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Running 389 V8 Project: 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix

In the 1960s, Pontiac worked to establish its image as a performance-minded automaker under John DeLorean’s leadership. It introduced the Grand Prix in 1962 to compete with the likes of the Ford Thunderbird and the car caught on quickly as sales nearly doubled in 1963, the vintage of the seller’s vehicle. This is a running, driving car that can be taken out on the weekends as-is, but if you want to show it off, plan on a complete restoration. Found in Waynesville, North Carolina, this Pontiac is available here on eBay where the bidding sits at $5,100. There is an unmet reserve, but you can pass-go with the Buy It Now feature at $7,500. Thanks, Doug E Baeghe, for the tip on this one!

This GM company would restyle its full-size cars in 1963, so the Grand Prix received smoother sheet metal in a slight “Coke-bottle” shape, along with and a concave rear window. Three versions of the 389 cubic inch V8 could be had, including one with a 6-Pack (3×2-barrel carburetors) set-up. More common was a 2 or 4-barrel carb of which the seller’s car is one of those. These were big heavy, cars, but with the top setup, they were known to do the standing quarter-mile in 15 seconds.

The seller’s Grand Prix is one of 73,000 built in 1963, referring to it more than once as a 6.5 Coupe (which must mean the number of liters and a 2-door hardtop was the only available body style). Currently, this Pontiac sees a few weekend outings and has even done 100-mile trips with no issues. So, mechanically the car may be fine except it needs a new brake booster because it requires more driver effort than usual to bring the auto to a stop.

From the photos, it’s obvious that the paint, body, paint, and interior need some attention at 91,000 miles. The carpeting is out, and the floors look good except for some surface rust. On the other hand, the trunk floor has more issues and the seller is provided replacement metal for that. The upholstery looks fine, while the headliner, steering wheel, and dash pad have issues.

The seller mentions a new gas tank and radiator, but we don’t know if that means that are waiting for the next owner to install. Also, the wheel covers sort of bug me. They don’t look right on this Grand Prix. In top condition, according to Hagerty, these are $26-38,000 cars, while in Fair shape $8,900. So, the seller’s asking price is not unreasonable.

Comments

  1. Avatar Big Al

    A beautiful car at a reasonable price. Nice !!!

    Like 19
  2. Avatar JCA Member

    Love the dash on these

    Like 9
  3. Avatar Johnny D

    Had a ’63 Grand Prix in 1967, back seat was nice and roomy if you know what I mean!

    Like 12
  4. Avatar Gloin

    Only wheels that look right on any big 60’s Pontiac are the 8-lugs

    Like 14
  5. Avatar local_sheriff

    Say what you want about the wheel covers but those are legit ’63 Pontiac pieces. Notice there’s a ‘Pontiac Motor Division’ script along the 2nd profile.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-Pontiac-Bonneville-Spinner-OEM-Wheel-Cover-14-/114554892782

    At current $ this GP seems like a decent buy for the DIY, however it’s not an outright unique opportunity either since lowly-optioned ’63-’64 GPs in similar condition are still around. Being ‘personal cars’ they were probably bought by more adult owners thus GPs seem to have better surviving rates than Cats and Bonnies. I notice our seller has both a ’59 Cad + ’55 Chev in his shed so he’s not a novice to vintage tin.

    The real good news here is that the GP is the B-body Pontiac that is best served by the aftermarket so locating replacement bits shouldn’t be that much of a chore. Paint is most likely ‘P’ Aquamarine or a very faded ‘Q’ Marlin Aqua – both colors are IMO extremely suitable for an early 60s big boat Pontiac

    Like 11
  6. Avatar MLM

    Oh I love this ’63 Poncho. If I had the room and the money, I would probably be on my way to get this machine. One sweet ride in spite of what I heard about that “Slim Jim”transmission.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Bob Mck

    I am lucky enough to own a really nice white one with red interior.
    Whoever buys this will love driving it. Lots of power and a beautiful design.

    Like 3
  8. Avatar William James Sr.

    I had two at one time. Both had 8 bolt wheels. One was a 356 the other 421. Loveed both altho the 326 would run circles around the 421. Wish I had kept both,along with about 150 others,lol.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Richard Jones

    I have about $ 22,000 into my 63 GP, stock 4 speed [ only 5000 made] tri power car and still spending lol.

    Like 3

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