Pontiac introduced the Grand Prix in 1962 as a full-size performance grand tourer. The badge soldiered on until 2008, but this 1963 example is a gem. It is a two-owner classic that has been stored for years. It needs some TLC, but its overall condition would justify returning it to active service as a genuine survivor. It features some desirable optional extras and is listed exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.
This Grand Prix is a two-owner classic that once graced the garage of the legendary musician, the late Johnny “Guitar” Watson. It is unclear how long it remained in his care before passing to its second owner, but it has spent many years in storage. Sadly, that owner’s passing means it needs a new home. It proudly wears its original shade of Cameo White, which adds an air of subtle class to its appearance. There are a few marks and imperfections, and many might consider a repaint as part of the refurbishment process. However, before further exploring that path, treating the entire car to a thorough clean and polish would be worth the time and effort. The paint might respond positively to such attention, and with some minor touch-ups performed on the flaws, this Grand Prix could present well as an original survivor. It is rock-solid, with no rust issues visible in the supplied photos. The panels are straight, and the trim might be another aspect that sparkles following some attention with a high-quality polish. The car rolls on a set of 14″ eight-lug wheels, which I rate as the best-looking wheel ever to grace an American production car.
The Grand Prix’s interior perfectly reflects the company’s luxury focus, with buyers receiving comfortable bucket seats, a console, and lashings of Walnut trim as standard features. This car adds power windows and a factory Super Deluxe AM radio to the equation, ensuring any journey will be a comfortable experience. The interior presents quite well for a vehicle of this age and type. A deep clean would represent an excellent starting point on the journey to return this classic to active service, and it would receive plenty of favorable comments. If the winning bidder focuses on originality, the flaws in the front seat upholstery could hide below slipcovers, while a $50 dash cover would conceal the cracked dash pad. The headliner has a seam separation, but I believe an upholsterer could address the problem. For high-end results, replacement seatcovers in the correct material, color, and pattern retail for around $600. A dash cap adds a further $180, meaning this interior would look stunning with those items installed without breaking the bank.
Walking into a showroom and driving away in a 1963 Grand Prix usually meant the buyer would control a luxury model with a 389ci V8 under the hood, although a 421 was available for the few people seeking ultimate performance. This car’s 389 is numbers-matching and sends 303hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed Hydramatic transmission. The inclusion of power assistance for the steering and brakes accentuates its luxury leanings. It may tip the scales at 4,100 lbs, but its ability to storm the ¼-mile in 16.6 seconds on its way to 127mph commanded respect in 1963. More tellingly, the Grand Prix could effortlessly cruise all day at freeway speeds while cocooning its occupants in splendid isolation. The Pontiac is almost entirely original, although the Accel Super Coil would provide a better spark. You can be sure the car would turn heads with its V8 rumbling through a dual exhaust, while the whitewall tires further emphasize its inherent class.
The solid and unmolested state of this 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix makes it a prime candidate for a straightforward restoration. A fresh coat of paint would dramatically transform its appearance without costing a fortune. However, treating it to some basic TLC with a high-quality polish and touching up its few paint imperfections would allow it to wear its survivor badge proudly. If that sounds too tempting to resist, maybe the time is right to throw your hat into the ring by submitting a bid on this beauty.
