Pontiac moved the Grand Prix off the full-size Catalina platform in 1969 to its own new mid-size body and sales more than tripled. It was like a grand touring machine now with a new cockpit-style interior and a 400 cubic inch V8. This ’69 Model J runs well but needs some body and paint work and a little electrical tinkering. Located in Tenino, Washington, this Poncho is a drive-it-while-you-fix-it kind of project. It’s available here on eBay and the bidding has reached $7,400 so far.
The popularity of the Grand Prix personal luxury car began to wane in 1967-68, so Pontiac’s GM, John DeLorean, lobbied for a newer, smaller version of the automobile. So, from 1969-on, it rode on the new G-body which was a modified Tempest/LeMas A-platform car. It would also serve as the foundation for the Chevy Monte Carlo, which debuted in 1970. This saved a ton of money and cut development time by nearly half. Three trim levels would be offered (Model J, Model SJ, and Model LJ) with the Model J being a throwback to the Duesenberg of 30 years earlier. The changes were a hit with buyers and the 1969 Grand Prix sold 80,000 more units than the 32,000 of 1968.
The seller offers very few details on this ’69 GP. It looks well-worn at just shy of 100,000 miles. But the 400 V8 (2 barrel or 4?) is said to “purr like a kitten”. The only things not working properly at the moment are the headlights, so you could drive the Pontiac in the daytime until you get that problem sorted out (bad wiring or just a blown fuse?). No photos of the engine compartment are included.
There are touches of rust on the body and the green paint is ready for a makeover. Some interior work has been done in terms of carpeting and headliner, but the panel on the console that says “Model J” is pretty scratched up. If you like the looks of the DeLorean-era Grand Prix, is this one a project you’d like to take home and get started on next weekend?
Nice one, Russ! My first car was almost a 1969 Grand Prix with a 400 and four-speed manual, for… $750. Ouch. My dad said that it rattled too much since it was 11 years old and probably already rusty underneath from 11 harsh Minnesota winters.
Ah, our first cars. Mine was a 1964 Rambler Classic 770 station wagon. It was a POS and after about a year I upgraded to a 1966 Ford Mustang (I-6, bummer).
Haha, my uncle “gifted” me his 1962 (flesh colored?) Rambler station wagon with push button automatic, as a graduation gift. I ran it for the entire summer of 69.
My first car was a 1965 Impala 2dr ht light yellow with a black vinyl top. 283 powerglide. Was a really nice car that bought for $300. It never failed me, just a great old car, that was in 1971.
My first car was a 1970 Grand Prix 455 4 barrel. Best handling car I’ve ever owned and would absolutely fly. I’m still kicking myself for selling it.
My first car in ‘92 was a 70 model j, but with AT. It was $750 out of a guys yard. That must have been the going price, no matter what year you tried to buy a GP. I was only 14, but my older brother drove it while he worked in his ‘66 impala. Good memories.
I would purchase get it road worthy and drive it.. Down the road a bit maybe a year do a restoration. Never see cars like this ever again classics. Today’s cars
have no personality…..
This car looks like it’s seen it’s days of abuse,better see it in person before you buy a pig ina poke!
There are only afew Pontiacs that I really like, the 68-69 GTO, 66-67 Grand Prix and these. This and the 69 Elderado had the same kind of shape and were really sharp. Hopefully it goes to a good home.
I’ve always liked these, but why are there so few pictures?
I have the same car here for sale, but it’s an ugly copper/brown and someone was pulling the engine and for some reason and never finished. Mine has tilt steering wheel and I think a little better body. $3500.
Great highway cruiser with lots of style. The ‘62-‘64 and ‘69-72 GP are the only ones worth considering, IMHO. They may still seem garish to some people because of that snout but I’m glad they appear to be getting the attention they deserve.
This looks like a low-budget refurbishment to me, as in “teenager fixes up Dad’s old car.”
In 1969 my Mother decided it was time for a new car, all us kids having finally struck out on our own. My father left it up to her to get whatever she wanted. She came home with a brand-new Pontiac Grand Prix SJ in Matador Red with the black vinyl roof and a 428 HO under the hood, automatic tranny. My Father asked her in no uncertain terms why the _ _ _ _ she bought it with that engine? My Mother answered, it was the color of the car I wanted. The car was fast to say the least.
One problem; no mass production with a manual!
Those quarters look pretty wavy. I’m guessing if he gets hit, we’re going to see a massive Bondo dust cloud.
The mid 60’s Grand Prix’s were some of the most beautiful cars ever produced in my opinion. The later 60’s cars were the beginning of the end of the great styling era.
My first car is a 67 SS396 in my last year of high school! Sweet Muncie Stone crusher ! The Bad was drum brakes
I think you meant Rock Crusher. Stones would indicate something painfully different (LOL).
My sister in law had a beautiful ice blue 69, w dark blue top and interior, 400/400 with power windows/ doors A/C and AM/FM stereo radio, odd car the only place for the 8 track tape deck was on the back of the console if you had buckets, car was fast and smooth, I learned how to do smoky burnouts in it when I was 12
Russ…..
The ’68 GP was ugly as sin. The front was nice with the hidden headlights, but that roofline and rear-end were weird. And the skirts, yuck! It’s no wonder only 32,000 fools bought it.
I’ve posted this a couple of times before, my very first car was a 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood which was given to me by a friend’s father who just wanted to get rid of it. I was only 13 at the time.
When I was 17 and had a legal driver’s license, my second first car was a 1962 Lincoln Continental convertible. This was in 1970.
I’d like to restore my subscription to Barn Find. I like the adds and the comments. Maybe l’m a little too honest with my comments sometimes after all we’re trying to sell cars here and I understand that.
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