Pontiac’s Grand Prix luxury coupe featured a pronounced beak motif since 1969 when the all-new second generation GP moved from the full size lineup to an intermediate. This third-gen 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania avoided barn time, but the well-preserved reported show winner constitutes an interesting find. “Everything works” except air conditioning, according to the listing here on eBay. At least eight bidders compete for the shiny classic, driving its market value above $7500 without meeting the seller’s Reserve.
Wood grain surrounds full gauges in the driver-centric instrument pod. Luscious red upholstery shows some wear, but nothing obvious calls for replacement. The angled console with foot well lights adds a sporty look in contrasting black. I had a similar console and shifter in the red vinyl interior of my black 1978 Pontiac Phoenix. Power locks and tilt steering ease your driving, but you’ll be un-luxuriously hand-cranking those windows at the drive-through and toll both before resuming your persona of Cool.
Despite many clear photographs, the listing’s overuse of a wide-angle lens proves unflattering to the Grand Prix’s natural lines. Let’s use a few wide-angle shots to compliment a suite of 1:1 pictures next time. That said, this claimed 96k GP looks great from every angle, uncommon praise considering the tepid aftermarket for mid ’70s to mid ’80s replacement interior and trim parts. Outdoor storage baked and disintegrated these cars’ original plastics and rubber.
By 1977, Pontiac brochures no longer included fold-out tables of powertrain options including gear and compression ratios. This Grand Prix’s brochure doesn’t even list horsepower, but its 400 cid (6.6L) V8 marked the top of the line after the 455’s 1976 swan song, one year after most other mid-sized GMs. Thanks to Wikipedia for some details. This one sports a rebuilt 403 cid Oldsmobile, a production substitute according to PontiacServer. Don’t think of the 185 HP as underwhelming; think of the 320 lb-ft of torque as “adequate.” That fall from the classic muscle-car era led to a general panning of rides from this era. Is it time for the third-generation Grand Prix to earn some respect?
Why are so many 77’s still around. Beautiful cars but in my opinion the 73’s looked the best, especially the tail side. You never see those anymore.
If I remember right, ‘77 was a banner sales year for these. Probably attrition by numbers accounts for more ‘77s vs ‘73s.
To each their own though. I think the ‘77 is the best looking of any Grand Prix. This one in silver is particularly nice.
Silver looks great 👍.
Fitch the 2.41 econo axle ⚙️ has to go. Insert a 3.08 and wake up this Coupe nicely. Fresh Stainless dual exhaust is bonus.
The 77’ is a beautiful example of GP but, the 73’ was superior in so many ways. Tired don’t feel like typing but you could look it up. Premium gasoline and no catalytic converter and HP/Torque and real wood inside for starters.
Maybe buyers got a look at the upcoming downsized ’78 and decided that the ’77 was the last chance to get a great looking personal luxury cruiser.
Thanks for the Memories. A dear friend, now dead, had an identical GP. A beautiful car. Spent many good times, even a couple of road trips in it.. Never understood his trading it for a downsized 80 GP. RIP, dear friend, GP and Pontiac! 💐 💐 💐
I have a 76 455 LJ. Original paint survivor. It’s a 462 now, w/performance heads, cam, roller rockers, repro Superduty exhaust manifolds etc. Added a built 700r4 overdrive, and 3:73 posi. It surprises Mustangs now! Gotta love the real Pontiac Motors.
If I recall correctly, the ’77s were built with a mixture of SAE and metric fasteners. At least for GM. Made repairs interesting.
Per the seller from the Ebay listing…
“403 Numbers matching Pontiac motor which was rebuilt to accept unleaded gasolinein 2015.”
-Not a Pontiac motor
-These already ran on unleaded
Just thought it was odd.
Obviously written by a car salesman not aficionado.
The 403 is an underappreciated engine. A cam change and a rear gear change does wonders for them. Or, jack up the carburetor and slide a 455 under it.
Those Olds 403’s are indestructible. Good for 250K miles. For this one to need rebuilding there must have been abuse of some kind. Like above comment, all 403’s were made for unleaded gas.
Age takes its toll too.
Didn’t recall any Oldsmobile engine mentions. Bought mine new, ordered special with a real Pontiac 400 engine. I do recall we had a Pontiac powered Oldsmobile on the showroom floor but it was the only one I ever saw. I know who the buyer was (now deceased) but I have no idea what happened to that car. I still have my ’77 GP.
I have a restored 73 Grand Prix SJ all the toys, 455, factory sunroof, gorgeous car, even the 73 isn’t that quick, it’s a heavy car, now 69/70/71, they were quick, this 403 motor is junk, not even a good boat anchor, find a 400 and throw it in, I wouldn’t buy a new 79 Trans Am because the motor choices were a 301 Pontiac, 403 Oldsmobile with automatic, I bought the 2 tone blue Grand Prix next to it with the 301, no one expected it to be fast
Oh man, I had a charcoal up/silver sides/red leather interior 76. 400 pontiac V8 I really loved that car