In the 1970s, the Pontiac Safari was the Catalina equivalent of a station wagon, while the Grand Safari was bigger, based on the Bonneville/Grand Ville platform. That meant the wheelbase was longer on the Grand Safari, providing a little smoother ride and a bit more passenger space. The vehicles were downsized in 1978 to reduce weight, thereby increasing fuel mileage amid an uncertain oil market. This ’78 Grand Safari hasn’t moved since 2012, having become stuck in limbo due to the owner’s estate liquidation.
The smaller size meant a smaller engine would be needed, so the 301 cubic inch V8 became standard, with the 350 being optional. Not too many years earlier, these wagons came with 400 and 455 V8 power. The seller’s car is a one-owner machine that may have 170,000 miles on it, but we’re told the first owner replaced the engine at one point with a crate motor. But nothing seems to have been touched in a dozen years, so a trailer will be required to take it home.
We’re told this Pontiac has always been garage-kept – and it looks as though the garage has begun to fall apart. It was the owner’s pride and joy, receiving a coat of wax at least twice per year. But over the past decade, lots of dust and bird droppings have taken up residence on the exterior surfaces of this Pontiac.
The seller can provide documentation on the servicing of the vehicle dating to the year it was built. No mention is made of any attempts to get it running, so that will be the buyer’s responsibility. The seller may be willing to talk about a trade involving a motorcycle in exchange for the station wagon in Burlington, North Carolina. That’s where the Pontiac has been hanging out and is available here on craigslist for $5,000 OBO. It doesn’t look bad considering its plight these last few years. Thanks once again for the tip, Tony Primo!
A few corrections… 1) All full-sized Pontiac Safaris dating back to the 1950s were the same size. There was no longer wheelbase for the Bonnevile or Grand Safari wagons. 2) Downsizing occurred for the 1977 model year. 3) This is a Catalina Safari, as shown on the front fenders.
Owner must’ve passed right around this time of year, just as the campaign season’s starting up. I can’t see that Romney sticker (or any other) lasting on the wind-down rear window for many trips down into the tailgate and back up.
I love Pontiacs and I like wagons, but this is the all too typical ad devoid of details and with a paucity of pictures
No offence but the article jumps into trim details before you even know what you’re looking at. Then you have terrible pics. They can’t all be zingers but this is really not good.
A bit optimistic on the price for a non running, plain Jane, Pontiac of this vintage.
I had 3 full size GM wagons in this period. All U.S. versions had corporate (Olds) 5 ltr (307 ci) V/8’s. What gives?
no engine pics. why? never will understand why people do that.
Dad had a blue Safari wagon. He liked it because it would fit a 4X8 sheet of plywood in the back. Not very powerful but typical of that era. I seem to remember something about an aluminum reinforced rear bumper that was recalled for falling off, and a camshaft issue.
The backside of this gen of Fullsize GM wagon always reminded me of a 1950s refrigerator door. Looked cool on the fridge, the car? Not so much