Original 428 HO: 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model SJ

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?