In the early seventies, at least at GM, it seemed that “Bigger was Better” was the path to the future. The timing was unfortunate as the increase in size and weight occurred just as horsepower was on the way down, thanks to new federal emissions regulations. To add insult to injury, late ’73 saw the implementation of the Arab oil embargo and the resulting steep run-up in fuel prices. That event, in particular, was anathema to big cars like this 1974 Pontiac Grandville convertible, and its sales number reflected it, with Grandville losing half its volume between ’73 and ’74. That makes this ’74 convertible an uncommon find, so let’s check it out and see what Pontiac had to offer in that economically compromised year of 1974. Seattle, Washington, is where you’ll find this outsized ragtop, and it’s available here on craigslist for $4,000. Curvette gets a nod and a wink for this tip!
GM’s pre’71 full-size cars, no shrinking violets in their own right, were, by many assessments, sized right. But when enough is just right, too much is perfect seemed to be the Detroit mantra in this era, with the ’71s reaching new size frontiers. Luxury, too, was in, and at Pontiac, the Grandville, an upscale Bonneville, was launched as the upsizing began. Grandville was offered in two and four-door hardtop body styles as well as in convertible form, and if size mattered, this Grandville convertible, one of only 3,000 knocked out in ’74, had it in spades. The total length reached 226 inches, stretched over a 123.4-inch wheelbase and tipping the scale at 4,500 lbs.
The seller tells us, “The previous owner did some body work and had the car painted,” a flip maybe? Anyway, the body appears to be sound, though the condition of the dusty finish is difficult to discern. The trunk pan is rotted through, a typical convertible trick, so that makes me wonder about the interior’s floors. The seller suggests, “Will likely need a new top,” and since there are no images of it, I imagine it’s in rough shape.
As for the interior, my thought is that it looks the way it looks because of a problem with the aforementioned top. The white Morrokide upholstery is grody to the max. I wouldn’t want to place my tukus there for a second. The dash looks OK, but the instrument panel is deteriorated and cloudy. The carpet looks moldy, and an aftermarket, out-of-place-looking DIN stereo has replaced the original Delco unit. The steering wheel has lost its trim and horn actuator. This is an A/C equipped car, but it is unequipped from its compressor.
Grandville offered only one engine in ’74, and it was a 455 CI V8. Power rating appears to be either 215 net HP or 250, depending on whether equipped with a single exhaust system or a full dual setup (though that HP spread seems extreme due to just an exhaust system difference). Regardless, this one’s a non-runner. Along with that sole engine choice was a single transmission availability, a Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic unit.
Well, at $4,000, this Poncho is cheap enough, I guess. But that dilapidated trunk floor, which could mean a similar fate for the floor pans, the unknown top condition, and a non-running engine, is a cause for a pause, regardless of price. That’s my take, what’s yours?
Cheap for a reason. Rust prone areas, not shown, are probably scary.
Steve R
Too much work for too little reward..
The motor is the prize on this one
“Tukus”
That’s great! But tuchus is better!
Naw, tukus means just one cheek; I’d never consider planting both in this Grandville!
JO
What’s up with the gray strips visible in the trunk around the wheelwells? Evidence of prior body work?
This car was for sale sometime last year.
Alot of rust for a car from that part of the country,probably spent it’s life in another location before coming to seattle
Pontiac put the GRAND in Bonneville to up the prestige. I had a 74 Grandville four door. Metallic copper with Black cloth interior and vinyl top. I really enjoyed it, until a seal broke allowing transmission fluid to get into the radiator. It looked like baby 💩. Although out of warranty, the dealership got Pontiac to pay for the repairs, but the car was never the same. I was told the problem was somewhat generic.
Convertible sales were already declining when the first oil crisis emerged. Given that ’73 was a record sales year there may have been a slight saturation in vehicles already. Yes, GM went big when power was going small but they also recognized the need to rein in vehicle dimensions and began their downsizing before the oil embargo began. Granville was unique among the GM full size lines. It was the only one to share the C-body roofline. It also had the largest displacement engine and power windows standard for the convertibles in 1973. This one looks like toast but would make a nice southwest bomber if safely road worthy.
The problem with the coolent/ transmission fluid mix as a bad radiator. The radiator has a transmission cooler in the tank (as do most cars and trucks of the time) and the internal cooler would cracked causing the fluid mix. Pontiac was overhaing the transmission and replacing the radiator and all cooling hoses. It was not uncommon to see a “B” body car roll into the drive with that nasty coolant/ATF mixture all over the right front fender.
And yes, Pontiac dealers were having a tough time selling “the big cars” during the gas crunch. But we were the top selling Grandville dealer in the Chicago area. Our advertising was “The gas crunch can’t go forever. Come buy a new Grandville at MSRP and get a free Honda Civic!” And an artsey employee drew a picture of a Grandville with a Civc sticking out ofcthe trunk. It helped to be a Honda dealer back then!
hated the scissor style top frames on the 71 up converts
If the car was running and driveable, then I would think $4k might be ok, all things considered. I wouldn’t want to be selling this car.
I’m sorry, but all I see is a complete restoration on a questionable car.
I was going to say the same thing, Mark. It looks really familiar. Thought it was on BF a year ago.
I did a three year look back before I wrote the post, we have not covered it.
JO
I had a 75 convertible and ractically gave it away for 3500 canadian including all the parts I had accumilated.parts for this car are hard to find especially metal.no after market for them. I do miss it some times though.
Not sure where I had seen this car but it has been for sale for a very long time, over a year and perhaps two.
I think it has lingered so long because it would be a high dollar re-do. Often it is better to purchase a car in less needy condition, plus this was stored poorly.