The last “big” Grand Prix was wildly popular in 1977 with over 288,000 hitting the streets. Given the nearly-new condition of this example, you could be forgiven for thinking that no time has passed at all.
It’s not mentioned in the advertisement, but the color appears to be “Buckskin,” which is an appropriate color for the 1970s and also an appropriate name for a color in the 1970s. This Grand Prix has whitewall tires mounted on a set of timeless Rally II wheels, a classic combination for an old Pontiac. A vinyl top would probably look at home on a ’77 Grand Prix, but with this bare-roofed example, you don’t have to worry about hidden rust.
The seller includes several detail shots of the interior, which appears to be pristine. The velour material used in the 1970s and 1980s might be the most indestructible fabric created by man. The carpet is clean and plush, and this is a perfect place to pass some time behind the wheel.
The door panels even look new. This car has manual windows, which is a benefit to anyone who works on their own classics. On the plus side, you may not have to roll those windows down: The seller mentions that the air conditioning has been converted to r134a and treated to a new compressor.
A 350 sits under that long ironing-board hood. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of the engine, so I can’t definitively say which General Motors 350 it has; after all, 1977 was a confusing year for GM engine watchers. Most likely, it’s a Pontiac 350, but the brochure isn’t forthcoming on that front.
Still, a rust-free, original-paint, 81,799-mile car is worth a look. Besides, 47 years later, it probably doesn’t matter if it’s a Pontiac or Oldsmobile 350 unless you are a Poncho purist.
In 1978, the Grand Prix was downsized, which cut into its sales. The public preferred the big ’77 model, and if you agree, this may be your best chance to get a nearly-showroom-new example of the last of the breed. It is currently for sale on eBay with a high bid of $5400. It does have a reserve, so it will be interesting to see how high it goes; will you be the top bidder?
Too bad it doesn’t have buckets. I had a 74 GP, and wish I still owned it!
This is only the second GP I’ve seen that didn’t have buckets. The first? My ’65! It too had roll down windows.
These bigger ones are a much more attractive car than the ones that followed. Monte Carlo and Cutlass Supreme did a better job styling than Gran Prix when they down sized.
The downsized cars were supposed to look a bit like their predecessors, but the lines and styling of the Pontiac didn’t “work” as well. Like you mention, the Cutlass looked great when if was downsized.
When the downsized cutlass, regal, Grand Prix and Monte Carlo were delivered my buddy and me went looking at them and I said the cutlass is best looking and I’m a Grand Prix guy. Very disappointed in GP. No lines like before. Interior was always top notch.
No naughas we harmed in the making of this interior. Well, not many, at least. It looks like a very nice car.
I always comment on these. I had a 77 Merlot color. Burgundy or whatever. It road like a 747. It saved my life too with that massive front end. Great memories.
Re those car door side protection strips, are they aftermarket? They break up the organic profile of the GM “colonnade-era” cars.
My first car was a 77 GP. Those rub strips were a factory option.
That is 2976 Mandairn Orange. The bench seat was the less attractive interior, but it was much better for comfort over the bucket seats.
EJGPGUY You are correct, my brothers 77 Cutlass Supreme was “one year only ” mandarin orange also had “buckskin” buckets with a console.
That’s Pontiac 350 under the bonnet, via the valve cover(s) design, & not an Olds because there’s no oil filler tube @ the front.
Yep, it’s a Pontiac; the seller must have added the engine pictures after I posted this. Here’s a picture from the ad for anyone who’s interested.
Great looking Grand Prix. Good color and content. I like the bench myself.
My first car was a 77 GP. Those rub strips were a factory option.
these are very nice cars and are worth collecting the long body style is in demand this car seems to be in very good shape, if it stays within a reasonable price? This will be a collector item in the future, i love Pontiac’s they were great cars GM was stupid to stop making them !