Described by the seller as a one-owner barn find, this 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix requires total restoration. The seller admits it looks sad but believes the car is rock-solid. A few components are no longer attached, although those items are included. The listing images are poor, and the seller says they are unwilling to provide more. However, they welcome in-person inspections. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in Cochran, Georgia. The price of $6,500 is negotiable, but only after that in-person inspection.
The personal luxury car market segment, once the exclusive domain of the Ford Thunderbird, expanded significantly in the 1960s. It brought us the utterly gorgeous original Buick Riviera, and Pontiac’s First Generation Grand Prix hit the market in 1962. This generation remained on sale until 1964, with our featured car leaving the lot in 1963. Described as a one-owner barn find, the Pontiac hasn’t been treated kindly by time. The Marlin Aqua paint is slowly being consumed by surface corrosion, and the seller confirms rust in one rear quarter panel. The underside state is unknown, and with rust present in the battery tray, there could be further hidden problems for the buyer to address. The seller assures us that any removed pieces are present, and the images confirm that there are no issues with the tinted glass. Beyond the tired paint, perhaps the saddest sight is the 8-lug wheels. I have long considered these the most attractive wheels to grace a 1960s production car, but the ones on this Grand Prix may have deteriorated beyond salvation.
The most popular engine powering a 1963 Grand Prix was Pontiac’s 389ci V8, and depending on which box buyers ticked on their Order Form, the power output ranged from 230hp to 313hp. This GP also features a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The seller provides no information about the Pontiac’s mechanical condition, but the photos suggest it hasn’t run in many years. Revival might be possible if the motor turns. However, I believe that factoring a complete drivetrain overhaul into the restoration budget would be wise. It may not be needed, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
This Grand Prix’s interior is a surprise packet. The carpet is faded, and the dashpad has cracked, but I believe a deep clean would return most of the remaining components to an acceptable state for a driver-grade restoration. Trimmed in Turquoise vinyl, the front seats look nice, and the back seat appears to have seen little use. The interior isn’t lavishly equipped by modern standards, but the combination of air conditioning, a pushbutton radio, bucket seats, and a console should make life aboard this classic pretty comfortable.
No matter how you look at it, this 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix represents a major restoration project. The heavy surface corrosion requires nothing less than a bare metal approach, while the rusted battery tray may hint at further problems beneath the surface. It could be a glorious car if returned to its factory form, but are you up to the challenge?
Many questions to ask, and a look underneath – every inch of that underneath – is in order.
I enjoy the subtle and not-so-subtle changes Pontiac made for the ’63 – ’68 GP. This ’63, with the tail light panel, is so slick…
What a sad sight for the car that got me interested into cars as a kid,not Mustangs, Camaros, or Trans Ams but this beautiful styled machine which I still dream of owning one one day. I agree with the author that those 8 lug wheels were the best looking set of wheels to grace a car. A few years back I would’ve been all over this one .
My neighbor had a non-running ’63 Grand Prix in this backyard on four flats just like this. It was faded white and it was covered in tree sap. That was between 1974 and 1978 or so. So interesting to see the same scene 50 years later.
I don’t see a barn anywhere near this car, only a house trailer. It appears this vehicle has occupied this spot in the front yard for decades. The only positive about this situation is someone rolled the windows up after parking it which semi-salvaged some of the interior.
It’s such a shame. This was one very handsome car when it was new, great color combination too. I hope it gets saved.
Yeah, I get it, pictures hard so difficult to take now day…………good luck
This would be a great project car for $1500. Pretty sure once it is drug out of its spot, that it would have Fred Flintstone floors to deal with. They are such cool cars too. What a shame that somebody didn’t decide to bestow it upon a new owner much sooner. That Rotohydramatic trans……horrible.
Yeah, I get it, pictures are so difficult to take now days…………good luck
i guess the barn fell down and left no traces. in the dirt up to the rockers. not much hope for the underside.6500.00 i don’t know old man i will have to think about it.
8 lug wheels, nice color combo and possibly very little rust. It would be worth a drive if nearby to inspect the floors and frame
Again, it’s important to consider the clues. Because of the location and just sitting out in the open for so long, generally means it quit running altogether and wasn’t an easy fix.
Parts car probably at this point.
Back in the day, I owned a ’63, same color, but mine did not have 8 lug wheels or factory air, like this one. Time has not been kind to her
Good for parts and it isa A/C car with the hard to find rims too.
Time for a date with the crusher . .