Wow – this 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix has definitely seen better days. It is absolutely packed into this garage and clearly covered by years’ worth of dust and debris. The crazy thing is the description seems to indicate it was actually mildly restored before being parked, with the seller noting it was a “…new build that was never started.” That just blows my mind, but we all know how easy it can be for a project car to get parked for weeks that turn into months that turn into years! The list of performance modifications is quite extensive and it’s a shame this Grand Prix spent so many years forgotten. Find it here on craigslist near Ava, Missouri for $4,500, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Gunter K. for the find.
The Grand Prix certainly looks a bit better with daylight shining in on it, but that doesn’t change the fact that the seller admits the critters have been having a field day inside. There’s damage noted inside the cabin, but no word if they got into the wiring. That said, this Grand Prix absolutely seems worthy of saving based on what the seller lists for modifications, which apparently made it possible for the car to chirp the tires when it hits second gear. I would have loved to see this thing when it was first done, as it’s a bit of a sleeper with the big coupe body that was more oriented towards comfort cruising than boulevard bashing. The color-coordinate wheels with painted yellow inserts are another detail that just screams period-cool.
The seller seems to be reciting from memory what was done to the engine way back before it was parked, so it’s a bit fragmented at times. But the upshot is it seems like a good amount of money was spent making this Grand Prix haul ass: the engine is a bored-out 400 with lowered deck, large valves, and adjustable rockers; matched ports to intake; flat pistons with valve relief; melling pump and roller chain; four-bolt main; windage tray; MSD dial adjust timing; Lunati cam and lifters; and “…9 to 9.5 /1 compression.” When it was first put together, the seller claims the Pontiac also received new headers, a new torque converter, and a transmission rebuild with B & M Transpak.
The interior features power windows, locks, moonroof, and truck release. The interior is likely to be a mess, especially if the critters have been living undisturbed for decades. Still, there’s a lot to like here, and while no mention is made of the floors, one can hope its many years of indoor storage has helped preserve it to some extent. The curious thing is the seller is open to trades for what sounds like a late-model Toyota product, which seems to suggest his days of hot-rodding are over and its time to settle into a comfortable appliance. Would you take a chance on bringing this hot-rodded Grand Prix back to life?
Based on equipment, I would guess this was an SJ before the nameplates were removed, and a well-equipped one, at that. The metal sunroof and cornering lamps are unusual options.
I bet he would like a late model Toyota in exchange for this thing, two different ends of the quality spectrum.
Ed, lol! Right? Heck, I’d take a late-model Toyota with no engine for this heap if I was him!
I didn’t know that was on Shackleton’s boat that was found recently. That cold water really does preserve things.
Prison changes a man…and his taste in cars, apparently.
I’m gonna guess you could spend a lifetime trying to get the stink out of this one….the rodents seemed to have had a field day in this one….
77? 4 bolt main Pontiac engine? Hmmmm. You can almost smell the raccoon urine from the pics.
Mouse House.
I had 77 Gran Prix, blue w/ T-Top. Was my first car that I bought after being gainfully employed. It pinged a lot but was quite the looker!
What an idiot to ruin a once beautiful 77 GP. I owned a loaded one and like an idiot sold it. Mine had every option including the Hurst Hatches and the optional steering wheel like this mess. Parts car here.
The two tone paint scheme is interesting. I don’t remember “Grand Prix” with a Pontiac symbol being painted on the door on this generation of the GP. I wonder if that was done later? I’m glad it has the 400 and not the 301! Where’s the carburetor? If someone can get this cleaned up, it will be a nice car.
The painted addition on the door is definitely an owner’s choice thing.
I had a 77 myself, how sad!!
I can just smell the stank.
It was once someone’s baby…
Another Dreaming Seller with an old rotten car in a Garage and visions of Dollars just because it’s OLD.
cost to restore will outweigh the value, and after your all done, you will realize you forgot to change one more wire, the one that just set it on fire and it burns to the ground in the parking lot.
What the hell is that on garage floor Saurkaut?
Lame joke and bad spelling.
Yet another built motor that was never run after the work was finished. Can anyone explain why this happens so often? Are people lying and know it is junk, are they nervous that the build will be crap, ???
I think you are on to something there. The first firing up of a re-built engine is special.
That one is just plain scary to me. It’s a shame, it obviously started life as a loaded up two tone top-of-the-line example. Without proper care, even the best example can be reduced to Rubble. RIP…
Value, penny a pound.