Few things are sadder than being forced to sell a beloved classic due to circumstances beyond your control. That is the decision made by the owner of this 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ. Declining health has prompted them to part with a car that presents well and will be a turnkey proposition for its next owner. It has no immediate needs, but performing some minor tasks would lift its appearance to a higher level. The Pontiac is listed here on Craigslist in Chili, New York. It could be yours for $12,500, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for using a finely tuned radar to spot this classic.
The Grand Prix was a staple of Pontiac’s model range from 1962 until 2008. It introduced its Fourth Generation model in 1973, with the last examples rolling out the door in 1977. The original owner ordered our feature Grand Prix in 1976, choosing what I believe is one of the best color combinations. Starlight Black and Sterling Silver were two of the premium shades that year, and they work perfectly together to accentuate the Grand Prix’s striking styling. The seller doesn’t make bold claims about the car being in showroom condition, suggesting a close inspection will reveal minor flaws and defects. However, the presentation is respectable and is comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust. I previously mentioned minor tasks that would improve the presentation, and dispatching the bumpers to the platers would be one of them. They show signs of deterioration, and I think the Rally II wheels might benefit from a refresh. However, those are the only items with a possible question mark hanging over them.
Lifting this Pontiac’s hood reveals the 400ci V8, and this Grand Prix also features a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Pontiac offered two versions of the 400 for 1976 Grand Prix buyers, and I’m unsure which one calls this engine bay home. The entry-level powerplant delivered 170hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque, and the 4-barrel version boosted power to 185hp. Neither will turn tires to smoke at the local strip, but the Grand Prix should be an effortless cruiser at freeway speed. Potential buyers can consider this Pontiac a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives, ready for some summertime fun with its new owner behind the wheel.
If this Grand Prix has a genuine highlight, that honor falls to its interior. It is a sea of Red velour cloth and vinyl in excellent condition for its age. I would typically expect wear on the outer seat edges, but this classic has no such problems. The carpet tells the same story, and the dash and pad are spotless. The console has a couple of discolored spots near the shifter, and it appears the wheel may be deteriorating. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing. It is about more than looks because it provides occupants with a comfortable motoring experience. They receive air conditioning, power windows, remote exterior mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio for tunes on the move.
This 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ isn’t perfect, but that could be one of its most significant attributes. It means the new owner can hit the road for a relaxed driving experience, immune from the trauma others might experience as an errant stone damages perfect paint. Values plunged during 2023, but the situation has stabilized. This could signify an impending upswing, but only time will tell. Buying a classic as a financial investment is risky, and many people have been burned as future values fail to meet their expectations. However, more affordable classics like this Pontiac minimize that risk because they represent a lower initial outlay. The seller’s price is competitive against recent successful sales and is consistent with the values quoted by NADA and Hagerty. Are those thoughts enough to convince you to investigate this classic further?
Black console wrong. All plastic weathered. Seat backs dried and faded. Front wheel wells look like Play Doh. $3500 max
Come on brother, $3500? You can’t buy a used Nissan Sentra for that.
LOL to the seller! I know first hand how hard it is to part with a favorite automobile. Happened to me twice. Hard to see it drive away. Fortunately my circumstances have changed, but if you haven’t been there, it may be hard to understand. 👍and 🙏 going out to you!
Hard to just say hey what a bargain this is- without acknowledging the sad situation.
Really sad, and I hope this beautiful poncho goes to a great caretaker. Really nice long hood and big and bold.
Tough situation and best wishes to seller.
I always liked the style of the ’76 and ’77 Grand Prix especially the tricked out one in the sales brochure. Although the bordello red interior is kinda odd for the exterior paint job. Otherwise great looking lines and style. With that said, I hope the owner gets better health wise.
That’s funny, my 77 was the inverse color combo, silver over black, but also had the red velour interior. Mine was a bench seat though, and I also had the power sunroof, which took about four inches of headroom lol. Rally IIs like this car, but 301 with 250 trans. Couldn’t get out of its own way but seated six and stacked eight. Great high school car.
It was a recovered theft at dad’s. Guy got the insurance money and gave us the title. I had to put a steering column, radio, and wheels and tires on to make it mine. Thanks dad!
BTW, I don’t see the AC compressor attached so I’m assuming the AC needs to be converted and fixed.
My mother owned one. Blue with the half vinyl top, and the white pinstripes. Blue interior. She traded in a 73 Ventura to get it. I often see 77’s up for sale, very, very seldom the 76’s. It’s a pretty nice car, and IMHO, a bit on the high side, but, probably worth it.
I feel for the owner, as I’ve had a few that had to go due to circumstances beyond my control.
One of the best parts of Barn Finds is the care and compassion of the people.👍 LOL to ALL and keep it up.
Sad to see an owner forced to part with a beloved car. Although the price might be overly optimistic. But I’m no expert on these. GLWTS!
The GranPrix seems to be missing an important item, the air conditioning compressor. Probably means the evaporator core will need replacing too.
Classic Pontiac style. I’ve never seen a comment on how the quarter window was unique to the Grand Prix. Seldom see an LJ without a vinyl top even with the two tone paint. This one started out with the mahogany interior but acquired the black console and firethorn seats and carpet along the way. May be a good driver for the nice weather if the basic things work properly.
Gotta respect the owner’s acknowledgement that it’s time for the car to move on and handling the situation himself rather than allowing the car to deteriorate until it’s part of his estate. I hope I have that courage and strength when it’s time for my cars to move along.
While we’re tending to things like the bumpers and wheels, can we move the “Grand Prix” emblem on the trunk lid down to bumper level, where it belongs?
wow, the memories …..I had a 76 SJ 400 4bbl with silver/charcoal and burgundy stripe between the colors and burgundy leather interior
I might have been 20.
Scored a Trans Am steering wheel, made the interior even better.
only mod was Mr Gasket distributor weight/spring kit and accurate timing.
Seemed to wake it up a bit, I worked in a Nationwise Auto store, it was gonna get the dual exhaust from a earlier Grand Prix next…..sigh
Some kid stole his granpas s10 and slammed my girlfriend into a jersey wall.
bye bye SJ :-(
Nice GP yes I’m one who had lots of regrets selling my 74 LeMans that was featured on barnfinds.
I agree that rechroming the bumpers would help the appearance, but with the cost of rechroming these days, it just doesn’t make sense for the $$$.
Clerk with long blond hair at the Grand Forks AFB Credit Union had a ’76, gold and cream. Wherever you are Monica, know I’m still in love!
Way too much money. Those seat covers do not match the rest of the interior. I had a mint 77 SJ I let go for $4,500 Iin 2006. Still kicking myself. Found the car a few months ago in Houston but passed on buying it back. It was restored with wrong color paint and the guy doing the resto trashed the original snowflake wheels for stupid ghetto looking cheap ones. Ugh.
Noticed several comments about red velour seats. IMO velour , velvet or brocade always gave a more upscale comfortable touch. Always preferred them to vinyl or leather. Always wondered why 80s Grand Marquis GS had plush velvet seats, while upper level LS did not at least make them an option 🤔. And red for me, is the perfect color to set off ANY body color. Still pray 🙏 for seller.
Ah, the court of public opinion. The first car to offer/promote velour was the ’72 Ninety-eight Regency. This was unique and a departure from the brocade cloths used in everything up until then. Soon others followed and it was a good run. Then leather, having been an option for 10-20 years, became the new status symbol. Now that cost and profit is at a critical level we are seeing the return to vinyl. Call it leatherette or vegan leather it’s still less expensive for the manufacturer. Now, remember when vinyl was an optional feature?