Some classics fail to ignite passion, while others perfectly combine looks, luxury, and performance in a blend that forces people to stop and take a close look. That is the story behind this 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix Model SJ. From its stunning paint to the potent V8 under the hood, this Pontiac seems to have something for everyone. The seller describes it as highly documented, which might be the final piece of the puzzle for those considering pursuing it further. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this Grand Prix listed here on Craigslist in Post Falls, Idaho. They set their price at $45,000 for a car that appears to need nothing.
Some cars possess the “wow” factor, and this Third Generation Grand Prix is one such vehicle. It looks stunning in Baja Gold with a matching vinyl top, and while it may stretch credibility to describe it as showroom fresh, its overall condition would allow it to turn heads. The paint holds a wonderful depth of color and shine, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the vinyl appears perfect. However, this car’s beauty is far more than skin deep, and I mean that on several fronts. The underside shots reveal one of the cleanest undercarriages that you will find in any car of this vintage, with no evidence of rust or surface corrosion. The close-up shot of the factory Rally wheels confirms that they are free from stains and marks, and the trim and glass look perfect. There is no doubt that crowds would flock to this classic at any show or Cars & Coffee.
This Model SJ ticks the comfort boxes, courtesy of the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, Rally gauge cluster, clock, bucket seats, console, tilt wheel, and the AM/FM radio with its optional rear speaker. The color scheme set by the exterior continues inside this classic, with the combination of cloth and vinyl in coordinated Gold. There is no appreciable wear, with the condition of the carpet particularly noteworthy. The dash looks spotless, and I can’t spot any evidence of abuse. The seller has done their best to preserve this car’s originality, although I give them top marks for concealing an aftermarket oil pressure gauge in the ashtray to monitor the health of the beast under the hood. That engine could prove to be the icing on what is a very tasty cake.
Pontiac offered 1970 Grand Prix buyers a 400ci V8 as standard, but there were options for those craving additional muscle. This car’s first owner teamed the 455ci “HO” V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The engine generates 370hp and a whopping 500 ft/lbs of torque, guaranteeing that this Model SJ has the power to back its looks. These cars were genuinely fast in a 1970 context, and their performance can still be considered respectable by modern standards. The PHS paperwork supplied by the seller is only part of the equation, because it appears that they hold documentation dating back to Day One confirming the odometer reading of 68,926 miles as genuine. They recently fitted a new exhaust and fresh narrow whitewalls to a car that is a turnkey proposition. Therefore, flying in and building a relationship with this classic as you drive it home is a viable option.
I have long lamented the passing of Pontiac, and I see no reason to stop now. Without that marque, we may never have had a muscle car era, with the GTO standing out as the benchmark of a glorious moment in automotive history. It is sobering to think that as the new car market is focusing more on hybrid technology and electrification, the sound of large-capacity V8s driving off showroom floors may soon become a distant memory. That makes preservation vital for those of us with gasoline flowing through our veins. What better place to start than with a pristine vehicle, and this 1970 Grand Prix ticks that box. The seller’s price looks competitive, and recent successful sales suggest that the new owner will hold the keys to an appreciating asset. However, classic ownership is often about more than dollars and cents. The pleasure that a car provides is a genuine consideration, and this Pontiac would undoubtedly deliver. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to approach the seller to make your automotive dream a reality?
This generation of Grand Prix was excellent. Clean, sharp styling; attractive and well-trimmed interior; good power and performance. This looks like a great example. Extremely clean, even underneath. Kudos for the new whitewall tires, they fit the car perfectly. The new owner will be proud.
This is absolutely THE Grand Prix from this generation to own for sure. Not just how immaculate it is underneath and under the hood, etc, but that 455. Its probably because of the color, but especially when I look at the side view photos you could just picture Jim Rockford ( James Garner) driving this car before his Firebirds. This is absolutely beautiful. Color and all.
I was going to say a 4sp would be icing on the cake. But with the big power motor, luxurious appointments, and the beautiful color, this autoloader seems to fit the car perfectly. Time to light up those whitewalls 🔥 🏁👍 Thanks for the write up Clarkey.
I stand corrected Stan. You’re right…. a 4 speed would have been icing on the cake!!!
All I can say is Very Nice! I like the stance of this Pontiac and how clean it is and all the pictures that show it!!
Back in the day, these were great cars to be in and to be seen in. Dad’s was a Gold 1970 J; as a boy, getting to sit in the front seat was magical.
Best use for an ashtray that I’ve seen for a long time.
Of course it does not have cruise control – i really don’t know why so few cars had it in the ’70s & earlier
Can’t believe 15 inch wheels were not offered – at least in ’69. The correct tire size would be a G78!!-14 double thin whitewall bias ply which would look taller than the tiny/shorter 75 or worse 70 series radials on this GP.
Having a clock means no tachometer in this GP. Some had their dealer install a hood tach.
I wonder how many people realize how little the 1970 455HO has in common with the 1971-1972 455HO’s. One is a passenger car engine, the other is a performance engine.
Steve R
Wasn’t the ’70 GTO faster with the 400 motor than with this 455?
