Pontiac Grand Prix Aerocoupes tend to pop up with decent regularity, despite being a limited production model. I’ve always counted these among the more special of the GM “limited edition” family, as so many of the General’s special variants consisted merely of different colors and body graphics. The Aerocoupe stands apart, and this one is claimed to be a clean survivor with under 50,000 miles. Find it here on eBay with bidding just over $11K and no reserve.
The Aerocoupe sported unique bodywork in accordance with NASCAR rules for production-based track cars that had a minimum number of production-spec cars available for public sale. Hemmings Homologation hotnessdubbed the Aerocoupe an example of “”, a term with which I agree since NASCAR no longer requires anything resembling its race cars to be sold at your local dealer (this aspect alone limits my interest in the U.S.’ primary example of motorsports.)
The seller says this Aerocoupe is a no-stories survivor, with laser-straight, original panels and no accidents in its history file. It’s also claimed to have no rust and the A/C still blows ice-cold. Although the Aerocoupe is somewhat sought after today, it wasn’t well received when introduced and many new cars were sold at auction, Hemmings notes. While we may find it an interesting and/or special car today, the lack of any major performance enhancements likely disappointed many enthusiasts when it was introduced.
After all, isn’t that the point of a car with such close connections to racing? While it may have had a healthy amount of torque and a limited-slip rear end, the Aerocoupe wasn’t a significantly better performer than any other Grand Prix or Monte Carlo of the same era. That said, time does help to heal wounds, and it’s some level of vindication that the Aerocoupe is now popping up on collector’s radar more and more. I suspect this will clear $12K by auction’s end; where do you think it will land?
I always view these as a cross between a GP and a Vette’s back glass. They always looked like they’d be hard to park due to visibility but having never driven one I don’t know.
Nascar Monte Carlos were Aerocoupes. This is a Grand Prix 2+2. The seller muddies the water by using both terms.
Both the Monte Carlos and Grand Prix were dubbed Aerocoupes because of their shape. I own a 1986 1/2 Pontiac Grand Prix 2 + 2 Aerocoupe. It was produced only one year for Pontic and only about 1200 were built. My car has a little over 40K miles. I added dual exhaust, new valve covers, rebuilt carb, retro sound system. I also had the hood, top and trunk repainted and restriped. It gets lots of attention wherever I go. I bought it sight unseen, and It is the only one I have seen.
Just watched Barrett Jackson sell the Monte Carlo Aerocoupe on TV. I think they got $17,000 for it. It’s interesting to see the lengths that GM went through to enhance their vehicles for NASCAR back in the day.
They had to go to those lengths just to _attempt_ to keep up with Million Dollar Bill and his Thunderbirds…
If I had rhe money I would hold out for the Dale Earnhardt special edition Monte Carlo, big fan of Dale Sr.
But love both models
I wish we could find someone that was part of this program that worked for GM. There were some performance modifications done to the 2+2’s. One I know for sure was the complete exhaust system. I got one of the “take off” systems from a bone yard in Michigan, that I put on my 85 ElCamino. This yard used to get a lot of the GM, ASC, and other upgraders left overs. This original system was the same as the Monte SS. It would be nice to know what was done with the new one for upgraded performance.
Always liked these. Looks like a souped up factory hot rod compared to today’s dull jellybeans. I’d make this a third car in a heartbeat if I had the space.
Wasn’t this car just recently on here?
Although partial to the Tbirds of the day, the rear window on these Pontiac 2+2s was sharp looking…the Monte Aerocoupe however had a smoother overall style, and in my opinion was the better looking GM.
Saw one of these in Albany, Oregon for $4500. Sounds like it might be a basketcase but all the parts are there.
https://corvallis.craigslist.org/cto/d/19865-pontiac-grand-prix/6619863407.html
I’ve seen a Monte Areocoupe before but, never one of these. It’s rare and interesting for sure.
I love Pontiacs and the companion Monte Carlo, however, I’ve never liked this model. IMO the lines don’t flow very well.
I always thought these were an odd looking car and still do but I love them!
They were put away because people thought they were going to be worth a lot , truth is they’re just plain goofy looking , like something Clark Griswold would drive, same with monte aero coupe , goofy