This 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix J proves we should never judge a book by its cover. It features tired paint and visible rust, but below the skin beats a heart of pure gold. It has ticked the boxes for plenty of people because the bidding has been frantic since the seller listed it here on eBay in Glen Rock, New Jersey. The action has pushed the price to $3,350 in a No Reserve auction.

The seller faced several insurmountable obstacles that forced them to place this Pontiac on the market. The first was that while they have completed the tasks required to ensure this car is mechanically bulletproof, they lack the skills to perform the bodywork necessary to return the Grand Prix to a pristine state. That alone wasn’t a huge issue, but they admit they lack the time to drive and enjoy the vehicle in the manner it deserves. A rent increase at the storage facility where it spends its downtime proved the straw that broke the camel’s back. The winning bidder faces many tasks to recapture this classic’s lost youth. The Matador Red paint is tired, but that is the least of its problems. There’s rust impacting some of the exterior lower extremities to varying degrees. The poor photo quality makes a thorough assessment impossible, but the worst of it appears to have found a home in the lower front fenders and rear quarter panels. The rockers and doors seem okay, but lower-body rust raises the question of what might lurk beneath. The news may not be horrific because this shot of the trunk pan exhibits nothing beyond heavy surface corrosion. The seller doesn’t mention floor issues, and the intense bidding suggests people are willing to roll the dice on that front. The trim condition varies between pieces that should respond to polish and other items requiring restoration or replacement. The glass looks excellent, and the car rolls on a nice set of Rally II wheels.

Lifting this Grand Prix’s hood reveals why we should be wary of taking things at face value. Its exterior needs love, but a heart of gold beats below the skin. The engine bay houses a numbers-matching drivetrain with a 400ci V8, a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. With 350hp at the driver’s disposal, the ability of this car to storm the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds is pretty respectable. It is the mechanical health of this car that makes it shine. The seller has sunk considerable cash into it, ensuring it is as healthy as possible. It recently received new brakes and brake lines, tires, springs, shocks, a fuel tank, and fuel lines. They say they wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere, making it a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.

This Pontiac’s interior leaves me scratching my head because the deterioration is not what you would normally expect from a vehicle of this type and age. The original owner bravely decided to order it trimmed in White vinyl, and although the trim looks dirty, I believe some work with a high-end cleaning product would make an enormous difference. The front bucket seats appear free from tears and splits, and the back seat is similar. The headliner is sagging, and like the door trims, it may be beyond help. The vinyl on the rear armrests is wrinkled but should stretch into shape. The console is slightly damaged, although the dash might be okay. I can’t spot any aftermarket additions, and while I can’t confirm it, my instincts suggest this car originally featured air conditioning.

The highest bid on this 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J is modest, but it reached that point off the back of fifty bids. People like what they see and are willing to gamble on its structural integrity. I’m not sure how much higher it will go because this auction doesn’t have much time left. Monitoring it might be worthwhile if you’re searching for a project because this could be an affordable candidate.