Finally, a Grand Prix that’s in the same state I am (California) and which is old enough (a 1975 model) that it doesn’t have to be subjected to smog checks. And the price? Not terrible at an asking number of $15,000. For a shiny red machine, that’s reasonable. So what’s wrong with this picture, which we get to contemplate thanks to a tip from Tony Primo?
Nothing much except that the claim of the car having rolled past just 10,000 miles is not substantiated with any evidence. Maybe our eyes are the evidence, as the car looks clean in all areas. But super-low mileage needs a story to sustain it. The car is titled and licensed in dry California, but there’s no word of prior owner(s) or work done other than “was just serviced.” Fluids? Bushings and other rubber parts? Hoses? You’ve got to go on the few images provided to squeak out the answers to such concerns. There’s not even the familiar “ice cold air” throwaway line that appears in many ads for GM cars of this vintage.
One other thing is that the burgundy velour upholstery is amazing. Plush, lush, inviting, but I’m not so convinced by the paint job. Is it original? Doesn’t matter. I’m not into the two-tone. There’s just not enough of a complement between the accent color on the trunk and tail and the primary finish on the rest of the sheet metal. Or maybe the lighter paint on top emphasizes the boat tail styling a little too much. What am I saying? This is entirely too nit-picky. What needs to happen is that this car’s originality needs to be sworn to, and then even a dollar off this price makes this ride cheap. (Hagerty has a #3, which this is better than, valued at mid-$13K.) However, if it’s a re-do, and the miles are 110,000, not 10,000, then the negotiating should begin.
This is part of the fourth generation of GP, which ran from 1973-77. In 1975, an LJ model with velour interior and exterior pin-striping was added to top out the line. Engine choices across the family were 400- or 455-CID V8s. One of those 400s was a new, more economical 170-hp version with a two-barrel carb. This was a no-cost option on J and LJ models. (The other entry into the model lineup was the SJ.) But imagine an engine that size putting out what many 2.0-liter mills now offer? And at a grand MPG number that probably hovered around 15 in town. Those are issues long bygone, though. Your decision is simple: In a somewhat crowded marketplace, what’s fair for a car this stylish, original or not? This number looks like a discount, providing an eagle-eyed look didn’t turn up any funny stuff. Check it out here on craigslist and find a way to Mill Valley, CA to start the drive home.
It looks pretty darn clean from top to bottom. Almost too good to be true. If interested, this could be a great find (once a personal inspection is completed).
Which motor is in this GP ?
This car is truly in new condition. It’s definitely the high line version. It is a beauty. If the pollution devices were yanked from the engine, it would produce 350 or better horsepower. What an excellent vehicle. I would love to have it. I was 20 in 1975 and this car takes me back. It’s beautiful!
I don’t see an air pump. At most, the flat pellet cat converter robs 40 hp.
So with it’s low compression reg gas “station wagon” motor, i would say 220 hp if it’s a 400 motor or 250 hp max if it’s a 455 motor.
I have a 73 SJ w a 455, the valves on these later motors are smaller, including my 73, compression was way down, torque was plentiful, but horsepower can’t be found with these year correct heads, 69/70/71, those motors had hp, these just burn gas
I wish they had said what size engine it has. I like everything else about it. One of my favorite colors and I like the two tones.
This needs more pictures and information for such a sweet car!
If it had 10k miles it would already be sold. The pic of the door jam does not look like original paint to me. I personally like the color combo.
The standard powerplants were Pontiac’s own 400-cid V-8 engines, with the Pontiac 455-cid V-8 optional. An SJ option included a rally gauge cluster, radial tuned suspension, special shock absorbers and radial tires.
What a beautiful car. Bunkie Knudsen and John Z set Pontiac on a trajectory for greatness that carried them well past their departure. The two tone paint may be after the fact. I don’t recall it being offered in ’75. OTOH it was showing up all over in ’76.
There was a 1975 in this paint scheme at Mecum Harrisburg 2023 lot F167. It also has the same type of interior but with a split bench.
Yes. Looking at the brochure shows that it was one of three combinations offered. Pontiac got a jump on the trend.
Nice GP. Looks real clean. I would like to know the engine, but really doesn’t change its value much. This is a nice car, be it 350, 400 2 or 4v or 455…15k is very fair.
Lovely ride. Never cared for the round headlites on this vintage Colonade. The square lites blended better on this large platform.
The condition of the dealer sticker under the left tail light gives credence to a low mileage claim.
Very nice. Hopefully the seller can document the mileage. If it were closer, we’d check it out.
It is a beautiful car, not crazy about two-tone but it is what it is. I do wish there was more info to justify why the price is so low. I just dropped almost the asking price on body and paint work on an ’77 SJ and it’s a weekend driver so not selling but it does question insurance coverage.
The seller will not respond to anything except providing them with your phone number 1st. This is usually in invitation to spam call central. IF it’s legit, beautiful car at a great price.
I love this car. Engine size doesn’t matter, I have loved velour seats since my late wife’s 78 Diplomat had them, so comfortable. I know all the young people want leather and that’s okay, get what you like. Here in Texas these older cars are not subject to any smog or safety tests. Nevertheless I wouldn’t change anything on it, just drive it around my community which has everything I need within 2-3 miles. Occasionally I would drive it out on the highways like I do my 64 Buick Riviera just to open it up and blow out the dust and city smell. I really want a Ford retractable hardtop for my next car, so I’ll patiently wait for now.
God Bless America
Sorry Dave Brown. It would take more than just yanking devices to get to 350 horse power. Maybe a crate motor and put the original motor in a corner
I love everything about the styling and appearance of this 1975 Pontiac. Hope it is as mechanically sound as it looks. I owned a used 1974 Grand Prix for 5 years and briefly a used 1976 Grand Prix. The 6.6 liter V8s accelerated smoothly at all legal speeds but due to the car’s weight and emission/CAFE law changes it was not the powerhouse of 1969-70 models. Handled great, comfortable to ride in and reliable.