In 1963, the Grand Prix was in its second year as Pontiac’s performance-oriented personal luxury car. It replaced the Ventura in that role and had a sporty interior with bucket seats and a center console. This edition hasn’t run since 1978 and the engine is now locked up. The seller’s family has more than one project to work on, so it’s time for this car to go. Located in Kasson, Minnesota, the white-over-green Grand Prix is available here on craigslist for $2,800 OBO.
The Grand Prix would get restyled for 1963 along with the rest of the full-size Pontiac line-up. A step up from the Catalina, it shared some creature comforts with the upscale Bonneville. The rear bench seat had a center fold-down armrest and a speaker grille that, with the extra-cost Bi-Phonic rear speaker, could be made functional. A tachometer was one of the goodies that came mounted to the console. The car would continue to be popular, and Pontiac built just under 73,000 Grand Prix models in ‘63 with 93% of them equipped with the Roto Hydra-Matic transmission (like in the seller’s car).
Standard in the ’63 Grand Prix was the 389 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor that put out 303 hp. That’s what resides under the hood of this car, but it hasn’t fired up in ages. The reported mileage is 70,000, but it looks as though none of those miles have been added in the last 43 years. The photos include one of an intake manifold with dual carbs perched on top, but no reference is made as to whether that set-up will accompany the car. We’re told the Pontiac is complete, but rusty although it doesn’t look bad from the outside. Perhaps there is corrosion in the undercarriage that we don’t see. The interior looks nice with a few things to attend to, but you’d want to get it running first and then worry about the body.
The car has been hanging around in an inactive state for so long that the title is missing, so a Bill of Sale will have to be satisfactory to the buyer. Hagerty estimates a ’63 Grand Pix is worth $8,000 in Fair Condition and hard work, time and money could turn this into a $35,000 automobile. The cost of acquiring the Pontiac will be one of the smallest amounts the buyer will end up spending.
How much rust? To me at least rebuilding mechanical stuff is much more straightforward than body cancer. Could be a nice project but I am fearful this one is about ready to return to the earth.
It appears to have a ton of sheet metal rust, which is too bad since the car also needs mechanical restoration. The interior however, from what is shown, looks exceptional. It could really have only 73k miles.
I would love to have this ’63 GP(and the ’64 behind it) but time and money is prohibited. After the cost of getting it driveable and presentable you might as well get one that needs nothing but a new home IMO. My favorite Ponchos.
Life in Minnesota if filled with salty slush.
Nice car IF it had been raised somewhere on the LEFT side of the Rocky Mtns. A lack of decay would make it a viable project. As it is, you’d have to be a dedicated body man to consider restoring a car so close to ‘going back to nature’.
hi im the owner of the 63 Grand Prix, Great job Russ Dixon on article,Thanks. rust is in rear of rockers behind doors an bottom of rear qtrs. behind wheels. floors are perfect. will need frame.
I have a 78 Formula 4 speed Arizona car for sale $6500 and yes no rust, if your interested chinovalley_az@yahoo.com