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?
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