Fully Loaded: 1971 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertible

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Some classics receive a decent run at Barn Finds, while others are seen less frequently. This 1971 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertible falls into the latter category, with the company’s low production tally almost guaranteeing that fact. This is a very tidy survivor that the first owner loaded with factory options. The Grand Ville is ready for a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Walter for spotting it listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The seller set their auction to open at $20,000, but has received no bids at the time of writing.

Pontiac introduced the Grand Ville in 1971, and its importance to the company is reflected by the fact that it features as the first vehicle in that year’s Model Range Catalog. The Sedan proved the most popular choice among buyers, with the combined tallies of the Coupe and Convertible representing only around 33% of overall sales during the first year. This Convertible looks stunning in Cardinal Red with the power top in contrasting Black. The photos paint a generally positive picture, because the paint shines, the top fits nicely, and there is no evidence of panel imperfections or rust. The protruding grille gives the vehicle a sense of presence that is hard to ignore, and, as with the remaining trim, it is in excellent condition. Rounding out the exterior is a set of Rally II wheels wrapped in narrow whitewalls.

There is no avoiding the fact that at almost 4,500 lbs, the ’71 Grand Ville Convertible is a big and heavy beast. It deserved something special under the hood, and with Pontiac’s focus on its performance models, this classic delivers. It features a 455ci V8 churning out 325hp and 455 ft/lbs of torque, teamed with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The weight guarantees that this Pontiac won’t offer muscle car performance, but it should acquit itself well in most circumstances. Whether it is cruising the streets with the top down or bowling along the highway at 70, it shouldn’t raise a sweat. The seller hurts their cause by supplying no information in their listing regarding the car’s mechanical health, but detective work has revealed that the Grand Ville is said to run and drive well. Fancy a Florida vacation? You could fly in and make the return journey behind the wheel of this beauty.

The Grand Ville’s interior doesn’t disappoint those searching for a luxurious motoring experience. It features climate-control air conditioning, power windows, a power front seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The presentation is excellent for a genuine survivor, with only slight stretching and a possible repair on the driver’s seat base. The remaining Black upholstered surfaces show no evidence of distress, the dash and pad haven’t suffered at the hands of the Florida sun, and there is no visible deterioration on the faux woodgrain.

The production totals tell the story, helping to explain why we rarely see a 1971 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertible crossing our desks at Barn Finds. While the company produced 46,325 examples of the 1971 Grand Ville across all body styles in 1971, only 1,784 buyers paid the premium required to park a Convertible in their driveway. That is the lowest tally of any variant during the badge’s five-year production run. I am surprised at the subdued auction action in this case, although it is worth noting that the seller’s listing is in the very early stages. A search of the seller’s website suggests that they expect bidding to reach around $33,500, which is a realistic figure for a ’71 Grand Ville Convertible of this caliber. Is that what you would be prepared to pay, or is a lower price uppermost in your mind?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Stan StanMember

    Beautiful GrandVille. The big motor is there, and it looks great from every angle. Love it.

    Like 13
  2. Mark

    Nice Pontiac with the all torque 455 engine and 400 trans!!

    Like 5
  3. Gerry

    My Dads cousin back in the 50’s -70’s was an exec of some sort with Phillips 66 in Oklahoma and every 2 years got a new company car- Always the biggest Pontiac convertible available in either white/red or red/white. Our fiends here in Wisconsin would laugh because it would have very rare air conditioning (What would you need that for?) and his response was “awful nice when it’s raining and 90 degrees.

    Like 13
    • Zen

      I had a 71 Olds Delta 88 convertible, 455 with A/C, and with the hot sun baking you with the top down on summer days, that is another time to be grateful for AC! I mostly enjoyed riding with the top down at night.

      Like 8
  4. Walter

    Thanks for the hat tip. It is a pretty one. I do like it, I mean really like it.

    Like 1
  5. Dave Brown

    NICE!

    Like 1
  6. Philbo427

    Stunning! Looks brand new! Awesome cruiser!

    Like 3
  7. jvanrell1973@gmail.com Jason V.Member

    Very sharp Pontiac. Downright sporty for a full size car.

    Like 3
  8. David T Williams

    This beautiful Grandville was built in the pontiac mi yes indeed

    Like 0
  9. hairyolds68

    very nice and sanitary and extremally sharp with the rally 2s

    Like 1
  10. Walter

    Auction ended at 20K and under reserve.

    Like 0
  11. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    Ended with 0 bids.

    Like 0

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