- Location: Inglewood, California
- Mileage: 67,524 Shown,
- Engine: 389 ci V8
- Transmission: Automatic
- VIN: 963P165281
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- Dave Ryan bid $15,300.00 2023-04-19 15:53:35
- PhilX891 bid $15,100.00 2023-04-19 15:43:39
- Dave Ryan bid $15,000.00 2023-04-19 10:11:51
- PhilX891 bid $14,800.00 2023-04-19 09:55:46
- Dave Ryan bid $14,700.00 2023-04-19 08:55:31
- PhilX891 bid $14,600.00 2023-04-19 07:45:44
- Dave Ryan bid $14,500.00 2023-04-18 17:06:41
- PhilX891 bid $14,200.00 2023-04-18 13:41:44
- Dave Ryan bid $14,000.00 2023-04-18 09:07:01
- PhilX891 bid $13,600.00 2023-04-18 08:31:31
- Dave Ryan bid $13,500.00 2023-04-18 07:24:24
- 2manyvettes bid $13,400.00 2023-04-18 06:05:50
- Dave Ryan bid $13,300.00 2023-04-17 15:51:19
- PhilX891 bid $13,200.00 2023-04-17 15:02:07
- Dave Ryan bid $13,000.00 2023-04-17 12:35:30
- PhilX891 bid $12,800.00 2023-04-17 11:53:12
- 2manyvettes bid $12,700.00 2023-04-17 10:46:47
- Dave Ryan bid $12,600.00 2023-04-17 09:01:39
- PhilX891 bid $12,500.00 2023-04-17 08:32:33
- Dave Ryan bid $12,000.00 2023-04-17 05:20:54
- 2manyvettes bid $11,600.00 2023-04-17 04:35:37
- Dave Ryan bid $11,500.00 2023-04-16 13:18:41
- PhilX891 bid $11,000.00 2023-04-16 12:00:55
- Dave Ryan bid $10,500.00 2023-04-16 07:38:09
- 2manyvettes bid $10,300.00 2023-04-16 04:27:36
- Dave Ryan bid $10,200.00 2023-04-15 15:23:25
- 2manyvettes bid $10,100.00 2023-04-15 12:37:20
- Dave Ryan bid $10,000.00 2023-04-15 08:43:02
- 2manyvettes bid $9,500.00 2023-04-15 05:09:31
- Dave Ryan bid $9,400.00 2023-04-14 22:02:09
- 2manyvettes bid $9,300.00 2023-04-14 18:38:54
- Dave Ryan bid $9,200.00 2023-04-14 12:48:26
- 2manyvettes bid $9,100.00 2023-04-14 12:34:51
- Dave Ryan bid $9,000.00 2023-04-14 11:28:13
Raoul-F bid $8,000.00 2023-04-14 09:54:17
Johnny who? Pardon my musical ineptness, but Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger,THE CARS,( all the Johnny Watson fans racing to write something totally unrelated to the feature car, a BFs exclusive,,it seems) Anyway, auction writeups are never listed who wrote them, a writers style usually tells who. In this case, I say Adam. His posts are always well written, with the exception of the performance figures, which are usually a bit optimistic. While this car could do mid 16s in the 1/4, the 389 would never achieve 127 mph, on even the Bonneville Salt Flats. More like 85-90 mph in the 1/4 and maybe 110 top speed. But, in all fairness, this car wasn’t about speed. It was the epitome of automotive comfort. One must remember, in 1963, highways were the new battleground, and the cushier, more roadworthy, the better. The fact that these cars had as much( or more) power than a cop car, and “Wide Trackin”, made them the ultimate cruiser. Air travel was iffy, and for the very rich. These cars took you and 3 buddies to the country club in style. Very few disagreed on what a nice car the GP was. Say what you might about Mr. DeLorean, he knew his beans on automobiles. Another in the list of great car designers, that I feel proud to say, folks my age grew up with these pioneers the likes we’ll never see again. I wouldn’t dawdle on this one.
Hahaha
Adam probably gets his performance numbers from Automobile Catalog: https://www.automobile-catalog.com/#gsc.tab=0 They are usually a bit optimistic, but supposedly based on real-world results.
14 inch wheels? Seems to me that 15s were the standard on GM full size cars.
I was surprised by that too, but those trim rings sure look like the14″ rings my Olds uses.
Nope. They were 14’s. I have a ’63 Catalina convertible. I removed the front drum brakes, and installed discs after experiencing brake fade back in the early ’90’s. I put the wheels back on the car and it would not move! Turned out the 14″ wheels were hitting the calipers. Put a set of 15’s on it and problem solved. Every Pontiac I saw in the wrecking yards back then from ’63 had 14’s on them.
I’ll confirm that. I had a 63 GP 421-4spd and it had 14s.
I seem to recall from working part-time in a repair garage during my high school years that Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, and Chevrolets in the early sixties were fitted with 14″ wheels, whereas Buicks and Cadillacs had 15″ wheels. I could be wrong, of course. After all, it’s been awhile!
The factory wheels are 14s. The tires that are on it are 215/70-R14. I’ve included a zoomed in copy of the image of one of the tires that was provided by the seller and you can see that it’s a 14.
Aside from vintage tire makers, don’t expect to find 13s or 14s at Walmart.
15s aren’t that plentiful any more, either.
Is it my imagination, or is the differential housing a Ford? All of GM’s had a bolt-on rear cover. It also has an aftermarket foot rest to the extreme left on the driver’s side.
No. That started in 1965 on the full size GMCars and 1964 on intermediates.
