There’s something undeniably attractive about purchasing a classic that is a one-year-only vehicle. That is the opportunity presented by this 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Convertible, a car that existed for a single model year. It presents nicely, but there is scope for the buyer to lift its appearance to ensure it stands out from the crowd. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Pontiac listed here at Hagerty in Greenport, New York. Bidding sits at $10,000 with over a week remaining on the auction.
Pontiac released its Second Generation Grand Prix for the 1965 model year. Buyers received a 2-Door Hardtop with striking styling, but the company caught the public by surprise in 1967 when it unveiled a Convertible version. What made its inclusion unusual was that it remained on sale for only one year, and while the Second Generation continued to grace showroom floors in 1968, the Convertible was quietly dropped. Finished in Montreux Blue, this Convertible is particularly attractive. It isn’t perfect, because close inspection reveals minor paint chips and marks. However, if considered purely as a driver-grade classic, its condition is easily acceptable. It spent most of its life in California, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The Ivory White power top is in good condition, as are the trim and glass. The steel wheels wear their correct wire covers, as confirmed by the reproduction Window Sticker.
If this Grand Prix has a genuine weakness, its interior probably earns that dubious title. It isn’t horrendous, but it’s not pristine either. The Window Sticker reveals that the car originally featured bucket seats with power operation on the driver’s side. Somebody has replaced these with a bench, and it is unknown why. It is possible that a previous owner required more seating capacity, and with a bench, this interior could comfortably accommodate six occupants. The other issue is that the upholstery is mismatched, which is disappointing. If the buyer can’t locate an appropriate set of buckets to return the interior to its factory form, the slight tear on the driver’s side may be enough motivation to replace the front seatcover. Otherwise, the Parchment interior looks pretty respectable, considering the pale trim. It isn’t ripped or torn, and there’s no evidence of abuse. The carpet and dash look clean, and the radio/cassette player is the only other aftermarket addition.
Apart from the addition of the drop-top, the biggest change to the Grand Prix in 1967 hid beneath the hood. The iconic 389ci V8 made way for a 400, which continued the company’s well-earned reputation for high performance. This car’s 400 should send 350hp and 440 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. As confirmed by the documentation, the first owner also equipped the Convertible with power steering and power brakes. The engine bay presentation is consistent with the car’s age, showing no evidence of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. The seller doesn’t explicitly state that the Grand Prix is a turnkey proposition, but I see nothing to suggest otherwise.
Pontiac sold 42,981 examples of the Grand Prix in 1967, but only 5,856 of those were the Convertible variant. The drop-top didn’t return the following year, making it a one-year-only classic. This Grand Prix presents nicely as a driver-grade vehicle, with scope for the buyer to lift its appearance. They could perform a sympathetic light cosmetic restoration, sourcing the correct seats to return the car to its factory form. However, those tasks could wait, because the summer sun is still beckoning. I can think of few better ways to enjoy the warm weather than from inside this Grand Prix. Can you?
It sure is nice the site has a hankerin’ for these Chiefs, and I couldn’t be happier. Well, I suppose if I actually had one, but be it a simple Catalina 4 door,,,to this, what I would consider the epitome of the marque. I feel it’s important to show folks, that may not ever know what a ’67 GP ragtop was all about. $10grand??? No, I’m not going to gloat, but perhaps we’ve seen a turn around of sorts, and maybe these fantastic cars are coming back into the reach of someone that will enjoy them. 6300+ views and 9 bids,,,,,THAT is unbelievable. I mean, didly-diddly, It doesn’t get much better than this, eh?
SEM makes aerosol vinyl paint in a color that matches the original interior which would make a huge difference in its appearance for small money
I’ve used their products with good success. Also Malco makes a good product. They dry soft without that rough feel, especially on carpet. Use spendy SEM Leather Prep to give it a good grip on vinyl, wax & grease remover on carpet.
Some parts stores here in the Twin Cities used to mix vinyl paint & you could use a PreVal sprayer.
Looks clean and straight. Equipped like cars in Michigan sixty years ago. Notchback bench is comfortable and appropriate for a car of this nature. She’s more of a cruiser than a corner carver.
Apparently, it is an original Cali car, as it has a smog pump where the A/C compressor belongs. Not having air isn’t necessarily a deal breaker in a ragtop, and it does appear to be in pretty nice shape. It sure is attractive, great color combo. But why would someone put in an electric fuel pump? It’d be easy enough to replace the mechanical unit, unless the eccentric is worn off…
Another fine article, AC. I always liked the styling differences that Pontiac put on their full-sized GP’s. Love the front end. This drop top looks like something the Caped Crusader would be seen in around Gotham City.
Always had an affinity for this car. Had a chance to snag a local one several years back in a slightly darker blue, but the emblems and rear antenna holes were welded shut when repainted. Wasn’t willing to put out more money to undo the deed, but if it had the optional 428, I probably would’ve pulled the trigger.
Shart interior and NO A/C ! Hard Pass !
seems these G/Ps are coming out of the woodwork lately up for sale
There was no 1968 GP convertible because they were downright fugly! Had the typical GP front end but the roofline and rear was a disaster. Looked like someone grafted a Pontiac front clip onto some orphan sheet metal. There was no way they could make a decent convertible out of that.
In 1969 when they came out with the all new separate from the Bonneville/Catalina GP, dont know why they couldn’t have offered a convertible.
Hey, did anyone else notice there is a Fender skirt on the right side, but none on the left in the pictures? You pros are supposed to notice things like that, but everyone got hung up on the front seat color. Paint dye it or reupholster it. Column shifter wouldn’t look right with bucket seats and no console.
My second car was a 65 Catalina Convertible boutique used for $300 in 1972. Then the gas rationing started in 74. Sold it and bought a new 74 Corolla 1200. Wish I had them both now. Two of the best cars I ever had. On the road Poncho got easy 22-24 mpg, but around town I burned rear tires when premium was 34 cents a gallon. Torquey 389. Coroller got double that mpg, also fun but not in the same way. I was 16-18 then, now 70 and miss those two cars.
It’s good to know they took pictures of the skirt on and off. Looks better off to me.
It looks sportier without the skirts, but longer and lower with the skirts.
To me there needs to be less back end than there is so it looks more balanced.
Did anyone notice that the driver side skirt is missing?
Duh, did you read my comment from June 7th. Apparently only you and I noticed it is missing. Others thought the owner took pics with skirts on and then off. No, left side is missing or mangled.
did anyone realize that the hiding headlights & various trim level differences were made for Canada & export? i never understood why the Canadian Pontiacs offered so much more variety, even whilst using the Chev running gear ? 1970 2+2 with skirts, too many fun fabulous variations in such small production numbers make these alternate variations so fascinating. yes the 68 gp had the worst ‘Halo” vinyl tops but slapping the hidden headlight front & skirts to any Catalina convertible in 68 would be fabulous.
SOLD for $20,866.
21 bids.