Many classics with sixty years under their belts have undergone some form of cosmetic restoration to ensure they present at their best. This 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix is an exception because it retains its original paint and sheetmetal. Some may consider performing a restoration, while most readers will probably consider preservation more appropriate. It is a turnkey classic that comes with some critical documentation that enhances its desirability. The Grand Prix is listed here on Craigslist in Deale, Maryland. The seller set their price at $22,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this fantastic survivor.
Pontiac introduced the Grand Prix to its model range in 1962, positioning its latest offering as a high-performance Grand Tourer. First Generation examples remained on showroom floors until 1964, with our feature car rolling off the line during the final production year. Its first owner hit the mark perfectly by ordering this gem in Gulfstream Aqua with a Black vinyl top. It has been garage-kept since Day One and can be considered a genuine survivor. The paint is original, so it goes without saying that the same is true of the car’s steel. The paint shows age in various locations, which is understandable after six decades. A cosmetic refresh would be straightforward and satisfying, but I tend to side with those who quote the “they’re only original once” mantra. The vinyl is in as-new condition, and there is no mention or evidence of rust. I am unsure whether I can describe the trim as perfect, but its condition is exceptional for its age. One feature that scores maximum points for me is the 8-lug wheels. I have always believed these are the best-looking wheels to grace an American production car from the 1960s and are one of the best of all time. These are spotless, and the narrow whitewalls add the ideal finishing touch.
One hallmark of many classics from this era is the abundance of bright interior trim. The trend fell out of favor for decades, but many new models are seeing a reemergence of that feature. Pontiac teamed sparkling chrome with Aqua vinyl to create a stunning and classy appearance. This aspect of the car is also original, carrying the hallmarks of a classic that has been treated respectfully. The upholstery has no appreciable wear, and the carpet is only lightly faded and marked. The dash and pad are immaculate, with the same true of the faux woodgrain and wheel. It may not score features like air conditioning or power windows, but the bucket seats, console, AM radio, power antenna, and tilt wheel are all welcome.
Pontiac produced some great engines throughout its history, and the 389ci V8 occupying this classic’s engine bay is one of its most iconic. The first owner teamed the powerplant with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes accentuating the car’s luxury credentials. With 303hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, outright performance is all you might expect. The ¼-mile journey should take 16.7 seconds while keeping the pedal to the metal will see that fantastic V8 run out of breath at 127mph. The originality theme continues with this Pontiac’s drivetrain, with the seller indicating it has never been dismantled or changed. They include the original Window Sticker and PHS documentation verifying this car’s heritage. It is a turnkey proposition ready to provide its new owner with years of motoring pleasure.
This 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix ticks the boxes for me because I favor unmolested classics. Opinions vary on the subject, and this diversity is one of the more attractive aspects of the classic scene. Some readers will feel it deserves preserving, others will see restoration as appropriate, while some will view customization as a viable option. There are no right or wrong answers, and it will be fascinating to gauge your opinion. So, it’s over to you.
Some will say that the replacement of original equipment removes it from a true survivor status to which others will say nonsense.
Machines wear out parts and replacing them to keep it running is just good sense, unless it’s a museum piece and then it’s of no driving value.
Parents of friends over the years had these, some became HS and college cars. Amazing how many teenagers would fit in the trunk of these going to a drive-in movie!
Agreed, Adam-this is an unmolested classic and IMHO it should be left as is to be driven/enjoyed by the new owner.
I agree w Nevada & Adam ; it should be left as is ( & w the saying only original once)! w the exception of the following; i e ; tune up & quick clean of interior & a nice polishing of original paint & maybe if paint holds up a light ceramic coating ? to keep original paint shine & that would preserve this car for @ least another 10-20 years w storage in garage or temp climate building??!!
Pontiac’s had genuine wood until 1966 and didnt go faux on some models until 1967(although the 1973 Grand-Am had real wood for one year but Pontiac didnt like it’s deterioration rate and did not continue on with it)That has got to be a rare colour as it’s the first Pontiac i’ve ever seen in that shade of green.
