Original 428 HO: 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model SJ

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This 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model SJ is far more than a pretty face. Far, far more. Its presentation is tidy for a survivor with almost six decades of active service under its belt. However, lifting its hood reveals the star of the show, because its engine bay houses the range-topping 428ci “HO” V8. The listing images suggest there is room to improve its appearance without breaking the bank, although many enthusiasts would probably opt to preserve the Grand Prix as a genuine survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this potent Pontiac listed here on eBay in London, Ontario, Canada. The seller set their price at C$58,000, which translates to approximately US$41,600. There is also the option to make an offer.

The 1960s was a decade of frantic model development, as demonstrated by the Third Generation Grand Prix. John DeLorean wanted a new model on the market ASAP, forcing the latest Grand Prix from concept to production model in just over two years. It broke cover in 1969, with our feature car rolling off the line during that production year. It is a striking vehicle, ordered by its first owner in Palladium Silver. The seller states that the deal includes a new vinyl top and the appropriate moldings, suggesting that this classic may have originally had a vinyl top. The paint retains a very respectable shine, but close inspection reveals a few minor flaws. However, with no major shortcomings, the new owner could leave the car as is. There is no evidence of rust, and the seller states that the car’s underside is rock-solid. I initially thought the car was missing the trim rings off a couple of its Rally II wheels, but these appear to be stored inside the vehicle. The trim is in good condition, and the glass is clear.

John DeLorean aimed to position Pontiac as the performance marque within the General Motors empire, and this Grand Prix demonstrates the lengths he went to in pursuit of that dream. Buyers could order a ’69 model with a 400ci V8 under the hood, and its performance would have been above average. However, this car features the range-topping 428ci “HO” V8, which is a brutal powerplant. It sends 390hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed Turbo Hydramatic transmission. Unsurprisingly for a car of this type, it also features power steering and power brakes. The good news for purists is that this Grand Prix is numbers-matching. The deal includes a partial Service History, the original Build Sheet, and documentation from PHS and GM of Canada. It is a turnkey proposition, ready to provide relaxed summer cruising.

Finished in Red vinyl, this Grand Prix’s interior is anything but subtle. However, that isn’t a bad thing. I often lament how modern vehicles rarely feature bold interior trim colors. Most new cars are a sea of Gray in varying shades, but the vibrancy of this interior graphically demonstrates what is missing from the latest models. The vinyl looks extremely nice, with only minor stretching on the driver’s seat base. The carpet is in good condition for its age, as is the headliner. The dash and pad are crack-free, and the console looks excellent. I don’t believe that this interior features air conditioning, but the buyer receives power windows, a tilt wheel, and an AM radio.

With its 428ci HO V8 under the hood, this 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model SJ blurs the line between luxury and high-performance cars. The images reveal a few minor imperfections, but its apparent lack of rust makes preservation as a genuine survivor a viable option. Some readers will argue strongly for that approach, rightly noting that these classics are only original once. The Barn Finds motto is “To Protect and Preserve,” which is the path I would take if this Pontiac found its way into my garage. Do you agree?

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Comments

  1. Wayne D Wayne DMember

    Nice writeup Adam! I would clean this beauty up and keep it dry for the sunny weekends. I’d also be prone to removing the remaining trim rings and laying a fresh layer of silver paint on those rims and leave the rings off. Much like its cousins, the GTO and Trans Ams from the same year. Especially with the silver color it already sports.

    Like 10
    • 19sixty5Member

      The only GTO that did not have trim rings from the factory was The Judge.

      Like 3
    • Mike Hampton

      I would most definitely leave this 1969 Grand Prix as is for the most part if I could afford it I would only add Air Conditioning and an FM Radio with Sirius XM or a CD PLAYER with upgraded speakers how ever this is a beautiful 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. I just wish I could afford it cause I love it

      Like 7
    • Mike Hampton

      I would most definitely leave this 1969 Grand Prix as is for the most part if I could afford it I would only add Air Conditioning and an FM Radio with Sirius XM or a CD PLAYER with upgraded speakers how ever this is a beautiful 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. I just wish I could afford it cause I love it . Pontiac is No.1 in my Book.

      Like 0
    • Lonnie G. Snow

      DITTO
      in 1976 i bought my first car, a 1969
      Bonneville 428 sj. It had mud and snow tires on the back, we used to
      Travel back and forth to school in Seneca Mo. and all my buddies loved the positrack . It would roast those
      Mud and snows.

      Like 2
  2. Curvette

    An executive hot rod that could outrun most muscle cars of the day, cool color combo. Just needs a little tlc.

