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Rust-Free Survivor: 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J

With some classic cars, their backstory or a previous owner can be just as fascinating as the vehicle itself. Take this 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix as a prime example. It spent many years in the care of a single owner whose career involved working for NASA on the space shuttle and International Space Station projects. He retained the car throughout his retirement until he passed away in 2014. The Pontiac is remarkably well preserved, but it needs a new home. The Grand Prix is listed here on eBay in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. The seller set their BIN at $17,500, and 101 people are watching the listing.

The previous owner of this Grand Prix purchased the vehicle in 1973, and it remained a constant in his life until he passed away in 2014. It traveled widely across the country but spent most of its life in Colorado. The owner treated it to a repaint in its original Springfield Green, which still presents acceptably for its age. It isn’t perfect, but it does hold an impressive shine. The Black vinyl top is original, as is the tinted glass. The car was in storage for years, so the seller treated the exterior to a polish and ceramic coat. The panels are remarkably straight, but the lack of rust could be the ace up the sleeve of this Grand Prix. The exterior is clean, and the underside shots are simply stunning. There is barely a trace of surface corrosion, and most of the Pontiac’s Green paint remains intact. The Torq Thrust-style wheels are a later addition because the included original Window Sticker and Build Sheet confirmed it rolled off the showroom floor on a set of the legendary Rally II wheels.

The positive vibes continue when we examine this Grand Prix’s interior. The first owner ordered it trimmed in dark green vinyl and remains original and untouched. The front seat upholstery shows some splits on both bases. Still, it would be worth consulting an upholsterer to ascertain whether this could be repaired before considering spending the money on replacement covers. Otherwise, this interior seems to need very little. The remaining upholstered surfaces look excellent, the dash and pad are impressive for their age, and the carpet looks very presentable. The car hasn’t succumbed to the rigors of abuse or UV exposure, and there are no aftermarket additions. The original owner ordered it with air conditioning, a remote trunk release, and a pushbutton AM radio with the optional rear speaker. The A/C doesn’t blow cold, but the seller believes a recharge may address this shortcoming.

Lifting this Pontiac’s hood reveals a 400ci V8 that produced 250hp in its prime. The original owner didn’t order any additions beyond the standard specifications, meaning it features a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The Grand Prix may not be a genuine muscle car, but many considered its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16 seconds pretty impressive in 1972. The seller indicates this classic runs and drives, but there is a list of small tasks for the buyer to tackle before it could be considered roadworthy. It is worth remembering the previous owner parked it in the 1990s, so the perishable items require a careful inspection. There is a small oil leak and a transmission fluid leak. The car is difficult to start after a long run, suggesting some form of fuel vaporization due to a carburetor fault. The seller indicates a noise in the front end that could be due to a faulty or worn suspension bush. To sum it up, the tasks appear small, but they equate to the buyer performing a thorough inspection before attempting any extended journeys.

Finding a classic car with a previous owner’s story to match the one for this 1972 Grand Prix would be challenging, and that is part of what makes this vehicle attractive. They may not have been an A-List celebrity, but their contribution to our history was significant. If we ignore that aspect and consider it a well-preserved classic, its needs seem relatively minor. The tasks required are all small, and ticking each off a list would be a rewarding way to occupy time during the upcoming winter months. Is that a challenge you’d be prepared to accept?

Comments

  1. Avatar 8banger Member

    Very nice indeed.

    Like 4
  2. Avatar Rixx56 Member

    At $17,500… it’s going soon!

    Like 4
  3. Avatar JACKinNWPA Member

    I wish that it was going to my house.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar gbvette62

    These were nice cars. My mother had a gold, white interior and white vinyl top 72 model J. If you manually shifted the automatic, that 400 would “chirp” the tires in second gear. Of course, it didn’t hurt that it was riding on shinny, rock hard, F78x14 bias ply tires.

    After my mother passed away in 73 and my father gave me her GP. I traded it in on a new Trans Am in 74.

    Like 5
  5. Avatar Tom

    It’s a half hour away from me but I don’t have the room at the moment. Dang it!! Anyone want to buy a super nice ‘85 Silverado short bed with an L98 TPI in it?? I wonder if this will be in the car corral at the Jefferson swap meet this weekend?

    Like 5
    • Avatar Tim

      It always rains for the Jefferson shows.

      Like 2
      • Avatar Tom

        Not this weekend!

        Like 1
  6. Avatar MammothStu

    Had a ’72. Ice blue, white vinyl roof, white interior. Had the upgraded stereo with an 8-track mounted on the trans hump behind the center counsel. It was a fast and solid driver. Great deal on a great condition GP.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar R.J. Rains

    Friend had a Black Grand Prix SJ with the 455 H.O. engine and auto, and we were “challenged” by a ’68 Challenger…I still remember that ride! Pontiac offered luxury and performance and I miss the brand.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Johnny Cuda

      R.J. – Dodge Challenger came out in 1970.

      Like 6
  8. Avatar Tom

    I had a 71’ SJ 455HO – sleeper.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Gary

    My parents had a bronze 72 Model J and it would really run as my dad was impressed with it and they traded in their 66 GTO for it.

    Like 0
  10. Avatar bone

    The original owner probably didnt order anything at all ; this isnt a high optioned Gran prix . More than likely it was sitting in a Pontiac dealers lot with 10 or so others in different colors and different options and the buyer picked the who he liked that was closest to the price he wanted to spend.

    Like 5
  11. Avatar Stan

    Comfy cruiser w the autoloader, 250hp 325tq. 3.08 gear ⚙️ standard. Nice Pontiac.

    Like 1
  12. Avatar 370zpp Member

    Years ago, I worked in a call center for a company that serviced auto loans. Many of the employees were not originally from the states. I would routinely hear some individuals calling customers and saying “Hello Mr. Smith I am calling about your 2005 Pontiac Grand Pricks.”

    Like 2
  13. Avatar PRA4SNW

    Someone needs to buy this car just because the seller went overboard with the presentation.
    Pulling the obituary of the previous owner – that’s a new on on me.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Bamapoppy

      PR, I once bought a 1964 Corvette, navy blue in and out, from the original owner, a retired Rear Admiral of the (drumroll, please) US Navy. To say it was meticulously clean would be an understatement. Anchor Down! My point is, someone who worked at NASA probably made sure his car was well cared for. Congrats to the new owner of this GP.

      Like 2
  14. Avatar Sidejob53 Member

    I got married in a 72 Grand Prix SJ! Same color same color interior! Nice car and quick! The owner was my best man!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Bamapoppy

      Did the pastor sit in the drivers seat? Asking for a friend. LoL

      Like 1
  15. Avatar DeBorah & George Mattar

    Must of taken 5 hours to post this auction. He isn’t making much money. When useless 5 year old BMWs sell for $30,000, this is the bargain of the day. Beautiful. When GM actually built cars. It is sickening to drive today and all I see are stupid, overpriced import SUVs. Oh, so glad I grew up in the 50s.

    Like 0

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