I have recently opined a bit about the Chrysler brand’s current state of sad affairs, “Oh Chrysler, where have you gone?” Well, in a similar vein, I can ask the same about Pontiac. The only difference, of course, is that Pontiac is kaput and has been since the 2010 model year. And it’s hard to fathom that an auto company that produced such monumental models as this 1962 Grand Prix just flittered away into nothingness. Changing trends, regulations, or just incompetent management, whatever the case, the Tin Indian isn’t likely to ever resurface, despite GM’s announcement last week that they were renewing their legal ownership/service mark on the name “Pontiac”. Let’s not dwell on all of that, however, but celebrate what GM’s “Widetrack” division once was. This real red GP is located in Livonia, Michigan, and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $15,495 with only one bid tendered so far.
The Grand Prix’s introduction for the ’62 model year was a big deal. Intermediate-sized muscle cars (GTO) and Pony Car configurations (Mustang, Firebird) were still off in the future, so performance models were the province of full-sizers. And the Grand Prix straddled both the performance realm and what would become the Personal Luxury Coupe segment. A single two-door hardtop, with Fisher Body’s “creased convertible top-look”, utilized by Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Buick, was the only body style available, and sales reached about 30K units.
The listing for this car is confusing as the seller states, “For Sale: 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix Convertible – Classic Style with Open-Air Thrills!” It’s not a convertible. I’m forced to believe that this is some sort of “move-it-on” dealer who hasn’t bothered to research (or even look closely) at what he’s selling. As a matter of research, Pontiac only offered a convertible Grand Prix for one model year, and that was in ’67. We’re also getting the old tired line of, “Ran excellent when parked.” The seller adds, “Always garage kept; very minimal rust.” OK. I’ll admit it, this car presents beautifully, the finish has lots of depth, the chrome bits shine, and it doesn’t appear to have been involved in any physical mishaps. The cool eight-lug wheels are always a nice addition, but I think the stock appearance would be preferred over the red highlights.
The two-tone “Morrokide” upholstery appears to be in perfect condition (it’s hard to tell as the image isn’t very revealing), but from what can be seen, the carpet, door, and upholstery panels show as new. The bucket seats and center console, with its mounted tachometer, were all part of the GP package. Can you imagine finding as bright and cheerful an interior environment in a modern car?
Grand Prix’s standard power was a 303 gross HP 389 CI V8 engine, and that’s what we have here. The seller claims, “This Grand Prix delivers exhilarating performance with a smooth automatic Hydra-Matic transmission for effortless cruising,” but that follows on that “ran when parked” business, so I’m not sure about this car’s motivational capability. A word about that Hydramatic transmission; since this is a short-wheelbase Pontiac, as opposed to a Bonneville, the transmission should be a “Roto-Hydramatic”, not one of GM’s better designs. The long-wheelbase Bonneville and Starchief were endowed with the standard four-speed Hydramatic.
This Poncho looks great! The seller claims 129K miles of use, so that may be a bit of a concern if the mechanicals are all original and unrefreshed. But there’s no denying this car’s visual statement. My hang-up is the listing; there’s some explaining that needs to be done on that front, wouldn’t you agree?
Pontiac could really bring the heat back in the day. This one may be the Mandalay red paint. Clicked the ad J.O, this GP is already gone 🏁 💨 👋
Note that the listing was ended due to an “error”. Probably has to do with that misleading convertible business.
Thx,
JO
Thanks Jim 👍
In the past these cars were referred to as Hardtop Convertibles. Yeah I never understood it but it is what it is.
Archie:
Regardless, you can’t experience “The soft-top convertible roof lets you soak in the sun or stars, making every drive a memorable experience,” as the listing claims. It’s just wrong.
JO
This could be a very nice project. Looks so beautiful. Although first step is ditch the awfull chrome valve covers ( unless these are o.e.m. ) and that horrible chrome air cleaner. I’m sure with 2 or 3 week ends worth of tlc this Poncho would be the envy of many
I would suggest soda blasting the wheels back to original and installing the correct trim rings would make the biggest difference. Ditch the air cleaner for certain, and remove the Pontiac emblem on the fan shroud. Finally source a correct set of valve covers, although these appear to be factory items. The quad exhaust tips need to go also. Pretty well optioned car (except for the AC) with a Wonderbar radio, Autronic Eye, power windows, and the fender mounted mirrors that I’m not a fan of. Seller has zero feedback, and the ad isn’t written for the most part, but pulled from a sales brochure or other source. *Possible* scam?
I really like this Pontiac my dad had a 62 when I was a kid.
I like the color and the matching interior if it had a 4 spd it would be perfect.
I like red vehicles – our 2022 Silverado 2500HD is…. But there’s too much red here. It’s a shame they chose to highlight the 8 lug rims the way they did, they would look much better in their OE finish. To each their own, I suppose.
You sure that’s not hub caps covering standard lugs ?? That spread looks pretty wide, but I’ll Google it ..
Nope. Those are the real deal 8 lug drum/wheel setup. I had a set for my 63 Bonneville.
I am surprised no one has mentioned yet, “no a/c”.
GPs were an excellent idea from the get go right up to the shrunk boxy 1978 GP.
But agree with Jim, the 8 lug rims could do without the red “accent.”
Yeah, the no A/C is a loser for me too, living in Florida ya can’t do without it. I suppose a “vintage” unit could be added if you really wanted it. There are so many cars that show up here without A/C I just accept it and move on, given that so many seem to be from the PNW.
@David Nielsen
You have to take into consideration that a/c was still a very expensive option in cars in the 50s and 60s. This is a classic car site, after all. And that wasn’t just limited to cars ordered in the north. Many cars back then even if they were ordered in the south didn’t have a/c. We are a spoiled bunch.
You’re absolutely right! We are very spoiled! For me though, finding a classic with factory A/C is…… Bonus!
The first thing to do with this beautiful car is to replace that junk Trans with a later model 400 trans just as GM did in 1964.
True. I had a ’63 with the ‘dual coupling hydromatic’ and the gearing was abysmal, to say the least. A modern 4 speed hydro would have really woken one of these up, for sure.
I would also lose the white walls and replace them with either black walls or white stripe. The 8 lugs look hideous. I love the 8 lugs, but not looking like this. Yes, upgrade the transmission!
I had a white on white ’62 Bonneville conv w/red int bought from a one owner 389 3sp on the column and sorry that I sold it but had too many cars.
The Grand Prix in those days was on the Catalina chassis until 1967 I believe…