When Pontiac revealed its 1962 lineup, a new entry that combined high performance and luxury was a welcome newcomer on the roster: the Grand Prix. The car evolved from there and became a permanent fixture at Pontiac dealers almost until the brand’s end, lasting through the end of the 2008 model year. The moniker also had a knack for adjusting to market trends throughout its generations, which undoubtedly contributed to its longevity and success over the decades. For those seeking a very early example, this 1962 Grand Prix here on Facebook Marketplace in Pasco, Washington appears to be solid and nicely preserved. $18,500 doesn’t sound like an unrealistic asking price here either, and we’d like to thank reader T.J. for finding this cool hardtop and sending in the tip!
For Poncho enthusiasts with a keen eye, the 1962 GP is an easy one to identify, since the car received some revised sheet metal for ’63, so this design is truly a one-year-only offering. The seller doesn’t provide much in the way of a history here, only informing us that this one’s a barn find, with no other specifics given nor any information on how long it sat decommissioned. However, the storage conditions and climate must have been very good, as the sheet metal appears to remain straight and free of any obvious corrosion. Even the paint still looks decent, so this one seems like it could go for a while without any attention at all outside.
Coming standard under the hood was a 389 V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor that delivered just over 300 horsepower, a number that was considered pretty respectable back in the early sixties. This one has a non-OEM air cleaner, and it’s said to have only covered 89,470 miles, with the seller reporting that this Grand Prix runs and drives great. Another fun feature here is the factory wheels, which are of the 8-lug-nut design, with the stud placement closer to the tires than on most rollers. This was done because the center was an integrated brake drum, so the bolts mated the rims with this structure, which apparently helped to keep the brakes cooler.
Most of the interior appears stock, with what looks like the factory radio still in the dash, although a trio of aftermarket gauges has been added. The condition inside seems excellent, which leads me to believe the odometer is unlikely to be on its second trip around. Since the seller is sparse in his wording, this is a situation where the photos have to do most of the talking, and I’m liking what the pictures of this 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix have to say here. How about you?
Well Mike, I’ll tell ya’, it’s a sad day on the site when a fantastic car like this gets no comments. No, no funny puns or musical references, maybe “Eve of destruction” comes to mind. It’s sad, just plumb sad. I mean,,what a car, in ’62( Where was I? 3rd grade, I think) it didn’t get any better, this was high class. This car cost about $3500 new, when a 4 door Catalina was about $2700. The difference is peanuts today, why a trip to the grocery store, but in ’62, it was a lot of money. Unlike today, the car wasn’t this almighty necessity, and other things came 1st, like braces or moms new green bathroom. This car was for that single uncle, maybe married, but clearly no kids, this is what they drove to work everyday. It meant something, you had enough class to drive a GP, regardless what job you may have had. To see no interest just breaks my heart, what little there is left,,
My friend’s mom from across the street had a ’62 Bonneville convertible, around 1967. Same color, but a white soft-top. The transmission (Roto-Hydramatic/Slim Jim) always seemed like it was slipping and finally died. Years later, around 1980, my dad bought a ’63 Catalina convertible and did an amateur restoration. I inherited that car, and completely replaced all the worn suspension parts. Shortly after the suspension work, sure enough, the transmission started slipping. I attempted to install a turbo 400 trans, which led to replacing the 389 with a ’68 400 motor, cutting out the floor pan, then getting and welding in a ’63 Grand Prix floor pan from a Pontiac junk yard in Vallejo, Ca. The last major improvement it got from me was front disc brakes, after I experienced brake fade and ran a stop light! When my son turned 30 (about 12 years ago) I gave the car to him. It’s been sitting in his driveway ever since with a car cover on it…
LOL, I was 2 years old when my dad bought this exact car. 3 boys in the back seat and mom and dad upfront. Dad never owned a 4 door anything in his life. Some cool guys demand cool cars!
I like it Looks Real nice to me. clean good price my opinion. But Im a Pontiac guy!!
This is one nice Grand Prix. Well worth what they’re asking. Need to tighten up the upholstery on that driver’s seat but that’s minor. Interesting design on that gas pedal. Is that so you can heel and toe drive? Needs AC and modern stereo but I could live with crank windows I guess. My 64 Grand Prix had power windows.
A buddy in high school had one with a four-speed. What a car!
looks decent as is the price. needs some love but could have good potential. these G/Ps don’t come up too often on the market.
Beautiful car! For some reason, the white lettered tires don’t seem to fit, IMHO, but that is why the Good Lord made tire shops! Beyond that, it would be a car I’d love to have if I had the space for it!
I would love to see the underside of the car first before making a judgment. Engine bay needs some love, nothing Hairy Olds 68 couldn’t fix. The Facebook pictures, it looks like a really nice car for the money. Love them eight lug wheels.!!!
’62 GP. As good as it gets.
I like this better than the , gussied up 70 Chevelle (on this same page ) at more than twice the price and change. Nice looking car !
If it was closer……. I’m a Pontiac lover through and through.
I’ve always liked the lean sharp look of this year Pontiac; also really like the “convertible” hardtop that GM used for three years. My 6th grade school teacher had a brand new 62 Grand Prix in bright teal with white interior, and all the options except power vents. She sure drove that car too! Just like the little old lady from Pasadena. Those were the days when cars were beautiful and exciting, and fun to drive.
Needs a/c but I do mind the crank windows. Less to fail. Nice looking Pontiac and should sell quickly at that price.
If I was interested I would ask a lot of questions about its history.
Is that a factory Belmar red color?
GLWTS!
If I only had some spare cash !!!
Well, a lot of the people here weren’t yet “here” when these cars hit the market. Heck, I was still aged in ‘months’ myself. What I have in my favor are models and influence of older family and friends who had these. Pontiac had really burst onto the scene with wide track and now their own personal luxury entry. Grand Prix commanded as much respect as did the GTO. Want something unique? Here’s your car.
my favorite ,id sell my 65 gto
EXCELLENT deal! Wish I had the room I’d take this one home…
Beautiful car. I’ve always loved pre-1964 Pontiac.