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.