UPDATE 07/30/2022: The owner of this 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ seems to be a motivated seller. We received the initial lead on this classic a few days ago, and they have relisted it with a significant price drop. If you have been wavering on this beauty, now might be the time to strike while the iron is hot. The original asking price was $18,000, but they have slashed it to $16,500. You will find it listed here on Craigslist if that has raised your interest. I must thank Barn Finder Kevin for spotting this classic for us.

07/28/2022: The 1977 model year marked the final for production of Pontiac’s Third Generation Grand Prix. While most potential buyers knew that a smaller and more efficient replacement was waiting in the wings, it didn’t prevent 288,430 people from spending the money to make a Grand Prix part of their life. Our feature car is the range-topping SJ derivative that presents well for its age. It is a one-owner survivor that has received limited recent use. However, it is in excellent overall health and is waiting for a new owner to savor the world of classic motoring. The Grand Prix is listed here on Craigslist in Mukilteo, Washington. You could drive it away by handing the seller $18,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the original listing.

At slightly over eighteen feet in length, the 1977 Grand Prix is a car with a genuine sense of presence. This impression is accentuated when the vehicle wears a premium shade like Mandarin Orange. That is what we find gracing this classic’s panels, which is complemented by a Beige landau-style vinyl top. The panels and paint present well, with no signs of significant defects. The vehicle has never undergone any form of restoration work, with everything remaining as it was the day the car rolled off the production line. It is a rust-free survivor that has been garage-kept. This strategy has helped protect the steel and preserved the paint and vinyl. The trim and chrome are excellent, as are the Rally wheels and their trim rings. Adding to its attraction, this Grand Prix features a glass T-Top. The seller claims they have never removed the panels, making the intact seals no surprise. That last factor is one to consider if the new owner plans on making the most of the T-Top. It has remained untouched for forty-five years, leaving the possibility that the seals might have become brittle or adhered to the glass. The buyer may need to source replacement seals to prevent water from finding its way inside this beauty once they’ve disturbed the glass.

One notable change potential buyers found when ordering their new Grand Prix in 1977 was the disappearance of the mighty 455ci V8. Most buyers could opt for the legendary 400ci as the largest engine in the range, although Californian buyers found themselves with the Oldsmobile 403. The 400 in our feature car produces 180hp, while the rest of the drivetrain includes a Turbo Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Considering its size, the Pontiac’s weight of 3,976lbs isn’t outrageously high. However, the ¼-mile ET of 18.4 seconds indicates that the company focused more on luxury than outright performance. The listing shows an odometer reading of 18,000 miles, although it is unclear whether the mileage is genuine. The seller says the car is serviced regularly and clocks around twenty miles per week. It runs and drives well and will happily cruise all day at 70mph. It appears a turnkey proposition where the buyer could fly in and drive home.

The Pontiac’s interior ticks two crucial boxes when assessing the car’s potential value. It is nicely equipped, and its overall condition is excellent. The Beige cloth on the seats shows no evidence of wear, while the remaining upholstered surfaces are spotless. The dash and pad are equally impressive, while the faux woodgrain trim has avoided the lifting and fading that can plague trim of this type. If you like your comfort touches, this car has you covered. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player.

Of the 288,430 buyers who handed over the cash to own a Pontiac Grand Prix in 1977, a respectable 53,442 went the extra yard by splashing additional money on the SJ version. The upgrade represented an 11% price increase over the base model when new, but it could prove to be a wise long-term investment. While a base model is struggling in the current market, SJ values are climbing strongly. Our feature car is a gem that has only been on the market for a few days. Its price looks highly competitive, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home pretty quickly.