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?
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