The Grand Prix was Pontiac’s successful personal luxury car beginning in 1962. The third generation of the G-body intermediates was launched in 1969 and saw demand increase enough for Chevrolet to roll out its own version of the GP in 1970, the Monte Carlo. This ’70 SJ edition was a one-owner car until 2021 and was dubbed “Golden Girl” by said party, a little old lady (you go, Grandma!). With newer paint and stylish wheels, this sweet ride with a 455 cubic inch V8 is in Vancouver, Washington, and is available here on craigslist for $35,000. Thanks for the latest great tip, Pat L.!
Visible changes to the 1970 Grand Prix were minimal as the 1969 models had been so successful. The big news was the retirement of the 428 V8 in favor of one that had a displacement of 455 CI with horsepower in the 370 neighborhood (it was optional as the 350 was still standard fare). An automatic transmission was a zero-cost option, so a manually shifted 1970 GP would be a rare find today. Much to Pontiac’s dismay, Grand Prix sales fell by 40% in 1970 thanks to intercompany competition (the Monte Carlo as well as the Olds Cutlass Supreme).
The window sticker provided by the seller shows this was a $6,000+ car in 1970. That doesn’t sound like much today, but that was a lot to finance back in the era of 36-month loans which were the norm. There isn’t much this car doesn’t have, with leather upholstery and loads of power accessories being in play. As the engine and tranny are original but have been rebuilt as the odometer is on its second go-around. The belt seems to be off the A/C compressor which may be inoperative, something the seller should mention for a car in this price range.
This auto got its nickname from its fabulous gold paint which was redone by the original owner (along with the vinyl top). The interior is said to be original and hardly looks lived in. The Pontiac sports aftermarket wheels, but the seller has the original rollers to go with the car if the asking price holds. I would have to agree with the seller’s statement that “you would be hard-pressed to find a 53-year-old vehicle in this condition.” Do you have room in your garage (and heart) for Golden Girl?
It looks like a precursor to all of those gold Grand Ams, Bonnevilles and Grand Prix they sold in the mid/late ’80s. A very Pontiac theme.
Now THAT’S what I call GOLD!
For that kind of money, the a/c should be hooked up a operating perfectly.
The seller must be out of cash.
Agree that for the price the AC should be working. Seller obviously put a lot of money in the paint. He could be out of cash or may want to give the buyer the option of how or if the AC is repaired. If I were to buy this car I’d check for leaks in the evaporator and condenser and if they are good, I’d just rebuild the existing R-12 system (compressor seals and bearings, hose end O-rings, filter dryer, etc.) rather than convert it to 134a (which is also going away soon). R-12 is costly but still available. My ’92 LeSabre is still running R-12 and it’s an ice box.
Inop A/C makes for a good negotiation point. How much does it cost to get it operational in 2023? Probably a couple of K.
It would be cheaper and easier to do a complete switch to a modern 134 system. To switch a 12 system to a 134 would cost a small fortune comparatively
A nice original and well preserved car ! They were big and roomy , but the Granprix having a 400 + cubic in engine , consumed a lot of fuel . They were not economy minded when they designed those . They were expensive to buy even in their time and were leaning more towards luxury when you consider all of the power options . You don’t see many around even at car shows , so any unrestored or originals are becoming scarce . Some fortunate buyer will drive this one home ! Happy Motoring
Very nice SJ! The leather interior is something I didn’t know was available. This was not an inexpensive car in 1970. I think my ’70 Cutlass convertible stickered for about $4500 new.
I agree. For $35,000.00 everything should work!
Nice quality-appearing car, we’d seriously consider it if the price was a bit closer to market value.
Darn! No clutch!
Russ,
The Grand Prix didn’t come with a 350 in 1970. The Model J got a 400 and the SJ got the 455. Same deal as in 69 when the SJ had the 428.
I think what he meant was the 455 was available in the 370 or a 350 horsepower? I had a 70 mdl J with the 400 ci. I believe it was 330 horse on the 400 but I’m not positive. My friends and my wife used to call that Grand Prix “the red rocket”. I had to rebuild the 400TH trans. And I stiffened up the one two shift on it. Shifting into second with your leg in it, that thing would spin the reartires 30 ft after shifting. Good road car. Couldn’t afford the gas for it today. But I still miss it.only car I had to ever came close to comparing to it was a 63 Riviera
It was a 400ci with 350hp.whuch was standard.
These are such good looking cars. We drove in one to my cousin’s wedding. It was the “loaner” while GM was warranty replacing bro’s blown RA IV in his GTO. Cool and attention getting. Dad sure wasn’t accustomed to something like this. These may own the distinction of the longest hood in that era.
And radiator hoses/fan shroud
Monte Carlo had a hood with just another inch or so. Memory says the Monte had the longest hood of the era, though I’m sure this GP is second.
To me,the Gold wheels are too much.Would look so
much nicer without them.
I think Pontiac rally wheels would be the way to go. With White walls…I know, don’t yell at me!
3.07 rear gear ⚙️ 👌 big comfortable and stylish boat here from the Pontiac division.
Is the steering wheel correct? Looks like it is from a 1971 model.
The 455 was putting out 365hp for the g-body and B-body platform that year.a friend of mine several years ago bought a 70′ Bonneville for the 455 and th400 trans and scrapped the car…The first year 455 was the best.
For a car advertised on cosmetics more than mechanics there are scant few pictures.
This seems like a lot of money for a GP, even in today’s market. Yes, the car appears beautiful in the photos but with a non-working AC, I think this car is $10k too high.
More like at least 15K too high
Another beautiful car that is WAY over priced…. The normal working Joe just can’t afford these things anymore…..
Looks like a spot of surface rust on the inner fender well. If so I like it, means someone didn’t go under the hood with a rattle can.
Seen one two days ago, they went nuts under the hood, even painting hoses and wires!
Yeah morons call that “detailing engine compartment”
Pimp-mobile straight from the factory! I would drive this, price is above my pay grade😕
Show me the Vin number on the engine block.
A very good friend of mine had one of those in the early ’80s. Exact car only in green with black leather interior. The car was sweet. A blast to drive. Smooth and comfortable with plenty of horsepower. Too bad this one’s priced so high I might look into it. Way too much for this guy’s money. Good luck to whoever gets it.