans Am = Grand Am. Maybe that’s oversimplifying it a bit, but by the early seventies, Pontiac was taking note that a few foreign automakers were seeing some success by offering luxurious automobiles with sporty features and vice-versa, and the powers that be decided they wanted in on the game, so in 1973 the Grand Am was born. The name was derived as a combo from two existing Pontiac cars, the Grand Prix which was synonymous with luxury, and the Trans Am, known for its sportiness. If you’ve been in the market for a seventies A-Body, this 1974 Pontiac Grand Am here on eBay is a beauty. It’s located in beautiful Redwood City, California, with bidding already up to $10,100, but that’s still under the reserve.
The seller says his Pontiac is a one-owner vehicle and states the condition as excellent, and by all accounts, the car seems to live up to that description. That black paint is said to be original, and to be nearing the 50-year mark it’s still holding up very nicely overall. Plus a black finish doesn’t hide body flaws very well either, and I’m having a hard time finding an excessive amount of them no matter where I look. The wheels wouldn’t be my first choice, but I’ve seen far worse and the tires actually look pretty decent.
Normally about here, I’d show you a picture of what’s under that hood, but there’s not one engine photo to be found in this listing. However, the motor is stated to be a 400 cubic-inch V8, which was the standard powerplant for ’74 and available in both 2 and 4-Barrel configurations, although it’s not specified which version this one is. It’s also equipped with an automatic transmission, which the seller shifts great. He also mentions the car runs well and drives smoothly, with just under 51,00 total miles accumulated during its lifetime.
Things inside are looking almost as good as outside, with that red interior perhaps not perfect but a whole lot better than most cars with this much age. The Pontiac is also equipped with T-Tops, a nice feature as long as they’re not leaking, and I’m seeing no evidence that they have been. There’s also the option to own this one today if you’re willing to invest $45,000, although that seems a bit high to me for a ’74 Grand Am, especially without the 455 engine. But the condition may play a huge role in the desirability, and maybe somebody will snap this one up at the buy-it-now price. What are your thoughts?
I really like this one! Really nice! IMO the wheels add a little luxury touch, but I wonder what happened to the caps for them? Also, there seems to be an aftermarket alarm installed, and needs to provide info as to its functionality. GLWTA!! :-)
when GM came out with this style, I was omg what have they done. I felt the same way with the fuselage Mopar’s. As time has gone by I’ve come to appreciate both designs……Chip Foose those 5mph bumpers and wouldn’t get much better IMO….
We had one at the Pontiac dealer about 1976 where I worked, it was a pretty rare, even then 7.4 liter. T-Tops weren’t available in 1974 so these have to be an aftermarket addition.
45k??? Seriously? Yeah, ok.
I’m old enough to remember when these first came out in 1973 and saw the commercial advertising them. I was taken back on the styling back then and it has aged so well over the years. Just a stunning well done design on this “A body” when the rest of the stable in the GM line had massive chrome bumpers.
Non-original wheels won’t help the $45k buy it now price, nor will the chrome wheel arch strips. No leather offered for OEM seats. But, very nice otherwise.
http://www.gt-37.org/gallery/picture.php?/3983/category/33
$45,000 US dollars? If so, best of luck. What could possibly make this car worth $45K?
A kilo of blow in the trunk.
Actually probably have to be at least three kilo’s given current street values…..
Not a damn thing. $20k would be pushing it. But P.T. Barnum said “There is a sucker born every minute”
Never seen a 73 Grand Am without the factory wheel well moldings, which these are. Having them missing would look odd and hurt the price in my opinion. Leather interior? not many car makers were putting genuine leather interior in their cars in 73 other than a top of the line luxury car. I agree the wheels look strange, would find is surprising if he didn’t have the stock wheels given how well cared for this car is. If not, a grand or less will get you a darn nice set.
Grossly over-priced. Neat car.
I owned a 1974 Grand Prix J and can attest that Pontiacs of that year were still great cars with the 400 V8 and proper options. This car is not worth 45k. Rally Ii wheels would enhance the appearance. The T-Tops present more of a leak problem as the article wisely stated and were add-ons as well as the leather seats per the comments so the originality factor is gone. A 455 V8 would bump up the value a bit as stated but it lacks that. No mention is made of air conditioning a must have for summer car shows and cruises.
All you have to do is look at the pic of the dash–it has AC.
$45k?! That’s very nice GTO or Trans AM money, and who ever said “forget those, what YOU want is a smogger Grand Am”.
Beautiful car, the wheels do it no justice at all though GLWA
Crank windows lol
Pretty common in 1973 to see cranks still.
T engine code in the VIN shows to be a 225 hp 400 cid w/ 4bbl.
Sweet car but way expensive. A very nice white over red ’74 w/455 sold about a year ago for 25k. Looks like it is an A/C car given the plethora of vents including the lower dash “crotch coolers” under the steering column and glovebox. T-tops are leak prone, but they’re a plus for me. Keeping one eye on this one.
Two things- 1) “BellaJabroni” may be the best BF moniker I have seen yet. 2) Do you happen to know the GM option code for the “crotch coolers” ? Asking for a friend.
Cool car. Too expensive. These Grand Ams didn’t have a bad looking wheel option, but I do like these “day two” Appliance weaves. A set of poly cast Honeycombs and white letter tires would turn this up a notch. The T tops aren’t original but they too are period correct and probably cost an arm and a leg back when they were put in. If it’s garaged and only driven in nice weather, who really cares if they’re leak prone.
The $45K Buy it Now is just wise strategy for the seller to enhance the car. Don’t take it seriously. Bidding up to 12K now.
I almost bought a factory sunroof version of this 74, car had all the options, this one doesn’t, T Tops were not an option in 74,I think the dealers dreaming at 45,000, maybe 25,000, it’s got no 455, roll up windows, no 8 track
Yes, $45,000 is optimistic, but truth be told, Colonnade cars got zero respect until recently. Nothing is available in the aftermarket. I tried to find parts for my 1977 Grand Prix SJ with the Hurst Hatches in 2005. Not much to buy, except NOS and that has dried up. I have loved these cars since new, but they are nearly impossible to find in this condition. Yes, the t tops are aftermarket. First GM intermediate to get t tops was the 1975 Hurst Olds, BTW, I am looking for one now if anyone knows of a good one.
Boat on the water “looks sexy and fast” but slow and cant carve up anything — conversation piece for the Europeans’
Wow, that snout is fugly