It is a sobering moment when you are confronted with a tidy and unmolested survivor like this 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ and realize it is only a few years from celebrating its fiftieth birthday. A close examination confirms it isn’t perfect, but its overall condition guarantees it would draw admiring glances wherever it goes. This beauty isn’t all about good looks because it features some pretty desirable factory options. Its next journey could be to a new home, with the seller listing the Grand Prix here on eBay in Bradenton, Florida. They set their BIN at $34,997, so let’s take a look to see if that figure is justified.
Pontiac scored a home run with its Fourth Generation Grand Prix. Despite faltering sales in 1974 and 1975, the badge experienced strong acceptance. The 1977 model year was the last for this Generation. It was also its most successful, with 288,430 buyers taking home a new GP. The SJ was the lowest seller, although, with a tally of 53,442 vehicles, it was hardly rare. This Pontiac makes a bold visual statement in Brentwood Brown with Mohave Tan highlights and a matching Tan vinyl top. The seller states the paint is original, and while a close inspection reveals small chips and marks, the rich shine and arrow-straight panels suggest it has been treated respectfully and led a sheltered existence. This impression is heightened when we climb under the cars, with the spotless underside confirming this classic is rust-free. The vinyl is in good order, with no deterioration or signs of distress. I like how the color-coded Rally II wheels tie the exterior together, but the party piece could be the Hurst T-Top. I have been unable to determine how many SJs feature this option, but information across several specialist forums suggests the figure is extremely low.
This Pontiac demonstrates why it is crucial to undertake detective work before handing over the cash for any classic purchase. The listing describes the seats as trimmed in vinyl and leather, but the Cowl Tag confirms it is Buckskin vinyl. First impressions are positive, with no gaping holes or splits that suggest abuse. However, some minor marks prevent the upholstered surfaces and door trims from achieving perfection. The issues aren’t severe, and most buyers will consider them acceptable for a vehicle of this vintage. The console looks excellent, and there are no visible problems with the dash or pad. A modern CD player is mounted near the driver’s left knee but appears to be the only aftermarket addition. Those craving creature comforts will appreciate the air conditioning, cruise control, tilt wheel, AM/FM radio, and the factory CB.
Powering this Grand Prix is the company’s 400ci V8. It sends 180hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. The ’77 Grand Prix was more of a highway cruiser than a muscle car, with its ¼-mile ET of 18.4 seconds reflecting the impact of tightening emission regulations. A 400-equipped 1973 Grand Prix would have completed the same journey in 16.6 seconds, while opting for the 455-SD slashed the time to 15.1 seconds. The listing for the Grand Prix is quite wordy, and it provides no concrete information about how this classic runs or drives. That is frustrating, especially considering the seller’s price. However, the news should be positive if the engine bay presentation and lack of visible fluid leaks are accurate indications.
This 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ presents beautifully, and there is no evidence that it has any pressing needs or significant flaws. It features a range of desirable options, and the T-Top could be the icing on the cake. That brings us back to the seller’s price and whether it is justified. Recent sales results suggest the figure is optimistic, but it is in line with the value for a #2 vehicle, as quoted by NADA and Hagerty. Do you think the seller will taste success, or will they need to compromise?
One big family truckster
Good lick on sale as they don’t make these anymore
I will take the gold big block Nova for $4K less. About the same amount this car would’ve brought when it was 2 years old.
This is a really nice gp but these colors don’t cut it now a days,the price is a little high but I still didn’t see the mileage
It’s not from now a days so it’s less likely to be silver, gray or black.
Or white
Funny you say that. I had a 77 Grand Prix that was two tone black and silver. Mine was a power sunroof car with a bordello red velour interior. 301 motor, though, couldn’t get out of its own way.
The colors look absolutely perfect on this car. I would put some chrome eheels on it but the stock ones look great too.
Factory sunroof with crank windows?
It’s not a sunroof. it’s a T-top.
Didn’t look close enough
I had a ’77 Grand Prix SJ back in ’77 – ’79. Mine didn’t have T-tops; had the electric sunroof instead, which was a constant source of trouble. But I loved the car; with the 400 engine and a 2.73 rear axle ratio, the engine didn’t even start breathing until about 80 mph, Great road car for traveling. Mine had the buckskin vinyl buckets too; I don’t think you could even get leather back then. I would be interested in this car for a trip down memory lane, but not at that price. The seller appears to be a dealer so that explains the price…….
I lobe this Pontiac!! Especially tje color combination. I had a 75 Grand Le Mans for years.it was a beautiful car too
Yes to the car, no to the price. In recent years, we’ve seen plenty of examples out there to be had for a realistic asking price.
The combination of the T-Top and manual windows is a novelty in itself. The color is certainly not everyone’s cup of tea but it was ’70s appropriate and part of the car’s character. As sharp as this looks, $35K is way overpriced for a car with unknown mileage.
I have a ’77 GP SJ with the t-tops. It’s a double black car with 44 k original miles. I wanted one when I was a teenager. That didn’t happen. I have this one now and have enjoyed driving it. It gets a lot of attention whenever I take it out.
I worked for the Scholfield Pontiac in Wichita from 72-82 and a lot of women were unhappy with the t-tops when they got their hair wet in a rain storm.
Nice Pontiac Grand Prix and with a 400 cid!
Oh by the way….The asking price is way too high even though it’s a nice classic.
I had a two tone grey LJ Gran Prix.. Red velour interior.. 400 C.I. engine..Gorgeous.. My wife got her first speeding ticket in it..
It was a 75.
Must have been in a 55mph speed zone.
Has there been mentioned the mileage?
Okay, here I go…what does the SJ stand for? ? Special Journey? ?
S-exy J-alopy
Very nice car inside, outside and underneath in a cool color combination.
It better be for the price they are asking.
Very nice car, my kind of car, but can’t convince the wife to own a brown car. And the price is too high