Over a decade has passed since I last hung up my helmet and called time on my racing exploits, but I remain as passionate about motorsport as I have ever been. That makes classics like this 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 attractive vehicles. Developed to garner success in NASCAR when the “SC” part of the branding stood for Stock Car, the aim was to build a better mousetrap for superspeedways. It failed to taste success on the track or in the showroom, but the 2+2 has developed a dedicated following in recent years. Our feature vehicle is a survivor that is begging for love. However, it has survived in a largely unmolested state, and the seller believes that it would take little to return the car to active service. They have listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Ellsworth, Maine. It has received no bids in an auction that has opened at $9,000.

Pontiac’s Fifth Generation Grand Prix range hit showrooms for the 1978 model year, with the badge initially enjoying strong sales of over 228,000 vehicles during the first year. However, the tally dropped annually and, by the time our feature car left the factory in 1986, only 40,584 buyers had handed over their cash to take one home. Pontiac sought competition success following the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” marketing philosophy, focusing on the NASCAR world by producing the 2+2 variant. It was designed to be more aerodynamically efficient than a regular Grand Prix, with the Ford Thunderbird its target on superspeedways like Talladega and Daytona. The process included adding a more efficient nose with an integrated spoiler and improved airflow into the engine. The rear was less subtle, with an enormous sloping back window feeding air smoothly to a ducktail rear spoiler for increased downforce. The solution wasn’t elegant, and with the back window fixed glass, the result was a tiny trunk opening that wasn’t user-friendly in the real world. The seller discovered this Grand Prix languishing in a barn, a spot it had occupied for around twenty-three years. It appears that the previous owner may have planned a cosmetic refresh, because most of the original Silver paint is now hidden beneath Gray primer. That may not be bad news, because the primer still looks quite good. That suggests that whoever applied it did so to a reasonable standard, and it may form a sound base for a cosmetic refresh. Rust can be a major concern for these classics, and this Grand Prix hasn’t escaped scot-free. The seller confirms that the driver’s side floorpan requires replacement, and that there is rust in the lower doors. I also spotted surface corrosion in a few areas, but I can’t see anything major beyond the mentioned steel penetration. The Pontiac retains its correct Rally II wheels, and most of the exterior trim is intact.

Pontiac marketed the 2+2 as a muscle car, but its specifications are anything but muscular. Buyers received the LG4 version of the Chevrolet 305ci V8, producing 165hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed 200-R4 automatic transmission handled shifting duties, with power-assisted steering and brakes as standard equipment. The Pontiac gave away 15hp when compared to the equivalent Monte Carlo, but with slightly more torque, there was little to separate the pair when the rubber met the road. The seller revived this classic after its long hibernation, adding new fuel and a replacement battery. The engine springs to life easily, and they feel that a thorough inspection and a new set of tires might be all that stands between this 2+2 and the open road.

This Pontiac’s interior is a surprise packet, presenting far better than the exterior shots might initially suggest. The driver’s seat has a tear on the outer edge, and the headliner has sagged to the point where replacement is required. However, the remaining cloth and vinyl are in good condition, the dash and pad are excellent, and the carpet should respond well to a deep clean. One notable factor is that this Grand Prix has avoided the aftermarket additions that often plague these classics. It is also nicely equipped by the standards of the day, featuring air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player.

Many people believe that Pontiac didn’t strike a sweet spot in the styling of the 1986 Grand Prix 2+2, claiming that the equivalent Chevrolet Monte Carlo Aerocoupe was a more elegant solution to maximizing aerodynamic efficiency for racing purposes. That may help to explain why Chevrolet produced the Aerocoupe for two years, and the sales tally was significantly higher than Pontiac enjoyed with the 2+2. Where the Pontiac scores a win is in the current classic market, with good examples enjoying a slight price advantage over the more common Aerocoupe. It is unclear how many of these vehicles survive, but would you consider giving this one a second chance at life?