UPDATE 12/10/2024: This 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix brought mixed responses from our readers when we featured it in October, and it appears that the seller didn’t taste success with their fixed-price approach at $18,000. Therefore, they are making another attempt to find it a new home. The car’s details remain the same, although it is now listed here on eBay in Oceanside, New York. Twelve bids have pushed the price to $3,200, which is below the reserve.
10/08/2024: This 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix is claimed to be a one-owner classic featuring its original engine and transmission. The owner recently treated it to fresh paint, but there is scope for the buyer to perform some minor tasks that will lift its presentation significantly. That work falls within the non-urgent category, allowing the new owner to enjoy this classic immediately. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for the original lead on this classic.
Pontiac marketed its Third Generation Grand Prix range between 1969 and 1972, with our feature car emerging during its final production year. Many enthusiasts place great emphasis on a known history, and this classic ticks that box. It is a one-owner vehicle that presents well. The owner indicates it received a recent professional repaint in its original shade of Green, and there were no half-measures. Stripping the exterior to bare metal ensured a high-end result while adding a replacement White vinyl top was deemed appropriate in this case. The seller supplies several images in their listing showing the car before and during the restoration process. These reveal that there was rust in the lower rear quarter panels that was patched, although the remaining panels appear sound. Therefore, finding anything worth criticizing about the appearance is almost impossible, with the seller stating that the paint has only accumulated a couple of minor marks since the restoration ended. The paint shines nicely, the panels are straight, and there is no evidence of any further rust. The trim and glass look excellent, with the same true of the Rally II wheels. As we will see, the good news with this classic continues below the surface.
A numbers-matching status is another major consideration for potential buyers, which is another box ticked by this Pontiac. It features a 400ci V8, teamed with a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. That V8 should generate 250hp and 325 ft/lbs of torque, providing respectable acceleration and open-road cruising ability. The seller doesn’t make bold mileage claims, indicating that the odometer has rolled over. The Grand Prix recently received an oil change, a battery, an alternator, and a Flowmaster exhaust. There are no signs of long-term fluid leaks or other nasty problems, and this classic doesn’t flatter to deceive. The seller indicates that this Pontiac runs and drives well and that they hold the Owner’s Manual and other documentation. The indications are that it is a turnkey proposition.
This is the point where we must assess this Grand Prix’s most significant weakness. The owner ordered this classic with its interior trimmed in White cloth and vinyl, which would have looked stunning in its prime. However, the passage of time hasn’t been kind to the seatcovers, which are split and ripped beyond repair. Therefore, new covers will be required at some point if the buyer wishes to recapture this car’s former factory glory. A brief online search unearthed a complete set in the correct material combination for around $730. I’m sure a more intense search would uncover cheaper alternatives, or the winning bidder could leave the existing slipcovers in place to hide the problem. The door trims, carpet, and dash should look acceptable with a deep clean while the photos indicate that the seller still hasn’t reattached the passenger-side power window control that was hanging loose when we last saw this car. The Grand Prix is a luxury car, which is confirmed by its interior appointments. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power front seat, and a factory radio.
Tackling a full-blown restoration is not something that everyone is willing or able to undertake. However, retrimming seats isn’t beyond an enthusiast with reasonable skills. That appears to be the major shortcoming of this 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix. An in-person inspection will undoubtedly unearth other issues, which is why I always encourage that practice as an integral part of any potential purchase. The seller didn’t taste success with their previous fixed-price listing, but do you think their chances have improved by adopting the auction approach? That undoubtedly hinges on their reserve, but what would you consider a fair figure?
Throw a blanket over the seats 💺 Clarkey ? 💁♂️
It’s a good thing the seller told potential buyers, “the car is being sold at a very reasonable price,” otherwise I wouldn’t have known.
Fresh paint in a car from a rust prone location that needs interior work, has the power window switch hanging from the door panel and proclaims to be a 1 owner car. None of that inspires faith in the accuracy of the ad. If local and you are in the market for an early-70’s Grand Prix it’s worth a look, but it would be a good idea to bring a second set of eyes.
Steve R
Price reduced by 3K to 15K after 3 days.
That could signal that the seller is very interested in making a deal to move this out of their driveway.
A “1-owner car,” doesn’t mean much if the owner wasn’t very conscientious.
I can be wrong. same car + locations last 3 -5 years! only $ went up.
Not without faults but a handsome car nonetheless. The interior color is called Neutral. Beige seats and doors with a brown carpet, dash and shelf.
Wow, I didn’t know how attracted I am to this styling until just now.
I do like large 2 door personal luxury vehicles, and this one strikes a good combination of luxury with muscular looks.
And photographed in its native habitat.
The body looks good and if the price stays reasonable this might be a good investment. I’d want to assure the body work was done properly, not just filled with bondo
Ended at $3,200.
Reserve Not Met.
Maybe I’m mistaken but there’s still time left on the auction showing. $3200 was the last bid. That color takes me back to the seventies, but I would have opted for tan vinyl to recover that roof, and while you’re at it, tan upholstery too.
Under the hood looks like the black hole!
A bench/column Grand Prix is going to be a very difficult sell. That driver center dashboard that flows beautifully into the console and floor shift makes the interior.
Makes me think Of the cheaper Monte Carlo without it.
This G.P. been on Tri state local ad for the last 3 -4 years. asking too much for this particular condition. what’s under the seat covers? is one of those ad’s that stay for years w/ no sale & gets stale for years Lol. not trying to knock the guy.
I had a ’72 in bronze w/ tan vinyl top and matching interior, buckets and console shift. Just a few steps down from showroom. Man do I wish I had it back. Would be well worth the price being asked for this for this one, but they are not on the same level.
A car is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
Seller seems to think it’s worth $15,000 and to him it may be worth that but the buying public seems to think it’s only worth $3200. Kind of a big difference.
Either he let’s it go for what the public thinks it’s worth (with all the work it needs) or it’s gonna take up space in his driveway until he lowers his expectations and prices rise on these cars.