Yes, at least with the Ram Air III engine it was faster, I don’t think the base 400 was faster. The 1970 455 HO used a one year only D-port cylinder head (I believe the number to look for was 64, cast above the center two exhaust ports), with roughly 10-1 compression, in 1971 Pontiac increased the combustion chamber size across the board and the “455 HO” started using round ports head among other changes specific to that engine and was only available in A and F bodies through the end 1972.
Steve R
Yep, here is a rundown of the differences.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/vintage-reviews/1970s-vintage-reviews/gm-brands-1970s-vintage-reviews/vintage-car-life-road-test-1970-pontiac-gto-455-and-400-ram-air-there-is-a-substitute-for-cubic-inches/
The GP to have is the 1969 with the 428 HO and 390 hp. This is the best of the bunch.
Had one. That was an awesome car.
I had this exact car, color also. Bought it for $90.00, automatic, posi, smoke 2 gears and run 140 mph.
All I can say is if I bought I darn sure would drive ! So good thing I’m not in that position so I lay awake at night wondering if I should trailer it. Yes the 455 HO was as potent as Pontiac got well at least what they would admit too.
This one is a real beauty and I agree with Jack, the 69 428 was more potent. But for $45K this isn’t a bad buy for such a correct and clean factory BB car. You can’t drive a new one off the lot today for that price and draw the crowd this will when you park it!
My first car in 1993 at age 15 was this same year and exact color. Mine had the 400. Bought-it from a guys front lawn for $700 and it ran well. Brings back good memories. He also had a split bumper Camaro he would not sell to me. Great find. It’s so much easier to find cars now than in years pre-internet.
These are beautiful GPs but my favorite has to be the first. 1962 were a beautiful car also.
If I was walking into the Pontiac dealer in 1970 at my current age I’d have a hard time choosing between this or a GTO. If I was 16 as I was in 1970, I’d be all over the GTO and might not even notice the GP. This car is a gentleman’s hot rod and I’ve not seen a nicer one for sale, good price for this quality.
This is real deal preserved car. The wheel/tire picture shows it. It still has the black center caps AND the black center lug nuts! This car was very loved and cared for. If I had the cash I would buy this car in a heartbeat. I have driven many of these since I worked in a Pontiac store while these were still under warranty, and were traded in on the newest Grand Prixs. I always preferred this body style over later additions.
outstanding example of a great looking g/p. i bought it i think i would lose the v/top and paint the roof black. it would make the gold pop
I don’t remember ever seeing a 70GP without the vinyl top.
For anyone who wants to fly in and drive home, very easy Post Falls on the border just of Spokane on I 90
The first car I ever had with cruise control. Set it on 70 and it would hold there up hill, down hill and curve. If I were a little younger I would have to have this one!
American as apple pie, Pontiac and American made steel. What a world I grew up in when you could go into town a buy off an order form and have endless options.
The only thing worse was the roads back then. A few years later and radial tires made driving them roads much safer.
This Poncho looks to be a real charmer.
In my mind I can hear Shirley Bassey singing, “Gold GP”!
Hard to tell for sure, but in one C list pic, the rear end looks the same as a Chevy 12 bolt?
Yep, GM 12 bolt!
A friend’s father had one, dark blue, black vinyl top. I’ll never forget the day a few of us were at his house and his father backed out of the drive, cigar in his mouth, looked at us with a crap eating grin and lit up the rear tires. Yep, that 455 could do that easily.
This sure brings backs memories. After being discharged from service 1/69 I totaled my new Vette in 5/69 and ordered a 454 SS Chevelle. Being from a small town my insurance agent caught wind and called and said if I took delivery of the Chevelle he was gonna cancel me. The local Pontiac dealer had a’69 GP in the window just like this one [color]. It didn’t take the Corvette Club guys long to nickname it “Queen Mary” with that long nose on it.
The price tag sure doesn’t bring back any memories. LOL $45K. If I remember right I paid around $4600. I only paid $4000 for the Vette through the Navy Exchange store while I was in Subic Bay Philippines on R&R. I was just looking at that receipt about a year ago.
That’s one attractive car. The interior is fantastic.
Oh WOW I would love to have this one. I knew someone in the early 80s that had this one in green. Very fast tire smoking ride! I told him take an easy with it. Look I buy it now from you. He said no way. Then 3 weeks later I heard he wrap it into a tree and his ride to the Hospital! What a darn shame about the SJ. I did warn him that it’s too hot for him.🤨
I wonder if you took a Gran prix SJ auto against a 70 Old 442 auto both 455 engines…i bet the SJ would win in the 1/4 mile. 🇺🇸🐻
Had a 66 Bonneville with a 400 in it it was a runner after it was stolen and replaced it with a 70 with a 455. It was a dog.
Big Bear, Even though I’m a Poncho fan. I would bet on the 442. I’m pretty sure the Olds has a better gear. Although I think the Poncho has more torque, but more weight.
mick, I saw one without the vinyl top. It was white and Gorgeous!. These wheels with white stripe tires. I drooled for a week!