The only downside of writing for Barn Finds is that I often have the privilege of featuring a car I would love to park in my garage. Such is the case with this 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J. It is a stunning classic with a long list of positive points. From its spotless presentation to its rebuilt V8, it seems to tick most of the right boxes for enthusiasts seeking a turnkey car with a genuine presence. The seller has listed the Pontiac here on eBay in Anoka, Minnesota. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,000, but someone might be tempted to hit the button on the BIN option of $36,980
Those who worked with him will often say that John DeLorean was a driven man. He rarely stopped still and motivated those around him to push the limits. This approach brought him undone in his own company, but it also allowed him to bring the Third Generation Grand Prix to market following an eighteen-month development cycle. Admittedly, he utilized an extended version of an existing platform and filled the car with mechanical components from the Pontiac Parts Bin, but such an achievement was almost unprecedented. This Grand Prix rolled off the line during the first production year. Its first owner ordered it in a classy combination of Castilian Bronze Metallic with a Black vinyl top. Finding anything to criticize about its presentation is virtually impossible, with the paint shining beautifully, the vinyl in as-new condition, and the panels as straight as an arrow. The seller supplies a comprehensive selection of underside shots, confirming this classic is rust-free. The chrome and tinted glass look flawless, and the Model J rolls on its original Rally II wheels.
This Pontiac’s interior is nearly as impressive as its exterior, with only a few visible faults. The console shows wear near the shifter, and the rear parcel tray is worn and faded. Both issues would be easy to address and would lift the presentation to the level of a high-end driver. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from significant problems, with the dash and pad looking excellent. There is no visible carpet wear, and the only aftermarket addition is an extra oil pressure gauge near the driver’s right knee. The bucket seats and console provide a luxurious feel, accentuated by the air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power driver’s seat, tilt wheel, and the AM/FM radio with its optional rear speaker.
The 1969 Grand Prix wasn’t a genuine muscle car, but it reflected the DeLorean desire that Pontiac be viewed as the performance arm of the General Motors empire. This car’s engine bay houses a 428ci V8, producing 370hp and 472 ft/lbs of torque. The remaining major drivetrain components include a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The curb weight of 3,922 lbs isn’t outrageous, but it demonstrates a strong focus on luxury as Pontiac pitched the Grand Prix as a Grand Tourer. However, its ability to storm the ¼-mile in 14.6 seconds confirms it could move with the best of them when poked with a sharp stick. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey classic. The engine received a rebuild a few years ago and is said to be as smooth as silk. The Grand Prix runs and drives perfectly, ready to head into the sunset with a new owner behind the wheel.
Whenever I look at cars like this 1969 Grand Prix Model J, I find it incredibly sad that a marque that produced such wonderful classics would bow out of the automotive scene with barely a whimper. That was the fate of Pontiac, and one it didn’t genuinely deserve. It isn’t the first manufacturer to disappear, and it won’t be the last. That makes preserving vehicles of this caliber imperative so that future generations of enthusiasts can appreciate what has been lost. The twenty-seven bids submitted suggest that others share that sentiment, and my greatest hope is that this Grand Prix finds a new home with someone who will continue to lavish it with the same level of care and attention it has already received. Could you be that person?
I agree w Adam on this article of the Grand Prix 100% & he said it perfectly about the Pontiac division & also true goes for Oldsmobile of G M going out so silently !? W T H? Both divisions of G M should’ve gone out w a bang of a great car ?!
Very nice car is all I have to say!
A true luxury performance car.
When Pontiac existed.
Other than the `62, my favorite Gran Prixs are the `69-`70 models. This one fit the bill perfectly. Right options, and the 428. What more could you want? And it’s NOT another `70-`72 Monte Carlo!
I agree completely.
I recall in late summer 1968 when almost-teenage me received his monthly copy of Motor Trend Magazine, which had a feature article on the 1969 Grand Prix. I was smitten. The clean and classy styling managed to look sporty and luxurious at the same time. The wrap-around instrument panel was a great look. I liked them then, I like them now.
