Beautiful Cruiser: 1975 Pontiac Grand Prix

We’ve recently had an influx of great Pontiacs cross our desks at Barn Finds, and you won’t hear me complain. I’ve long admired the brand, and if I could find the money and a way to distract my wife for long enough, a Trans Am would find its way into my garage. Since my wife knows the strategies I’ve used over decades to introduce something new to the workshop, I probably won’t even be able to sneak a spotless classic like this 1975 Grand Prix J past her. My loss could be your win, with the seller listing it here on Craigslist in Ocala, Florida. Since I don’t pose a threat to your dreams for this beauty, you could hand the seller $18,999 and drive off into the sunset. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this stunning survivor.

Pontiac introduced the Fourth Generation Grand Prix in 1973, continuing a heritage that dated back to 1962. Vehicle weights climbed across the board for the new model as the company grappled with compliance with new vehicle safety standards. This car features the much-maligned 5mph bumpers, and I feel it carries them better than many of its contemporaries. The car presents beautifully in its original Arctic Blue with a contrasting Dark Blue Landau-style top. It makes a stunning first impression that grows with each passing minute spent looking at the supplied photos. There is no evidence of paint flaws, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the gaps are tight and consistent. It has been garage-kept since Day 1, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The chrome is excellent, as is the glass. Rounding out the exterior is a set of original Rallye wheels with immaculate trim rings and center caps.

Powering this Pontiac is its numbers-matching 400ci V8 that sends 185hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Nobody will be shocked to learn the new owner will benefit from power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. It is sometimes challenging to convey the impact of The Malaise Era, but the scales and stopwatch tell the story with Pontiac’s Grand Prix. This car should gallop through the ¼-mile in 17.9 seconds, which was considered respectable for a vehicle tipping the scales at 4,167 lbs in 1975. Rewind the clock, and a 400-equipped 1971 Grand Prix weighed 3,966 lbs. Its V8 churned out 300hp, allowing the car to cover the ¼-mile journey in 15.8 seconds. That’s a significant difference and is one many owners noticed as they upgraded from an older model to the company’s latest offerings. This survivor has a genuine 54,000 miles on the clock, although the seller doesn’t mention supporting evidence. However, the overall condition makes the claim plausible. It runs and drives perfectly, ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

The new owner won’t miss out on luxury touches because this Grand Prix comes heavily loaded. It features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a sports gauge package, a console, acres of woodgrain trim, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a radio. There are no aftermarket additions, and everything works as it should. A sheltered life means the interior presents superbly, with no evidence of wear on the Blue upholstered surfaces. The back seat looks like it has never seen service, while the dash, pad, and console are perfect. There is no typical fading or lifting with the woodgrain and no UV damage. I look at cars like this and am tempted to describe them as being in as-new condition. If this Grand Prix isn’t, it doesn’t miss by much.

The Malaise Era was in full swing by 1975, with increased vehicle weight and dwindling engine power stifling vehicle performance. However, speed isn’t everything. Sometimes it is nice to know the unit under the hood has torque on tap as you sink back into the lap of luxury. That is the experience awaiting the new owner of this Pontiac Grand Prix J. I’ve scratched my head trying to think of a downside to that scenario, but I’ve come up blank. If you feel like I do, pursuing this beauty further could be your next move.