From 1971 to 1975, the Grand Ville was the top-of-the-line full-size Pontiac. It had temporarily replaced the Bonneville, which would re-emerge at the top later. The 1975 model year marked the end of all big GM convertibles, except for the Eldorado (which would bow out the following year). Located in Miami, Florida, this nice drop-top has a freshly rebuilt 400 cubic inch V8 and looks good overall, yet the seller refers to the car as a project. It’s available here on craigslist for $9,500.
Demand for convertibles was on the decline in the early 1970s. With the Colonnade redesign of 1973, the mid-size LeMans, etc., no longer offered that body style. And from 1973 to 1975, the 226-inch Grand Ville was the only drop-top anywhere in the Pontiac mix. Pontiac built 4,519 of them in 197,5 which topped the four previous years (in fact, the 1975 demand was 50% higher than in 1974 because word got out that it was the end of the line).
This land yacht has benefitted from an $8,200 rebuild of its 400 CI powerplant. We’re told just 200 miles have been added since then, so it’s still in the break-in phase. The odometer itself has rolled over, though we’re not told what the total mileage is. A TH-400 automatic transmission should provide the shifting of the gears with no mention of its health. The car has been in storage since the rebuild, and the seller needs to reclaim the space for his business. Also, he/she no longer has the time to put into the vehicle. That point suggests more is needed.
The medium blue paint looks good, and there is no visible rust. The white interior offers a nice contrast to the exterior color. If you’re looking for one of those “last of the line” cars to add to your stash, does one of these big Pontiacs work for you? They would be downsized in 1977, so they don’t make them like this anymore.
$9500 seems like a steal for this. You’d have to wear a hazmat suit while driving it to keep that white interior clean though.
I looked at the thumbnail picture and thought what heck is wrong with the paint on this thing ? The after clicking on it and getting a bigger picture I realized it was the reflection of the other stuff. This could make someone a nice little cruiser and you don’t see a lot of them at the car shows
Wonder what happened to the 455 that came stock in the Flagship, and how much power the new 400 makes.
Should be 185 and the 455 at 200. Not much difference, just slightly better at the pump.
Something going on with the front bumper, but looks correctable without undue complication.
It’s 80° today here in Michigan. Perfect for this car.
Nice. Cheap enough. Aftermarket seat covers. At this price all you are paying for is the engine rebuild.
These are really nice looking cars. Someone is going to get a nice cruiser here.
cool ride needs some cash put into it. be a good buy for 8k considering its 2k for a new top
Owned several 1975 Grand Ville’s, all with a 455 V8 automatic, so I’m wondering why this has the 400 – any ideas?
Probably some hippie yanked it out, and installed it in his Trans Am. Then he took the 400 out of his Trans Am and installed it in this.
My 1975 convertible had a 455-4V but by this time, with the EPA showering down on the industry, the 400-4V had become standard and the 455-4V had become optional. Was a fantastic car and got 22-23mpg at highway speeds. Way more fun than our new generic looking SUV with a moonroof!
400 is no slouch either way you go…
To bad they “lost” the factory air cleaner though.
It’s not a Hot Rod…
Just a great top down cruiser
Finally. A reasonable price. It looks like a great deal and only needs a few K to get it to be a real head turner. Definitely a 4th of July parade vehicle with the top down and some local politician waving at everyone.
Nice powertrain here 400/400 trans. Yes the 455 would be better but they are both good engines.