Personal Luxury Cars proved to be big business during the 1960s as manufacturers sought to access a market segment created by the Ford Thunderbird. Pontiac’s Grand Prix was a worthy contender, and this 1968 example is a beauty. It combines sleek, low styling with a 400ci V8 for a perfect blend of performance and good looks. Barn Finder Curvette possesses a finely tuned classic radar, and I must say a big thank you for spotting this Grand Prix listed here on eBay in Tallahassee, Florida. The seller set the price at $26,500 OBO for a turnkey classic, ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
This Grand Prix left the lot during the final year of Second Generation production. The range received a few cosmetic upgrades as the company prepared for its replacement, but it retained distinctive features like the concealed headlamps. Combined with this car’s fender skirts, they give the Grand Prix a smooth, classically elegant look. Appearances can be deceptive, because I initially thought this Pontiac was painted Starlight Black. However, close inspection reveals it to be an exceptionally dark shade of Gunmetal Gray, complemented by a Black vinyl top. The seller indicates that this gem was repainted, but does not specify when. The process included replacing the weatherstrips, eliminating wind noise, and preventing the entry of dust and moisture. The panels are straight, and the trim and glass are in good condition. Overall, this Grand Prix makes a highly favorable first impression.
The “Black” theme set by this Pontiac’s vinyl top continues inside this classic. Almost every surface wears that color, with the interior prevented from looking somber and overpowering by the splashes of woodgrain. As with the exterior, there is nothing warranting criticism. The vinyl is excellent, and the carpet isn’t badly worn or faded. The dash and pad haven’t given up the ghost due to UV exposure, and the tunnel-mounted Bluetooth receiver and under-dash gauge are the only apparent aftermarket additions. Factory equipment includes air conditioning, a timber-look sports wheel, and a pushbutton radio.
John DeLorean strived to position Pontiac as the performance arm of the General Motors empire during the 1960s, and this Grand Prix demonstrates his intent. Its 400ci V8 delivers a factory-quoted 350hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque. The three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes emphasize the luxury leanings. The seller confirms that this numbers-matching classic received a recent fluid change and is in excellent health. They don’t elaborate on possible supporting evidence for the mileage claim, but the car’s overall condition makes it plausible. Potential buyers can consider this Grand Prix a turnkey proposition.
I’m unsure whether it is due to my age, but I am increasingly finding classics like this 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix very attractive. I still thoroughly enjoy slipping behind the wheel of cars with genuine performance credentials, but there is something undeniably alluring about living life at a more subdued pace aboard vehicles with luxury leanings. Although the listing statistics are relatively low, they suggest others may share my feelings. Do you? If so, could your garage be the ideal next location for this Grand Prix?
’68 Grand Prix, a ’70 442, a ’69 Mustang GT,,,ahhhh, releasing endorphins,, Howard,( snapping fingers) HOWARD,,come back,,,,noooo, I’m much happier in this fantasy ’68-’70 world, EEEENNNNHHHH,,,dang, what a time, hey? Just a smattering of what was available to Johnny( or Joanne) Lunchpail. You know, I kvetch about the lack of sensitivity apparently displayed by asking outrageous prices( this is borderline). They just weren’t around when people bought these, not as collector items, but more like a fancy car to sit in the Briggs parking lot( next to the foreman’s “Executive”) or at Barneys Bowlarama on Wed. nights. To many today, I suppose this is quite unusual, and for some crazy reason, seems to dictate to large sums of money, as if that could really translate to what someone saw in this car in 1968. Not a particularly heavily optioned GP, but make no mistake, this car was for the left lane on Hy.41. Different times indeed. Eat your hearts out.
The interior rather resembles my ’65 Grand Prix. Though most Grand Prix had buckets and console, mine only had a bench too.
The hub caps are unusual, rather lowly looking for this car. A relative had one of these in Verdoro Green/White Top with a white bucket seat/console interior, that I had driving lessons in, (including how to properly merge onto the highway!) It had slotted full wheel covers with a tribar spinner cap on them. The car also had the hood mounted tach, which in spite of being returned three times to PMD, never worker correctly! This one is nice. GLWTA!! :-)
I don’t know what the author meant, “the final of the second generation”. In ’68, the Grand Prix was completely restyled, as were most GM vehicles that year. It bears no resemblance at all to the previous Grand Prix.