Screams luxury Muscle. Love this style..
A J Model !!
If it were nearby to inspect, we’d be in. Probably one of the best driving examples around. Pontiac and Oldsmobile were victims of badge engineering, surviving in name only for many years; Their demise was barely noticed by us.
Two Grand Prix’s of the same vintage today. Nice. This one is really sweet.
The 69-72 Grand Prix was underrated for far too long. It was overlooked as a performance car due to it not being a muscle car, but a luxury cruiser instead.
In the early to mid-90’s when 60’s and early-70’s were becoming uncommon at local Pick-N-Pulls you were always happy to see one of these, Monte Carlo’s too, they were last A-body that reliably yielded a sizeable bounty of desirable part such as disc brakes, floor shift tilt columns, bucket seats 12 bolts (on 455 equipped cars), power windows and many more accessories you could use on current or future projects or take to a swapmeet. Luckily these still survive in decent numbers due to a customer base that took care of them, kept them in a garage and didn’t cycle them into the used car market when they were cheap enough to some teenager would treat it as a cheap beater and destroy it.
Steve R
This is our vehicle. I feel that the whole story on the car may help. It was purchased new from the famous Van Winkle Pontiac in Dallas. The owner was a Braniff airline pilot. It never sat out. The pilot probably parked the vehicle indoors when he was at work and stayed in the garage when he was home. The car was purchased by me back in 2016 from the onwer’s estate sale. it was the nicest unrestored one I had ever seen. The paint still looked like new as far as the finish goes, but it had door nicks all along the passenger door and front of the rear quarter. There was a scratch on the tip of the hood and the top of the trunk lid. We had to make a decision to refinish the factory paint. It broke my heart, but was necessary. We do have images of the car before the new paint. It runs like new and all options appear to be in good working order. Power windows, power trunk release, steering, braking, handling. Motor has been rebuilt, even though it didn’t need to be. Just making sure it is as new again. The car will impress anyone.
Looks like a beautiful car, wish I had the room! Good luck with the sale!
In late spring of ’69, my 34 y/o mother ordered a new Grand Prix Model J from Van Winkle Pontiac in Dallas, TX. for our upcoming birthdays in June. She ordered the ’67 Chevrolet color, Deep Water Blue, Parchment Cordova vinyl top with Parchment Morrokide vinyl interior. 400 V8, Auto, AC, Tilt, P Windows, P Drivers Seat, Front Disc P Brakes, AM/FM w/Verbra-Phonic rear speakers and Concentric circle wheelcovers with the red PMD which I believe were standard.
She’d always dreamed of a dark blue and white Pontiac. First a ’55 Star Chief, but she was in college. Then a ’64, Nocturne Blue & Parchment GTO, but she was married and pregnant with me. Finally after divorce and being the medical lab supervisor for the father of Steve Miller- SM Band, she could afford to get a Pontiac.
She privately sold our ’65 Corvair Monza Sport Sedan and we drove my grandmothers second car, a ’61 Falcon sedan until the GP arrived.
It arrived on a Friday. She left work early, drove to my grandmothers to drop off the Falcon and a friend and her son drove us to get it. I was so excited I couldn’t sit still while singing the “Breakaway in a Grand Prix” verse of the song from the Pontiac commercials. She told me to stand on the sidewalk outside while she entered the dealership. It seemed like a century. Then the garage door nearest the showroom slowly raised and….Jesus Christ In Glory!
Patrick and I just stood there frozen. I couldn’t speak. It sat there majestically facing us. Its proud nose glistening with that endless veed hood. Headlamps chrystal clear and beckoning with the front wheels cut to the right so she could pullout. I’ve read GM designers studied reactions of boys. If they stopped on their bikes/skateboards and drooled over a car. Tentatively we walked up. Patrick’s mom, Ms Anna-Margret, got out of her car and kept saying, “Oh Wanda! This car is beautiful!. The salesman said the men in the prep department were commenting on its shade of blue because it wasn’t regularly offered and they hadn’t seen it on a GP beforehand. A few customers from the showroom walked out as mother waited on floormats.
