Some enthusiasts find a roadworthy project candidate irresistible. It allows them time to enjoy their new purchase while prioritizing the tasks required to regain the car’s former glory. That is the chance awaiting the new owner of this 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix. It features a significant collection of new mechanical parts that ensure it runs and drives well. It appears to be rock-solid and could be a straightforward restoration project. The Pontiac is listed here on Craigslist in Springfield, Missouri. It could be yours for $6,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting this promising project.

Pontiac released its Third Generation Grand Prix in 1969, with the new model bearing virtually no styling similarities to its predecessor. The Third Generation remained in showrooms until 1972, with our feature car rolling off the line during the final production year. The original owner ordered the vehicle in Cardinal Red, one of the more striking shades on the 1972 color palette. The paint looks tired, but the indications are this is an original and unrestored vehicle. The seller uses the term “not very much rust” when describing its overall condition. Although I prefer more specific information, the supplied shots make a generally favorable impression. There are some spots in the back edge of the hood and corrosion around the rear window and filler panel, but that is all I can spot. The lower body extremities are clean, and a brief look inside the trunk reveals nothing but surface corrosion. If this indicates the overall condition, the buyer’s welder and grinder won’t be working overtime. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining original tinted glass looks nice. Most trim pieces and chrome look acceptable for a driver-grade build, and the Grand Prix rolls on its original Rally II wheels.

Large-capacity V8s were feeling the pinch by 1972, but this Pontiac’s 400ci powerplant delivered 250hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed TH-400 automatic transmission, with the original owner selecting power assistance for the steering and brakes. The journey down the ¼-mile would have taken 16 seconds, which is not to be sneezed at for a car tipping the scales at 3,961 lbs. Potential buyers have plenty of positive news to absorb about this numbers-matching classic. The engine recently received new rings, a camshaft, bearings, and a cylinder head rebuild. The brakes sport a new master cylinder, while other new parts include a starter, fuel pump, distributor, cap, plug wires, and battery. The seller includes a Shop Manual for those wishing to tinker further, but it has no apparent mechanical needs. It runs and drives nicely, allowing the new owner to indulge in some instant classic car gratification while planning their strategy moving forward.

Time has treated this Pontiac’s interior harshly, but it must have looked stunning when the original owner took delivery of a car trimmed in White vinyl. Time marches on, and it seems like it may have marched across many of the upholstered surfaces. Some items are salvageable, but I see a complete retrim in this classic’s future. Kits are available to return this car to its former glory, and if the new owner can reuse some existing hard trim items, they should achieve a high-end result for under $2,000. Those preferring originality will welcome the lack of aftermarket additions, and all this car needs is its factory air conditioning and pushbutton radio to make life on the road pretty pleasant.

Finding a way to occupy the cold winter months can be challenging, but spending time in a workshop returning a classic like this 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix to its former glory could be a productive way of burning away the time. It appears to be a straightforward project that would suit a hands-on individual. Once restored, it would never yield its new owner a million dollars in the current market, but a figure above $20,000 is achievable. However, owning a classic car is often about far more than mere dollars and cents. Standing back to admire your handiwork or receiving admiring comments at a Cars & Coffee are experiences that money can’t buy. That potential is locked away in this Pontiac, but do you have the keys to unlock it?