One Year Only: 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Convertible

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?