When she drove it to my grandmothers home, everyone on her block and the next, walked down to see it. Mother was very kind. She was took everyone for spins. I remember the smell and how intimidating the Command Seat dash and console shifter looked compared to little handle on the Corvair dashboard.
We had 6 gloriously proud days. The following Wednesday night. Only 2 blocks from home, it made the ultimate sacrifice by saving our lives in a high speed, head on collision caused by a drunk driver. He bent the A frame. Everytime I see one, it tugs at my heart.
Wow, what a great memory!!
So sorry to read about the sad ending that this beautiful, rolling work of art faced, but glad to know you all made it thru the accident.
Pontiacs forever!
Well … it sure as heck impresses me! Beauty and brawn in a classic Poncho. What more could you ask for? Hope she goes to a good home.
This one looks much better than the green one and the BIN price reflects how much it would take to get one of these GPs to this condition. For the seller’s sake I hope I’m right about the 3rd Gen 428-powered GP appreciating to $30k-$40k prices.
I owned a 1969 and later a 1971, loved those cars and would love to have this one.
If only car companies would bring back style, like this!
I had one of these back in ’69 after I totaled my ’69 Vette [79 days old]. After the wreck I ordered a Chevelle with a 454 and my insurance man caught wind of it [small town] and told me if I took delivery of it he would cancel my insurance. So I bought the Grand Prix. The guys in the Corvette Club nicknamed it “The Queen Mary” as it was big compared to the Vette.
I have a 69 GP SJ tripleblack 428 4sp. She moves like a runaway train.
Wow, 428 and 4 speed. Those were practically mythical! I had a green/green 69 428/auto.
I love all the old Pontiacs. They road very nice and had all the power you wanted. I wouldn’t pay that for a 69 but I might for a nice 62. But my first choice would be a 65 GTO.
“Finding anything to criticize about its presentation is virtually impossible, with the paint shining beautifully, the vinyl in as-new condition and the panels as straight as an arrow.”
You might wanna look again. The vinyl around the rear window is peeling on the driver side and that “paint shining beautifully” includes overspray the muffler and exhaust tip. And the rear valance under the bumper was not replaced properly, it’s missing at least one bolt. If you’re gonna spend that much money on a professional paint job, disassembly and reassembly means a lot. And the seller missed the mark here.
It sold on ebay. Thank you all who looked and commented. The lucky winner better treasure and enjoy this wonderful gem. It is better than anyone could imagine.
Wow. $30.5k
I owned a 1975 SJ, 1977 SJ, 1979 SJ and a 1981 Grand Prix, all were excellent automobiles.
Back in the day my brother had a 69 Grand Prix model j. It was a blue color. Very nice car. Love the car. It set in my dad’s yard for years. He ended up junking the car. It had the 428 engine in it and it was a fast car. He used to out run the police with that car. He said the speed I’m going to registered 140 mph. He said while he was out running the police. It would go to 140, spell brake backwards. Then go back to zero and vibrate. But finally he got caught. He was out running the police. When the oil pump went out on the 428 motor. It locked up everything was welded together he got it that hot. They impounded the car and he got tickets and fines. Luckily they didn’t take him to jail! That was a waste of a nice car.SMH
Greatest door handles ever.
My first car 69 Pontiac Gran Prix, Green with green interior. 400 2 barrel. Wow what a great car! Wish I still had it. This J model is very impressive. Would love to own it.
Next door neighbor bought a ’69 SJ new, 428 automatic, gold w/ black vinyl top, black leather seats. He immediately painted it black and put on a set of wide aluminum slotted wheels, (had to rework the front inner fender for proper fit). The car immediately became a local legend in our working class neighborhood. Was like a baby Cadillac especially with its the multiplex FM radio and Ice cold a/c. Car was still in his estate when he passed in ’94; I thought about buying it then and still have regrets I didn’t. The L78 Chevy II he bought new was also in his estate but that’s another story. Anyhow, have always wondered what distinguished the SJ from the J?