One of the most storied domestic automotive models was Pontiac’s Grand Prix. And when I think or hear the name “Grand Prix”, my mind immediately goes to the downsized ’69 edition. It and its near identical ’70 model are far and in the way, my favorites! What about the fifth generation (’78-’87), such as today’s 1985 discovery, courtesy of T.J.? I’ll admit it, I don’t give those much thought. But, today I will, as that’s what’s in store, a North Ridgeville, Ohio, domiciled “Brougham” version. Here on craigslist is where you’ll find it, and it’s available for $14,000.
I focus on the ’69-’70 GP models because of their radical, and subjectively welcomed, departure from their king-sized predecessors. I could place the ’71-’72 in the same category, but the power started to wane in ’71 thanks to the Clean Air Act. As for this further reduced-sized ’85, it came in three flavors: standard, LE, and the high-zoot-suit Brougham, such as our subject. Pontiac moved about 60K Grand Prixs in ’85 with the Brougham being the smallest contributor to the total – just 8,200 units. The Brougham’s calling card was mostly focused on interior niceties, including standard power windows and pillow-top upholstery. This claimed 61 K-mile subject looks good! The finish is still strong, and there’s no sign of fade or crash damage. The seller adds, “The exterior has two-tone paint that is believed to be original. Paint is light chestnut metallic and dark chestnut metallic. Some minor chips and a scratch on the driver side door.” The wheels are non-original, but they work; the white letter tires are a matter of preference. Subjectively speaking, I’d suggest this GP looks a lot better without the optional Brougham-available landau package with its padded half-roof and coach lights.
Power is provided by a 150 net HP, Chevrolet 5.0-liter (305 CI) V8 engine, driving the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. I thought it odd that a three-speed gearbox would still be in use as late as ’85, but research indicates that the four-speed automatic O/D unit was available, but as an option. No statement is offered regarding running and driving characteristics, but that is certainly one clean engine compartment.
The Brougham’s most defining feature is the interior and its sumptuous upholstery – I get sleepy just looking at it. It’s in fine condition and shows no evidence of age deterioration – this has likely been a garaged car. The instrument panel gets points over what a lot of domestics offered in ’85, but I still miss the “curved-cockpit” feature found on my preferred ’69 edition. Unfortunately, bucket seats and a center console were no longer on the option sheet, so a split bench with a fold-down center armrest had to make do.
The year 1988 would see the GP’s architecture change dramatically as it switched to a transverse-mounted V6 engine, driving the front wheels (W-body platform). Technically, those were Grand Prixs too, but the old formula was gone for good – even a four-door sedan crept into the mix. Well, buy them while you can, right? Let’s talk price, at $14,000, would you say priced right, or not quite?
Nice car