Pontiac embodied a “can-do” spirit throughout its heyday in the 1960s and early ’70s, bringing us the Tempest four, rope drive, the Overhead Cam 6, the Super Duty 455, and Endura bumpers, among many other innovations and delights. I’d be inclined to add the original Grand Am to the list, as it was Pontiac’s attempt to infuse a European flair to the standard American intermediate car. With a standard Pontiac 400, mahogany dashboard trim, and full instrumentation, it was an interesting attempt at such a hybrid, but the public didn’t bite; it only lasted three model years, including 1974, the year of our featured car. My colleague Russell Glantz found it on eBay in Sidney, Nebraska, and with no reserve, the high bid is currently sitting at $4,150.
As I mentioned above, a 400 was the standard engine, but it was the two-barrel version with 190 horsepower. The Grand Am pictured here has the optional four-barrel engine, with 225 horsepower, dual exhausts, and a standard Turbo 400 automatic. The seller claims that the 81,336 miles on the odometer are accurate, but the title is labeled as “exempt,” so who knows for sure. The Grand Am has air conditioning and cruise control; the cruise works, but the air? It needs recharging. And probably a lot of other stuff. The seller says that the battery and fuel pump are new and the oil has been changed, but the 400 could use a tune up.
One of the most “European” facets of the Grand Am was its instrument cluster, which was completely different from what you’d find in a LeMans. The rally gauge cluster was standard, as was the “Custom Sport” steering wheel with “large padded center.” The upholstery is Pontiac’s “Morrokide,” which is a “leather-like” vinyl, and the seats themselves recline (although they look very similar to the non-reclining seats in my ’74 Firebird).
The Grand Am’s white paint hides what might be the biggest letdown: hail damage on the “hood, roof, and decklid.” Of course, this car is a good, solid base for a cosmetic restoration, with only a few spots of rust on the quarters, driver’s door, and decklid, so the hail damage could be repaired during the bodywork phase of the project. A white car lends itself well to a home paint job, so an enterprising Pontiac fan who likes Colonnades in general, and the Grand Am in particular, could find themselves with a fun project that wouldn’t break the bank. The auction ends on Sunday, so let us know in the comments what you think about this project.
What does exempt title 🤔 involve ?
I think they’re just referring to “mileage exempt,” Stan (meaning that the odometer has rolled, etc.).
👍 thanks A.T.
In Nebraska it just means the car has reached a certain age so they no longer care what miles are on it when registering the car.
Saw one of these at the all-GM car show at the fairgrounds a couple of years ago. This one was loaded up with windows, locks, seat, 455, stereo & 8-track, etc. 40m miles. A beauty that the owner wasn’t interested in selling.
Working at a Pontiac store when these came out. I really liked them. The mahogany trimed instrument cluster was pretty. But the originals would peel the mahogany right off. (Poor adhesive) The replacements were good with no problems. My favorites of these were the 455 4 speed cars. These cars were great touring cars. Nice ride, and very neutral in hard cornering. (Particularly the 4 door cars) If a little oversteer was needed, then there was plenty of torque to push out the tail. I was 20 years old when these came out ( over exuberant driving was the norm for me) and never once did I even come close to having one of these “get away” from me. I have seen frames on these Colonade cars twist like a pretzel in very minor accidents. But have never seen a Grand AM car have an issue. (Possibly the 400/455 cars had beefed up chassis??? I’d buy one if priced right and had a 4 speed.
73 for me!
Cool cars, looked like they were hauling a$$ just sitting still!
SOLD for $7,900.