    Like 23
  3. Clinton S

    The seller description specifies fuel: gasoline however there appears to be a modification under hood. I spy a Century Fuel Vapor / LPG Regulator.

    Like 17
    • Mike

      Mr. Clinton S, can you help us less knowledgeable folks as to what a Century Fuel Vapor / LPG Regulator is?

      Like 5
      • Clnton S

        Part of a dual fuel setup which entails special carburation and a trunk mounted propane type tank. Installed as a kit, Canada offered conversion incentive programs at one time.

        Like 12
      • 370zpp 370zppMember

        I was sure it something to do with playing golf.

        Like 5
      • Wayne

        Thanks Clint! (OK to call you that?)
        I knew it looked familiar, but my old brain couldn’t pull it out of of the fog. (And I was an ASE Certified Alternative fuels tech.) It’s been a long time since I have seen one. Is there a propane bottle bracket in the trunk?

        Like 2
  4. Rogue1

    Wow, what a beauty, never fond of that beak nose tho…

    Like 5
  5. TRUTH

    Very nice, but even at the US currently, way too much. Can we talk about maybe a Rupee price of that much??? LoL. I just don’t understand the sky high prices.

    Like 11
    • Scott

      You nailed it. The trim missing on the back window may mean there’s no trunk. There isn’t enough there for me to see ANYTHING like that kind of money given a fully restored one can be bought about $50k and that’s a hood tac SJ automatic.

      A truly mint HO, 4-spd hood tach car is $90k. Its all done you simply buy it and drive it.

      Like 5
  6. Stan StanMember

    Pontiac division always offered some muscle and performance 🏁

    Like 6
  7. Randy jones

    Never heard
    Of a propane pontiac.in 1969..if it’s a carb car.it has a 69 quadrajet.carb made by gm.and fits every Pontiac made..it looks to be a nice gp car..odd interior color though

    Like 3
  8. James Biasella

    It’s hp is a little closer to the 470 ft. Lbs. Of torque. They are usually in the same ballpark. A great Pontiac engine.

    Like 5
  9. Nelson C

    Velvet sledge hammer.

    Like 5
  10. Larry Larratt

    Nice looking poncho,,, but if it’s been on propane, there’s a good chance those 1969 heads with non – hardened valve seats …suffer from valve recession…. Propane runs dry and hot…

    Like 6
  11. steve

    WAY overpriced Belchmobile. Hard Pass !

    Like 3
  12. hairyolds68Member

    cool poncho for sure packing the big killer 428. great color combo too. not nearly enough pics though for the price they want. i will be watching. 1 of my favorite year G/Ps

    Like 6
  13. Robert Haake

    A bit too much $$$ for that. He’s testing

    Like 6
  14. mick

    To me, this is an appropriate place for an automatic trans. Big engine, sexy body, driving to the market or sucking up the miles on the freeway. Confident, successful. Nothing to prove. But if you had to . . .

    Like 7
  15. Allen L

    “underside rock solid,” but not a single picture.
    How did it survive winter road salt???

    Like 6
    • Glen Riddle

      True. The insidious dark lord of oxidation never sleeps.

      Like 6
  16. Gregory Owens

    Monte Carlo don’t stand a chance. Style, Handling and Speed. My favorite Pontiac through 1972. This baby will squat and go. Love the body proportions

    Like 6
  17. david chambers

    Cars with no A.C. might be a sale anywhere EXCEPT the southern United States . Down here , you couldnt give that car away .

    Like 2
  18. frank mcdonald

    I would never turn down a car that I really liked and could afford because of no A/C. An air conditioning system can always be added to a car. I had a 69 Bonneville which sported the exact same steering wheel as this car. Triggered lots of memories.

    Like 2
  19. Chuck

    A friend of mine had one of these back in the late 70’s. it would run consistent 14.0’s with no performance modifications. Anyone who ran at Meander Raceway in NE Ohio back then, knows the car I’m talking about. My 70 with a 400 was equally consistent at 15.10’s. Great sleepers. As to the $41,000. Not me, but a cool car.

    Like 3
  20. JarrettDamboise

    This Poncho is amazing, what a beauty

    Like 1
  21. John K Smith

    The 428 H.O.’s were absolute beasts and their power was seriously underrated. Clean 400 G/P’s can be had for mid to upper 20’s with ease.
    An extra $13-14k ask for the 428 is a little steep. There is a NICE 70 triple black G/P on this page for $32,895. Like the silver and red gut color combo!

    Like 2
  22. Mark

    Very nice Pontiac here a beast of a vehicle!

    Like 0

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