I think you will find what you think is a foot rest is actually the dimmer switch for the head lites
Man, the `63 Pontiacs of ALL varieties have certainly dominated BF in the past week! Not a bad thing at all.
Given the car is on skates, rolling it out of the garage would have been helpful for the photos along with removing the front seats covers for a view of the upholstery.
Interesting bidding as it appears we have someone bidding against themself….
Love the masking tape wrapped hose, not.
Yeah for sure lol .. that’s a definite faux pas, everyone knows you gotta use duct tape! But the cool thing is, they make it in about 300 colors nowadays… but seriously, super nice survivor, and I love the aggressive front ends of the late 60’s Pontiacs… my buddies’ ’67 goat looks like it would bite you if you said Ford or Chevy too close to it!
He was hunting for the reserve. It looks like several other bidders have now joined in and already pushed it past the reserve!
Too bad the seller wasn’t ambitious enough to push the car out of the garage.
Will cost him in the end
RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.
I hate when ppl do that. “I’m telling!!!”
Those are loosely enforced. I get picked on all the time,,the BFs punching bag.
Ya, well,, Howard.. you ask for it ; often.
Also often a positive contributer .
This car is amazing !, im thinking of bidding
its an amazing find
Thank You Barn Finds
Nice ride.Always loved the GPs.
My 64 Catalina convertible isn’t that good and needs a top. She has 14 inchers that will be changed out to 15. But I have to sell her. I bought a new love, 68 Mustang. Oh, well.
@ACZ I learned something! Thanks.
Incredible
The car is straight, don’t hesitate to buy it for a second. The current bid being $9,200 not too sure what the top should be. I’m GUESSING double that, but really, no idea. I would buy it if I had the cash I’ll tell ya that.
LOVE the Vacuum gauge,
DONT LOVE the “Bigfoot” headlight dimmer,
OK, on second thought its not so bad
OK, bad guy, but good taste in Ponchos!
What was the LAST Pontiac to see the Chief Pontiac likeness used? It was not the 1963 but the high beam indicator is a give away for the final year. And political correctness was only a dream.
One of the better listings in my book, period. ample photos and let you know what you will need to bring it up to a higher level. Mechanicals unknown and the weeping differental may have a story to tell. Rotohydramatic was not one of the better trans at the time but would get the job done. An appointment with an upholstery shop is a must. Few of us are that gifted in restoration of materials. An write a lot of checks to Ames for bits and pieces like arm rest bases, trunk liner, etc. Would be nice if it has the proper 8-lug spare and hold down plate. Cannot tell in the darkograph of the trunk. I believe this has the potential to be a fine attainable project that can deliver a lot of pride and pleasure. Be interesting to see where the bidding goes. I estimate,as it sits, you could have $10K over the final number easily to drive and show. For some no AC will be a killer but less to bother with and easy to add the full instrumentation dash and side tach. Wahoo! Pontiacs…
Reaimber, always prouf before posting.
🤣🤣🤣
To my way of thinking this would make a great restoration, there are quite a few bruises etc and hidden rust under the trunk lid for instance but not serious. A complete strip and soak in a caustic bath with the body, refurbish the chassis while it is separated. The thing I like is it is complete and just needs a total going over. I do like it but by the time I shipped it here in Ozz it would owe me near $25,000 with shipping etc before starting work. 10K shipping and then duty and tax on top of that. The tax department here even charge you GST if you pay someone to transport a vehicle there. So you can see how the costs would blow out for me. But if I lived there it would be a great project especially for a young guy in the trade.
You are correct. This is a marvelous car. But it needs more than touch up paint.
They toot around town in their big Grand Prixes
Sittin’ in their bucket seats, shootin’ the breeze.
You know that all week long they put up jammin’ preserves
And on weekends they negotiate curves.
The Anaheim, Azusa, and Cucamonga Sewing Circle, Book Review, and Timing Association
Jan and Dean – 1964
Good tune! How are Dr. Howard and Dr. Howard?
Wow. Will be a nice one! the memory of my 63 Montero red with vinyl landau roof Grand Prix . Bought it for $400. I was a young knucklehead junior in 1976 and didn’t know what I had. The interior and dashboard was one of a kind. Sold it a couple years later for $400.
Like most of us that don’t want to drive the price to an unreachable height this early in the game I’m going to keep an eye on where it’s going and do my thing in the last few minutes of the auction if it’s still in a proper price range. Since the reserve has already been met at only $10k it makes me wonder what the owner knows or why they would’ve let it go so cheap! I’ll bet if someone would’ve seen the garage door open and seen all the family rifling through everything and walked up and asked “Hey, how much you want for that dusty old Pontiac” I’ll just bet it could’ve been bought for around $6k before it was listed here.
