If you’re the kind that likes full-sized, luxurious convertibles from the 1970’s (and you also like the color brown), then check out this 1973 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertible time capsule. It’s in amazing original condition, is fully loaded, is one of only 4,447 made, and has 53,767 miles on its 455 V8. It is listed through Primo Classics International in Lakeland, Florida and is for sale here on eBay. As of this writing, 11 bids have been submitted but the current $18,100 hasn’t met the seller’s reserve.
In Pontiac’s 1973 glossy color sales booklet, the popular Grand Prix got first billing followed closely by the Grand Ville. The marketing folks made it loud and clear that the Grand Ville lineup (consisting of a hardtop coupe, 4-door hardtop, and convertible) were Pontiac’s most luxurious full-sized flagship car. There is no history shared by the dealer, but this survivor looks to be in great condition all the way around. The factory Burma Brown paint is shiny, the chrome sparkles, there’s no sign of rust, and the tasteful tan convertible top is taut. Even though this is a big, heavy car and far from Pontiac’s 60’s performance days, the classic Pontiac five-spoke Rally wheels give the Grand Ville drop top just a little hint of sportiness.
Pontiac bragged that the custom upholstery available on Grand Ville was the richest and most luxurious they had ever put in a Pontiac. They even went as far as to saying a Grand Ville “could easily nudge your favorite chair into second place on your comfort list.” One look at that plush interior, and I’d have to agree. That is one inviting cockpit. The seats are showing no wear, and the instrument panel, dash board, door panels, and carpeting look great. (Pontiac boasted they had used so much plush carpeting that it extended part way up the doors). Being the flagship model, this Grand Ville is loaded with creature comforts including A/C. power steering, power windows, power seats, power locks, tilt steering wheel, and a power convertible top. I had to laugh at the booklet’s copywriters who wrote “our vinyl reproduction of American walnut on the doors and instrument panel is so faithful, we guarantee it to impress anyone except a termite.” About the only thing not original is the factory radio which has been replaced with what the dealer calls a “New Modern Retro Radio.”
Not surprisingly, the engine bay is tidy and very clean and looks practically showroom new. It houses the Grand Ville’s standard 455-cubic inch, 4-barrel carb V8 with 53, 767 actual miles that is paired with a Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. The dealer has provided a good amount of quality photos of the Pontiac and it looks to be exceptionally clean outside, inside, and underneath. It also comes with the original build sheet and books. With only 4,447 of these produced, you might be looking at one of the nicest original survivors around – especially if you like the color brown.
This Grand Ville is nice – of course, I like the brown. I believe the front seat bottoms are newer, as well as the convertible top boot – it’s has some extras, the two-tone (seam) and extra snaps on the front edge. That’s actually a good idea, the factory used a hook and loop tape that worked okay.
I really like Grand Ville convertibles. Pontiac really gave the buyer a lot of options to ponder, more then the corporate cousins. Only one to offer full gauges, minus a tach. I almost bought one, same year and colors, but with the Turbine look wheelcovers. Lost the bid. Rally II wheels stashed in garage had to wait…
The Grandville was Pontiacs flagship car or luxury model. Buyers could order extra options that were not standard on these cars . The Grandville was produced from 1971 – ’75 . Price ? They were the most expensive of all of the new Pontiacs and were considered a ” luxury ” car like the Olds 98 . Being a big heavy automobile , they road like a dream on the highway . Fuel economy ? General Motors was not thinking about economy when they built these , but rather ” luxury !” Happy Motoring .
Extra options included even a digital clock or adjustable pedals, Pontiac‘s answer to Cadillac‘s tilt&telescope steering wheel. I was lucky to buy one during my expat time in Michigan so now I’m creating lots of grins cruising through Germany with my green and black beauty. Very reliable car, so whoever will buy the brown beauty will not make a mistake. And no, fuel economy is not really bad if you refrain from opening all four barrels too often…
I really miss my 75 Grandville convertible. Mine was triple white and I finally had to admit after 30 years that it was held together with bondo and beach salt. I sold it to a guy in Orlando and lost track of it. This, to me at least, is perfect. Doesn’t have the 250k miles mine had, spicier colors, 455 instead of the 400.
Don’t hesitate if you’re on the fence. These will cruise at 80 all day on the highway and take 6 people in comfort. The scissor tops had a full width back seat. Parts are available and inexpensive. I used to get 15-18 mpg.
I wouldn’t say that part are available. I too had a 75 also white but ox blood interior with white seats.I had a very hard time finding any parts for that car but I did love it and had it for over 30 years.finally I sold it for 3500 canadian dollarsbut it beeded a full restoration by then.I still miss it sometimes.oh I also gave the guy all the extra parts that I did manage to get but mostly given to me by people that had one also.
Gorgeous car!!! Loaded with options, Low mileage, what’s not to love?
This car is one of the few post 1972 GM cars that I like. Even with the stupid bumpers it still looks good.
