Choosing a favorite Grand Prix from the 1963 to 1967 model years is hard, but there’s a lot to be said for the freshly restyled 1965 models. From its unique vertical grille motif to its special roofline (in the Pontiac line, at least) to its Grand Prix-only taillights and rear trim, there’s an air of exclusivity that even the Bonneville and 2+2 arguably couldn’t match. Add eight-lug wheels, rich Burgundy paint, and a rare interior color, and you have a big Pontiac that still turns heads 60 years later (even if some of those gawkers don’t know what a Pontiac is anymore). Brought to us by illustrious Barn Finder T.J., it’s now for sale here on eBay in Brick, New Jersey. The current high bid of $8,600 is clearly nowhere near its reserve.
The Grand Prix and the Bonneville shared a standard engine when they were ordered with the Turbo Hydra-Matic, and that was the 325-horsepower 389 seen here. Considering the Grand Prix’s more sporting image, it came standard with a shorter rear axle ratio than the Bonneville’s: 3.08:1; however, the seller says that this burgundy beauty has a 3.23:1 Safe-T-Track out back. It also has dual exhaust, power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning, so it’s a fairly well-equipped example of Pontiac’s glamour boat.
Although the Grand Prix was available with a bench seat, you know you want the buckets with console and floor shift. The woodgrained dashboard trim was standard, and the dashboard vents suggest that this was an AC car from the factory. The number of options available on big Pontiacs in the 1960s was staggering, and while this one certainly isn’t fully-loaded, it has what most people would want (including a tilt steering wheel and vacuum gauge on the console). Interestingly, the interior is apparently not black, but rather “Plum” Expanded Morrokide (a fancy way of saying “all-vinyl”), which was a factory combination when one ordered their car in Burgundy. Kind of neat.
The trunk looks nice, and there is no evidence of the trunk floor rust that sometimes plagues these cars when the rear window starts to leak (or when they’ve been subjected to salt).
The undercarriage pictures also show a solid Grand Prix from a bug’s eye view.
Aren’t these sixties Pontiacs great-looking cars? I’ve long been torn between the crisp 1963 models and these curvy 1965s, but there’s something to be said about just about any Grand Prix from the mid-1960s. I imagine that it will take a fair bid to drive this one home, but if you have the scratch and a space in the garage, you could hardly do better.
You could call this beautiful Pontiac a Chief. 🪶
They sure am, but my eternal question would be, how did we go from this, which I consider the epitome of automotive styling, to bland colorless cubes with no personality? I made the staff a promise, I wouldn’t mention prices, but this is almost crazy the OTHER way. 14 people? 7 bids? I realize, in the face of economic meltdown, regular folks aren’t concerned with mid 60s Ponchos, especially on this, tax day. (Funny how one forgets all about that once retired) This car, in the past anyway, was without question THE most sought after car. Pretty sad,,,is the $40,000 Poncho a thing of the past? Man, I hope so.
Nice car. The high bid is currently $23,400 without meeting reserve, there is still 7 days 19 hours remaining, so bidding should be far from finished.
This car has a great color combination and the 8 lug wheels help compliment the look. It seems to be well restored and maintained, this should sell for a hefty price.
Steve R
From 1962 to 1977 there is..IMHO..no bad Grand Prix.That being said..my favourite is the 1968 because it was the oddball inbetween the platform shift.But all the Grand Prix’ in that timerange are saaaaaweet!
I had a 1964 or 65 here several years ago. Nice running and driving dry Montana car. Buckets and all but was an ugly brown. Couldn’t give it away. Sold the engine, saved the buckets and scrapped the car.
Absolutely beautiful!! My favorite years are ’65 and ’66 My Dads ’66 Bonneville 2 door hardtop was this burgundy. Just a nice looking car from any angle. The wood treatment on the dashboard and console are one of my absolute favorites as well. I always thought the wood looks great up against the black interior. And of course….. The 8 lugs. Gotta have it!!!
First time seeing a PLUM PURPLE interior like this in any GM product, just highlights the blandness of the vehicles of today. Awesome car, should get serious money!
This car is perfection i could sit in my garage and just stare at this automotive art. I am still baffled how GM decided to close down Pontiac that had so many ground breaking cars. From muscle cars to family cars and cars like this Grand Prix that was one part muscle and one part gentleman cruiser and did it better then any other car brand.
I completely agree!!! I miss Pontiac. And Oldsmobile too!!!
I agree. Pontiac had the most beautiful line of cars not to mention how awesomely fast and cool they were. Just like my Cleveland Indians, Pontiac and Olds are gone too. So sad.
Beautiful car Aaron and TJ. This car is done right and I agree with the mid 60s GM curves adding class and style.
Plum interior was also offered by Buick on the ’66 Riviera along with a Riviera Plum exterior. But this Pontiac is peachy :-)
this is 1 outstanding g/p for sure and then add the rare plum interior just sweetens up the deal. this has 1 of the best rearend treatments that were produced. my only beef is the skirts. i feel it has a cleaner look without them. my guess reserve is north of 50k
In 1978 I bought this car’s twin, right down to the colors, for $400 bucks. 17 years old at the time. My girlfriend loved it, too.
Ahh. Good times.
Yes, these are great-looking cars. Clean and classy. This is a terrific example.
I was interested in the Plum interior, which I would call “almost black.” From the brochure, there were 13 different interior choices (configurations, colors, materials).
What a looker. Grand Prix were never an ugly car. This is proof.
Hmmmm….this beautiful Grand Prix, or the ’68 Tbird, or the Chrysler Newport? Hard to choose, all wonderful cars. Some great 60’s cars on the site today. Thanks!
Beautiful!
Stunning Poncho!!
I traded a rifle for my 65’ grand-prix in 82’. It was sitting out front of a trailer park near the survival school alongside a 63’ and had my choice. Used the Air Force base hobby shop and the brains of old guys that ran the place to get it back on the road with fresh coat of imron. What memories.. spec’d the same but black interior..
If memory serves me correctly, this car could be gotten with a 421 and a 4-speed manual !!!
GM Design at it’s finest!
The auction closed on 4/22/2026 with a high bid of $25,100 which did not meet reserve. There were 13 bids from 9 bidders.
Steve R