NO they were all plastic-not wood.
the wheel is plastic but the inlay on the dash steering wheel and shift indicator is wood…real wood….on bonneville and grand prix catalina and star chif dis not have the wood inserts
That green with the black vinyl top looks great ! The engine bay seems enormous. Your hear a lot of positive comments on the Pontiac 8 lug wheels, but never seem to see a good close up of them.
At the price they are asking this car should be gone in no time. A good detail of the engine compartment and whole car in general would enhance its appeal as well.
Great color combo, great 8-lugs — lousy, poopy slim-jim tranny, shared with the Catalina, and full size Oldsmobiles thru 1964. That tranny was sooooooooo bad, that Chevy, Buick, and Cadillac all refused to use it. Sad that the GP got saddled with it. It was a total DOG in any straight line contest – imagine shifting 1st to 3rd and you’ve got the picture.
Have run numerous RHM’s with no complaint. Quirky, and not a #1 choice for drag racing by any means (tho RHMs did compete & win in A classes), but perfectly acceptable otherwise. Had a ’64 Cat daily driver for some years & still have a ’64 GP RHM.
Gulfstream Aqua is defiantely a less common ’64 color, tho my Cat was that shade (Code Q). Nice color!
Oh I am in ❤️❤️ with this GP. Only if I had 22Gs for this handsome Poncho. This is when America made real cars with style. Much props to the new owner.
Wow, nice original Pontiac, I can’t believe it spent it’s life under that carport. The GM cars back in those days used lacquer paint that tended to crack allowing moisture to get down to the metal, same with the vinyl top, hopefully it looks good up close…
The day the ’64 Pontiacs came out, a friend and I in our 20s scrambled to the local dealership and were dazzled by the Ponchos, especially the GP with those magnificent wheels! We had to love it from afar, though, neither of us having the bucks to buy.
The following model year, three friends of mine bought ’65 Pontiac convertibles, one, a Catalina and two, red Bonnevilles, one of which had three 2s and a 4 Speed. Was I envious? Very. I mean, VERY.
I had to wait for ten years to get mine, a dark blue ’65 Catalina with a white convertible top. It had been driven only 40k miles or so since 1965 by a dealer’s wife, but the winter road salt had done its dirty work. But, drooling, I paid $1,250, and soon after bought a new white top kit from the Sears catalog!
Fast forward to 1990, when my beloved Cat’s left rear quarter was flattened by a carload of college girls who blew through a stop sign on their way to a party. The bodyshops said it couldn’t be straightened, and there wasn’t a replacement panel anywhere, including in the Good Ol’ Boys Southern Junkyard Network, so I bent the panel away from the tire with a 2×4 and sold ‘er for twice what I had paid. Sad, but true…
I hope at least they were damn good looking college girls…painful loss…
A real dichotomy of styling between this Pontiac and that sardine can masquerading as a truck featured earlier. I don’t get why BF is writing up an article on a brand new “truck” but that’s not my call, so…back to the Grand Prix. This car has a very unique exterior shade. Not sure if I’ve ever seen this color before. It looks to be in remarkable shape and it would not take much effort to take its presentation up a notch or two while still preserving it. I am sure someone will be the new proud owner of this beauty before too long. Good looking GP.
We had a ’64 GP in bronze. I loved the vacuum gauge (Econometer) and always asked my mother to put it in the red zone. Sometimes, she complied to my delight.
Sweet !
I agree Rick. I have a 64 GP right now. Drive it daily. And yea 1st to 3rd (haha). It’s cool! I get a lot looks here. Problem is trying to find original 8 lug rims and hubs is a challenge, let alone the slim jim.
Nice car if you live in Minnesota, but everywhere else you need A/C these days.
Pretty sweet car. Looks like it has all the right stuff to me. The color is just perfect for that body style. I tend to agree with Adam the 8 sluggers are really one of the coolest wheels ever from the factory. I dunno about the price though, even though it’s only original once….. I don’t think it is that popular with the poncho crowd. I figure maybe 14 to 16 k is a good window to shoot for.