The Grand Prix was first introduced into the Pontiac lineup in 1962, but it wasn’t until the late sixties when the third-generation cars debuted that it really took off as a bonafide sales leader for the brand. The 1969 Grand Prix got an all-new body, which featured the longest hood ever attached to a Pontiac, and outsold the previous year’s model by nearly four times, paving the way for a successful nameplate until GP production ceased at the end of the 2002 run. This 1970 Grand Prix here on Craigslist is an SJ-trim example, which can be driven as-is but also seems ripe for a restoration. If this G-Body is catching your eye, head over to Hicksville, New York, to check it out, and bring along $5,500 for a no-haggle sale.
We want to thank reader Mitchell G. for the tip here! The seller mentions that his Pontiac was already restored once about 20 years ago, but it’s at the point now where it could use another. However, he also states that the future owner could also choose to just drive it, and that’s not a bad idea either, as the car still presents decently outside. The panels appear solid and seem like they align well, so there probably wouldn’t be an excessive amount of body prep involved before the exterior is ready for a respray. It’s kind of hard to tell what kind of shape the vinyl top is in overall or what the roof looks like underneath, but hopefully, there aren’t many surprises hiding under the material.
The interior looks like it’s gotten some components from a different Grand Prix in the past, as some of the colors don’t match. Both door panels could stand replacing, and unfortunately, the dash is also cracked, but some positive news is that the A/C is still blowing cold air. The floor boards are stated as solid, so hopefully, all of the issues regarding the inside area are just cosmetic in nature.
Pontiac’s optional engine grew from 428 cubic inches to 455 in ‘70, and although this one’s got the 400, it still provided plenty of power, with a factory horsepower rating of 350 with a 4-barrel configuration as seen here. The owner lists the mileage at 67,000 and says his GP runs and drives beautifully, and he describes the drivetrain as mechanically sound. This one seems like a good candidate to enjoy while you work on it, and while I’m not sure $5.5k is exactly a bargain, it doesn’t sound far out of the ballpark, either. Where would you begin with refurbishing this 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ?
Back in the day, these were great cars to be in and to be seen in. Dad’s was a Gold 1970; as a boy, getting to sit in the front seat was magical.
I built the last pontiac grand prix in Kansas Fairfax plant
Mel I’m thinking ’07/’08?
I remember the dash and wheel were very busy. Were you able to make a career at Fairfax?
this might sound silly but the green combo actually made the car. ive seen them in gold and black and bordeaux. green just kills it. color of money.
Where would I begin with refurbishing this 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ? I’d start with looking for a better specimen in the first place. This is a driver that would be fun to own at the entry price, but you’d be upside down in a hurry if you wanted to do any major refurbishment to it.
What is the box between the seat and he console??
Not to nitpick, but I read this series was still referred to as an A-body. Actually the extended version, as used on the Grand Prix and Monte Carlo was known briefly as an A-special platform.
I think that is just one of those “slip between the seat and console” storage thingy’s…forgive my technical term, lol
Something isn’t lining up here. SJ’s only came stock with a 455HO. Either this isn’t a true SJ, the 400 listed is inaccurate, or the original 455 has been replaced. Personally I would only be interested in a SJ if it had the 455 (preferably numbers matching).
I believe the 455 was standard equipment for the SJ, but the 455 HO was optional.
The 455 HO was much different than the ‘71-‘72 versions with the round port heads, but still a torque monster!
Yes, something’s fishy here. Either the engine was changed or on the previous restoration mentioned it was rebadged as an SJ.
Quality SJ’s are not that easy to find these days and usually command a higher price even in this condition.
Hard to understand why such a nice car would go through a previous restoration only to end up like this. Great colors.
Not so sure the 400 ci engine was unavailable in the SJ. I see some Pontiac forums that say otherwise but I’m not an expert. I would drive it the way it is if I were to buy it. Fix the driver’s seat upholstery and dash and cruise.
A high school friend of mine had a white and green SJ that had a 400 and 2 bbl carb. He’d bought the Grand Prix from the second owner and it looked extremely original. I am pretty certain the 455 was standard for the SJ in 1970, but I am also fairly sure that 69-72 Pontiac GP engine choices varied where a buyer was not obligated to a specific engine for a specific trim level.
Outside of the swapped motor, I feel comfortable stating this is a legit SJ. A not-easily-obtained item which would indicate a “factory” SJ is the diecast emblem on the console. Of course that piece could be pilfered, but not likely, as neglected as the car appears. It would seem that the owner wouldn’t bother to go that route, or mount SJ callouts on the lower front fenders.
I am very fortunate to still have ownership of a 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ. This car was a special ordered car from the local Pontiac dealership. It was highly optioned car…$2,136.06 and the total list price of $6,374.71. ALL SJ’s came with a standard 455 (mine is a HO) SJ models came standard with automatic leveling and from the picture I cannot detect any sign of such. Why would anyone pay extra for an SJ when the J came standard with the 400. The VIN will determine the “cubic inches”.
Sounds like a great car, Rick. That $6374 sticker price struck me as rather remarkable for a Pontiac in 1970. Out of curiosity, I looked up what the inflation adjusted equivalent would be today. It works out to about $53,521. Wow. That was (is) one special ‘70 Grand Prix SJ!
In my ‘Old Cars Report’ price guide, at the bottom of the prices for the 1970 Grand Prix it states ‘add 40% for a 455 HO V8, add 10% for a Grand Prix S.J.’
Google said ‘In 1970 a 1970 Grand Prix S.J. could be equipped with a 400-cid engine (either 265 or 350 hp) in addition to the 455-cid engine (370 hp). The standard engine for the Grand Prix was the 350 hp 400-cid engine. The other two engines were optional, with the 400-cid two-barrel engine (265 hp) being a NO COST option.
Rick,
Sounds like an awesome car that you have! It looks like the steering wheel is incorrect for an SJ also. Maybe when it was “restored” it became an SJ…sort of.
I believe this same G.P. has been on local ads for some time, like 2 + years. different pic’s this time. need personal close up look if anyone interested. was price higher if I’m correct so don’t kill me. GLWS / Buyer.
For this I say buy it fly out drive it home. Cut and buff the paint see if you can get it to shine better clean and detail the interior and engine bay then send it to the next Mecum auction where they get you drunk so you over pay for cars take your profits and move on to the next one
This very car has been for sale for a long time.
Had a ’69 Model J with the 428. Definitely one of the coolest cars I have owned, I wish I would have realized it at the time.