Beautiful 63 survivor Gran Prix, but those 14″ rims would have to go and make room for some front disc brakes and age appropriate 15″-17″ rims. If the 389 can be made to run again, I’d drive it as is for awhile. Paint could wait. That interior with buckets and console is something else.
Fine!
For duty and humanity!
Johnny Guitar Watson- a real mutha for ya. Can anyone explain the advantages of 8 lugs if any. I’ve asked a few guys but none of them had an answer.
Looks, obviously, but the ability of that huge brake drum to dissipate heat.
This G.P. is a bomb! Great shape all around with the 389 C.I. engine! This Gran Prix will roll past 130 and not even breath hard! A true survivor to drive and enjoy as is!
To update to front disc brakes on this 63, you’ll have to have a 15″ before front disc’s will work. Keep the drums in back, but you’d have to buy newer 15 “rims and tires to have front disc’s.
Have always loved these cars since I was a kid (and still wants one). If this car was near me, I might have to sell a couple of things to get my childhood dream car in my driveway. The only bad thing I heard about these cars were that “Slim Jim” transmission, hey but no car is perfect.
Yeah, apparently so on the transmission. I’m surprised Pontiac was only available in two-speed iteration, but I haven’t found a vehicle with anything BUT. Why they wouldn’t offer the three-speed on a Pontiac I don’t know, because it was in production.
The slim Jim was a three speed and that is what this car should have. They weren’t that bad if you didn’t beat the hell out of them.
In theory, for a truck 8 lug will run a bigger tire, with more aggressive tread without twisting the lugs. For a car, they just look cool. In the 60’s steel was not near as strong, so they might keep from wallowing out the lugs. Although, I had some stout Power Wagons and Vettes none had that problem. So I am back to looking cool. I tried to help.
About, the little footprint cover, it is after market, and is most likely the dimmer foot switch, but that era also had a Wonder Bar Radio tuner (like seek, later) that also had a switch on the floor. The little footprint was so you could differentiate between the two switches without looking, and in theory again, the radio switch was on the floor so when driving very fast you did not have to take your hand off the steering wheel. For the same reason most cars today have controls on the steering wheel that are thumb operated.
Oh, about the Wonder Bar, Dad deactivated the one on Mom’s Caddy, because it blew a fuse every other time she used it, a fuse that also controlled the heater/ac. Honest! What engineer thought that a good idea?
There were juvenile delinquents back in those days! I was 14 or 15 and as morning paper route boys, four of us would,(borrow?) our parents cars around 4 am and take turns learning how to drive. My Dad had a 59 impala conv. with a 348, 4bbl and my buddy’s Dad had a ’63 GP I thought was the cat’s meow. boys will be boys! lol
lol we did same thing. Friend dad had a 66’ olds 98 and I took dad’s 73’ Grand Prix. I did have a little accident @5:00 am and called my dad to tell him. He handled it well.
Watching to see how high this will go for , gives me a idea on mine. Its a tri power 313hp 4speed, 342 rear , im thinking around 20 grand, since they only built a little over 5000 with 4/3 speeds out of 72000
The pee wee, 14″ rims and drums in the front would just have to go, sorry for all the purists out there.
I dare you to find a better-looking wheel than those eight-lugs. I’d leave it alone because I wouldn’t buy it to race, I’d buy it to enjoy as is.
It doesn’t need disc brakes when you have the eight lug wheels with full metallic linings.
There called Cragers 15-17″ and they blow those older 14 8 lugs away IMO. Age appropriate and classic.
Sad I’m just too old for 2 down at 55
I need a/c
Then I can cruise on down the road
Being kool and looking good
With a nice stereo sound
Any Pontiac with the vertical-stacked headlights (63-66) does it for me! What a beautiful car. And this GP has the console and tach (some didn’t). I don’t know if the engine runs with tape holding the radiator hose together, but if it’s all there it’s fixable. Bidders seem to think so too. ..oh, Johnny Guitar Watson didn’t make a large dent on the music scene, most of his work was in the late 70s.
Whoever buys it can do what they want with upgrades, and updating from front drums to disc’s is a great place to start if I were buying it. Have done the same on both 60s GM and Mercury cars updating to power disc’s in front and leaving drums in rear. Performs better IMO.