A really good looking car. Underneath the hood looks spot on!
I’m not a big fan of brown, but I can’t help but love this one.
Can someone tell me why the front doors are always bulging out at the bottom on old cars? Never inward, always out!
It sure didn’t come from the factory this way.
If it’s the hinge pins are worn, then change the bushings. If the bushings have been changed, then adjust the door?
The passenger side of this vehicle is what I’m alluding to.
The driver’s door gets the most useage??
Mismatched paint and bulging doors is on of my pet peeves.
Just my oponion!
I’m not sure what bulging doors refer to but it brings up a good point about the design of these cars. These were designed to have side guard door beams, early side impact standard. Noting how the lower door tucks in towards the rocker panel. This feature allows the occupants to enter and exit the car without brushing against the dirty rocker.
I didn’t expound on my definition of bulging enough.
It’s a big gap in the rear end and bottom of the door. It looks like it isn’t closed all the way.
You could almost fit your fingers in the space protruding out at the bottom.
Sorry!
Thanks, Ashtray. Panel gaps were wide on these. I just thought it was a good time to inject that design element that you won’t ever see again. No foul.
I did the hinge pins and bushings on mine twice. Huge, heavy doors and hard to align. I think the gaps were worse for me trying to adjust the doors.
I still drive a 72 Impala version daily and had a yellow with brown trimmed version of this 35 years ago that I took a wild winter ride over an embankment with. I survived but the car did not. As for the door hinges, yup by the time they were ten years old half the striker was worn away. The hinges fit from the Camaros and Firebirds along with the colonades. Fit and finish is also one of my peeves and misaligned trim. If you remove the fender the hinges are a 15 minute job and you can align the door perfectly. Fender on it is a nightmare as there are a zillion positions for the hinge
I just did my 72 this past summer and have done more than I care to remember. Rule of thumb with these if the fenders are off put the cheap new pins in then as a nice painted car is even less fun to do this on.
Gorgeous colors on a gorgeous car, especially the interior. Whoever ordered this picked all the right stuff. And so clean too. Under the hood is really detailed compared to others we’ve seen lately on here.
A REAL beauty, the likes of which will never be built again! GLWTA!! :-)
Amen, brother! So sad to see what is now considered a luxury vehicle! Glorified trucks now rule the roads!
Yes, it’s a beauty, and not ashamed to say that brown is my color. I also have a vintage suit that goes along with this beautiful ’73 Grand Ville convertible. Beige/buckskin coat with chocolate brown polyester pants. Looks razor-sharp as I grew up with those beautiful 1971-1975 Pontiac Grand Villes. My grandparents had one of the last 1975 Pontiac Grand Villes in triple admiralty navy dark blue. Looking like a piece of blueberry pie or a stack of blueberry pancakes. How I remember how comfortable those pillow seats were in that beautiful ’70s land yacht. They were so commodious, gliding down the road so elegantly. My cub scouts den mother also had a bright blue one with white interior and roof. Looked dynamite!
Merry Christmas. Gorgeous Grandville. Maybe the best looking one of this generation. Good colors and lots of options. Should make someone a happy owner.
I have this exact car in maroon/maroon with a white top, just bought in October with nearly the same miles. Paint was tired, so it’s being repainted. I love these cars, it’s my fifth one!
That’s a nice vehicle even in 1970s brown! Very straight, original car. Somebody buy it!
This or a Buick Centurion convertible, the 2 best looking of the 73s
Yes! Those two are on my “coulda’, shoulda’, woulda'” list. 15 years ago, these were excellent underpriced buys. But, garage space wasn’t there, and I sure as heck wasn’t storing them in the drive. Ah well..
When Pontiac upgraded Bonneville to Brougham, it created an even more luxurious version. I had a 74 GrandVille four door black over metallic copper with plush black interior. Beautiful luxury liner. Unfortunately there was a problem with a seal breaking allowing transmission fluid to get into radiator. My 1980 Black Bonneville Brougham with plush red interior was another beauty. Like so many others, this represents a time Unfortunately never to be seen again.
What John Anderson said. The 73s are the best looking. I passed on a brown 73 Centurion convertible about 10 years ago. Still kicking myself. It was beautiful and sat on a dealer’s lot for months . I kept driving by it almost daily. Opted for a 73 Corvette instead. Now I’m getting too old to get in and out if it. I’m certain the front seat bottoms on this Pontiac were replaced with non original covers.
Auction ended at $25k and reserve unmet. This is a fine automobile and another $5k probably would had made it to the reserve. These just don’t have the following…yet. Muscle cars are the hot ticket now. But if you want a nice cruiser this is it. See if it re-lists in the future and if the seller brings the reserve down some.
My Uncle Bob and Aunt Sue had one of these, but in more of a copper color. 10 year old Vermont car but summer-use only from new when they bought it. I think they only kept it that one summer but wow the whole family got some use of it in that time.
Ended at 25K, Reserve Not Met.