It is common for car companies to revive badges that may have lain dormant for years. However, once a marque is retired, a revival is extremely rare. There is no indication that General Motors will ever bring Pontiac back to the market, making the preservation of the brand’s iconic models a priority for many enthusiasts. That opportunity awaits the new owner of this 1971 Grand Prix Model J, a tidy survivor that can be enjoyed immediately. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this gem listed here on Craigslist in Chico, California. The seller set their price at $15,900 for a classic with a genuine 79,000 miles on the clock.
John DeLorean was a driven man and is widely credited as the brain behind the Pontiac GTO. He demonstrated his skills with the Third Generation Grand Prix range, halving the typical development timeline for a new model to eighteen months. He brought the car to market for the 1969 model year, with the final cars rolling off the line in 1972. The first owner ordered our feature Grand Prix Model J in 1971, teaming Tropical Lime paint with a Dark Green vinyl top. The car makes a positive impression, with its paint shining nicely and the vinyl looking crisp. A close inspection reveals a selection of minor paint imperfections, although leaving the car as-is would be a valid approach if the new owner prefers preservation over restoration. The underside shots reveal dry surface corrosion, but it appears that this classic has avoided the scourge of penetrating rust. The trim and glass are excellent, and the Grand Prix rides on a set of spotless Rally wheels.
Interiors often tell the story of the life a classic has lived, because hiding abuse and neglect can be challenging. However, there are no such issues with this Grand Prix. There is slight wear and foam compacting on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, and that appears to be as bad as the news gets. The remaining Green upholstered surfaces are in good condition, there are no issues with the dash or pad, and the carpet is clean. While it may not necessarily be considered an interior feature, this car’s functioning hood tach is an interesting option. The buyer won’t lack creature comforts, with the first owner equipping the interior with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tilt wheel, bucket seats, and a console. The seller confirms that the A/C doesn’t blow cold, but the remaining features work as they should.
New cars for the American market were on the cusp of feeling the wrath of tighter emission regulations when this Grand Prix hit the road in 1971. However, its 400ci V8 still delivered a healthy 300hp, which feeds to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. In keeping with its luxury leanings, this Pontiac also features power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes for an effortless driving experience. The seller states that this classic has a genuine 79,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning verifying evidence. The condition makes the figure plausible, but, as I have noted in previous articles, that doesn’t represent concrete proof. The seller notes a slight oil pan gasket leak that disappears with use as the only mechanical fault. Otherwise, it runs and drives perfectly, providing an opportunity for the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
I always find it sad to consider that a marque that experienced a glorious history fell victim to economic rationalism. However, vehicle manufacturing is a business, and if a brand doesn’t perform to certain expectations, its days are often numbered. Pontiac isn’t the only General Motors brand to disappear, with the same fate befalling Oldsmobile, LaSalle, Daewoo, Geo, and Holden. However, it is probably the one that hurt American enthusiasts the most, because there was a time when it seemed impossible that a marque that delivered classics like the GTO and the Trans Am could blink from existence. Many people have now made it their mission to preserve vehicles produced by Pontiac, and this 1971 Grand Prix Model J provides the perfect opportunity. Is that a challenge you would willingly accept? I hope somebody does, because this Grand Prix deserves that chance.
Cal State Chico. Home of the Wildcats. Beauty GP here. Must motor along wonderfully. 300hp/400tq, Hydramatic and a standard 3.08 gear. 🏁 thanks as always Clarkey. Good eye 👍 TJ
Thanks so much for that, Stan. It is one cool car, and is one that I wouldn’t mind parking in my garage. Sneaking it past my wife might be a challenge that is beyond me!
👍
Pontiac and Olds both failed because GM basically ignored them, until they fell to the level of just “decent” cars, in a market that was saturated with average cars. Pontiac may have still survived but GM’s financial woes in 2009 forced them to discontinue their Saturn and Humvee lines too. Uncle Sugar wasn’t going to bail them out otherwise.
Pontiac is gone because China wanted the Buick.
Very nicely optioned car for the lowly J. What is it missing to be a LJ? Leather?
Yes. If I’m remembering correctly – the “L” indicated a full leather interior. And the “J” was in no way “lowly”.
Great find, I’d be really interested if it were closer… and in Canada.
Sadly, least for the short term, it looks like bringing a vehicle across the border will be prohibitive.
Back in that day – as a newlywed – I didn’t have the monthly payment money to fork over for a Grand Prix, but I loved everything about them. The ’71 body style was a gorgeous upgrade of the ’69 and ’70 styles while keeping with the motif. This one appears in excellent shape and fully worthy of any repairs needed to make it showroom quality.
IF ONLY it wasn’t in one of the worst colors GM/Pontiac ever mixed up for their production cars, which would keep me from grabbing it up, as there’s no way a GP in this great of condition should ever be touched beyond necessity.
Where I live these cars are rotted beyond repair. If the seller is honest in the description, this is a smoking deal. Beautiful.
What an absolutely beautiful Pontiac! And no, Chinese, General Motors will never be developing automobiles for the American market again. They seem to reserve that for the Chinese market only. General Motors is truly not an American company. They used to be. But now they’re more concerned with the Chinese market than the American market. I hope they leave the country.
Oh man, that was almost my first car but a blue one with a factory four speed and white shift knob. I loved it, but my dad said it rattled too much, which it did. It was cheap ($750!) and beaten pretty hard for a solid decade. I’d love to have one someday.
The 4sp GPs are ultimate cool 😎
SG. 👍 🏁
I would love to own and preserve this beauty at what seems to be a very reasonable price. Unfortunately for me it’s on the left side of the country and I’m on the right. We’re separated by over 2800 miles which makes it a non-starter. Hopefully someone loves and preserves it for many more years!
My first car was a 1971 Grand Prix SJ in black with a 455 H.O. and loaded with options including the eight track player mounted to the hump in the back.
It was in tough shape when I bought it in 1979, but I loved that car. Unfortunately I blew up the motor and dad swapped it out for a 400 2bbl and gave the 455 to the junk yard as a core.
“the 455 HO engine was not available in the 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix. While the 455 was offered in other Pontiac models like the GTO and Firebird, it was not an option for the Grand Prix that year. The Grand Prix did offer a 455 engine, but it was a standard 455, not the higher output HO version.”
You should have put the 4 bbl carb from the junked 455 onto the 400.
We bought our ’71 in 1973. It was one of the nicest styled cars of the day and the 400 wasn’t a slouch, as the wife and I found out one afternoon on our 401 Ontario highway. A Sunbeam Tiger came off the on-ramp and as I moved to the left lane to courteously let him on, he decided to “choose” me for a run so, down into “S” and the game was on. Clocked for 140mph, we were at 136mph, he was far behind and in the dust….and the rest is history.
Well this is one beautiful 71 grand prix. So much so my
91 year old friend and I made the trip to Chico Calif. and I purchased it. Will arrive on truck next week I am stoked.
I got married in 72 and I my best man had a 72 SJ 455 , same color! I drove it from the church! That was a fast car! Good times!!
I got married in 72 and I my best man had a 72 SJ 455 , same color! I drove it from the church! That was a fast car! Good times!!
This purchase has been nothing but smiles and thumbs up where ever I go.
Thank you again Adam’s.
Jerry