No matter the make or model, finding a car like this gets every diehard gearhead excited. In fact, some of us (yes, I’m talking about me) suddenly become enthralled with the idea of owning and restoring a car we’ve never before considered simply because we’ve found it before anyone else did. This is not a good strategy for car investment, but it’s a sure fire way to explore a wide variety of makes and models, usually in terrible condition. This 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix is a “J” series model that has been parked in the same garage for over 30 years, and is lacking an engine at the moment. Find the Grand Prix here on Facebook Marketplace for $3,000 in Indiana.
The Grand Prix came in two flavors, with “J” being the lower spec offering and “SJ” a more performance-oriented model. That being said, being a J model didn’t mean it was lacking for equipment. While performance credentials may not have been exactly impressive, equipment levels certainly were. These cars hailed from the era of the personal luxury coupe, and even if Pontiac was cultivating an image based on performance, the Grand Prix was a car built for cruising, not hustling. The interior of this example is also a throwback to the time when a deep green interior was completely normal, covering everything from the dash to the console to the seats. At least the carpets and fake woodgrain broke things up a bit.
The Grand Prix in 1970 came standard with a 400ci V8, available in both low- and high-compression varieties. It doesn’t really matter now, as the longtime owner dispersed with the original engine eons ago and it’s not included in the sale. The original automatic transmission is still present, and the seller vaguely mentions “other parts” from the engine removal. The firewall shows evidence of the original engine extractor taking care not to lose all of the other components that were at one time connected to the original mill, so hopefully the next owner won’t have too much of a battle dropping a replacement engine in. The question is, would you spend $3,000 to bring home a Grand Prix of this vintage with no engine?
Normally, I’d say it’s probably a fair deal, especially assuming there’s some room to negotiate. But the seller does acknowledge that there’s rust in the body. It’s not egregious, as the listing notes the corrosion is contained to the trunk and rear quarters, but it does add another dimension to the restoration process that some enthusiasts may not want to take on considering this Grand Prix isn’t exactly the high water mark of collector-grade Pontiacs. Still, if the colors suit your palate and South Bend, Indiana isn’t too far of a drive, it could be an easy project to get running and flip for a few bucks – or just drive and enjoy. Would you restore this engine-less Grand Prix?
I like the color of green especially when it comes to money. When it comes to cars like this you would go through quite a bit. Then be reminded more so with the green everything on the insides. Amazed if the seller really had a dead project in his garage with no motor wasting space for 30 years?
Not as simple as throwing a 400 in it and done. The motor is the least of it’s problems. You have every common wear items like the fuel system, brakes suspension, cooling, transmission etc. Then paint and bodywork. If like all GP’s will have rust in the bottom of it’s two ton doors and quarters.
If GP’s are your thing more interesting examples exist. You could get a 428 and three pedal. Spend the money for a running example.
A+ parts car
Too bad they cleaned that little spot on the hood and ruined the perfect barn find dusty patina.
That wet spot looks like a screaming chicken off a trans-am that was left out in the rain too long.
For anyone interested, I saw an disassembled 69 400 GP engine in Hemmings. Seller wants $4200. ID is XH, rated 350 HP.
My parents traded a 66 tri power GTO for a 70 SJ 400 auto, Gold with a Buckskin top and interior. They asked him put cash down to order it as they felt the color combination was not pleasing and I imagine they didn’t want get stuck with a car they couldnt sell.The dealership sold Pontiac, Cadillac and Chevy and always had muscle cars around. When it came in they called and asked if they could pick it up a few days later, because when they were unloading the truck people were commenting on the beautiful Grand Prix on the carrier and they wanted to put it in the showroom for a few days. My dad was told they ordered two Chevelle’s and a Cadillac in the same/ similar color combo while it was there. The old man ordered a number of cars over the years and they were all gorgeous.
I love this generation of the GP, they are fantastic driving cars! But if you want a good example of a very expensive car to restore, not to mention find parts for, you’re looking at it! Do a quick search for a GP 4 speed ashtray. I hope someone saves this one, but you’d be much better go buying one of these comletelt completely done if you can swing it
ames performance
I have a Y-code 389 and a TH400 from a 1966 Bonneville that was wrecked. I’ve been looking for another ’66 full-sized roller. This is mildly tempting…
Ahhhh, wouldn’t be nice if people realized that not everyone has facebook? What a happier place it would be if we saw a car for sale that we were interested in and it was for sale where everybody had the same way to contact the owner. Of course it would help if the lazy kids that probably inherited this car, would pull it outside and wash it?
Engineless or not, since there is a spot rubbed to show the color, it begs the question, why not clean the whole dang car?
Facebook? Be afraid, be VERY afraid.
FB is here to stay. It’s free. Better than playing games on eBay.
To each his own.
South Bend is a rust area. BEWARE
Look at the rest of the garage. And you’re surprised they didn’t wash the car?
With a 74/455 sitting in the garage for the last 30 years, I know how the seller feels.