The Grand Prix debuted in 1962 as Pontiac’s personal luxury car with a performance twist. The third generation arrived in 1969 and was a great looking automobile (IMO until they cut back to single headlights in 1971). This 1970 edition in “J” model trim looks quite rough around the edges, but the seller assures us that rust is minimal where it counts. Located in Godfrey, Illinois, as a likely barn (or swamp) find, this ’70 Grand Prix awaits a full restoration. The starting bid of $1,000 has yet to be cast here on eBay. And with no reserve, you might get the car cheaply.
Grand Prix sales were anemic in 1968 (31,700 units), but demand exploded with the new design in 1969. 112,500 units were sold that year, so the drop to 65,700 copies the next year wasn’t a shock because the Grand Prix now had the Monte Carlo to compete with over at Chevrolet (1970). Also, because the car was all-new in ’69, the ’70 models changed minimally, with things like power front disc brakes becoming standard equipment.
A 400 cubic inch V8 was standard fare in the ’70 Grand Prix, and the seller confirms one resides in this Pontiac. An automatic transmission is also along for the ride. We’re told the car is a yard runner due to the need to flush out the gas tank (it currently runs off a can under the hood). The seller adds that the drivetrain appears to be “almost” completely unmolested, so we wonder what the exception might be.
If the odometer reading of 41,000 is accurate, then this car has sat somewhere for years, maybe decades. And out in the Sun, given how well the green paint has been baked. A vinyl top was likely there at one time and has been peeled off or simply flaked away. The interior is grungy, and cleaning it will only partially help. New upholstery and carpeting will be required. For some reason, the wheel covers don’t seem right to me, and they look like ones from 1968 (Pontiac experts, feel free to chime in).
These were attractive and stylish cars in their day. I hope it gets restored.
Something in the lead photo caught my eye. The driver’s door has relatively little rust, while the adjoining fender and hood have no paint left and are completely rusted. Not that it matters now, because the whole car needs paint, but I wonder why.
Could it be that I’m the only one irritated by the eBay “Secure Purchase” second frame in the expanded pictures? Why not put it either the first position or the last? It’s annoying to start looking at the photos, only to have the second one start with its annoying music, before continuing on with the rest of the photos! (Rant over) :-)