Some classics tick all the boxes an enthusiast desires, offering a “complete” ownership experience. Such seems to be the case with this 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix. Finding anything to criticize about its presentation is virtually impossible, while the healthy V8 under the hood ensures it has the performance to match its good looks. Its most pressing need is a new home, with the seller listing this stunning Grand Prix here on Craigslist in Sunnyvale, California. It could be yours for $25,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
Pontiac unveiled its First Generation Grand Prix for the 1962 model year, and unlike the later GTO, the company marketed the new model as a Grand Tourer. It featured a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated five, while the exterior had a distinctive but modern appearance. The Grand Prix underwent a significant cosmetic update in 1963, although it was “business as usual” below the surface. This car rolled off the line that year, with its original owner choosing a striking combination of Marlin Aqua paint with a Black vinyl top. The seller doesn’t mention prior restoration work, but the spotless state of the paint suggests the Pontiac may have undergone a refresh at some point. It reflects its surroundings like a mirror, and the Black vinyl looks immaculate. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and life in a dry climate has left this beauty rust-free. There are no significant trim or glass issues, which brings us to my favorite exterior feature. Some manufacturers hit the nail on the head with their OEM wheels, and Pontiac scored a home run with the 8-lug wheels that found a home on several models from this era. Providing a concrete reason why I like them is impossible, but they further enhance this Grand Prix’s classy exterior.
The 1963 Grand Prix tips the scales at 4,100 lbs, which is relatively heavy for a vehicle of this size. The company’s focus on this model as a grand tourer with significant sound-deadening material and excellent equipment levels were contributing factors. However, with its 389ci V8 generating 303hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque, the car’s performance earned almost universal praise from the motoring press. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed Hydramatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes further reinforcing this car’s luxury leanings. The ¼-mile ET of 16.6 seconds is hardly startling, but this Pontiac’s ability to top 127mph demonstrates that the company gave the Grand Prix long legs. The seller doesn’t describe this classic as numbers-matching, although they convey that impression. It recently received a transmission rebuild and other work to ensure it is in sound mechanical health. The seller includes this YouTube video of the car in action. The 389 sounds as sweet as a nut, and the Grand Prix gets up and moving effortlessly when they tickle the gas pedal. Potential buyers can expect to fly in and drive this baby home.
You must look long and hard to find anything worth criticizing about this Pontiac’s interior. The driver’s seatcover is stretched, and the translucent sections of the wheel exhibit some minor cracks. Otherwise, everything is as spotless as you would hope to find in any classic with six decades of service under its belt. The Aqua vinyl is free from significant wear, with the carpet, headliner, dash, and console equally impressive. The factory AM radio remains in its rightful place, supplemented by a Ford AM/FM radio/8-track player mounted under the dash on the passenger side. The tape function on this isn’t working, so removing it to return the interior to its factory state might be wise. Beyond that, this interior has no apparent needs.
This 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix isn’t perfect, but that could be the secret to its appeal. Its rust-free state and sparkling paint will turn heads. However, the fact that it isn’t a trailer queen means that its new owner can enjoy it without worrying whether an errant stone might chip the paint and spoil perfection. The seller’s price is realistic, especially considering its rust-free state and mechanical good health. It has only been on the market a short time, and interested parties might need to act quickly. My instincts tell me it should find a new home pretty quickly. Could it be yours?
You’d be hard pressed to find a nicer car in 1963. Oh sure, this had plenty of company then, but for me, this just rises to the top. Biggest reason, is these were relatively cheap. I read, a new GP like this had a base price of around $3600 bucks. Compare that to a ’63 T-Bird, at almost $5500, this was a popular car for single Joey Lunchpail that lived at home. It was certainly fancier than any Chevy, and must have been a tough choice, this or the Riv., which was still a grand more. It was a hit at the factory parking lot where Joey worked. The GP made perfect sense and GM knew that.
To be clear, the GPs we had up north became beaters pretty quick. Winter took its toll, and many had the motor and wheels yanked and scrapped the rest. Many of us are tired of the current automotive scene, and we’ll never see cars like this reproduced again, but some lucky person will find out what “Wide-Trackin” in a ’63 GP was all about.
💯 Howard.
Pontiac motors make great usable power. Love this GP, and love seeing cars well taken care of like this beauty. The video brings a smile.
Very nice. I love these old Gran Prix’s. I don’t see a single flaw.
The seller stated he wasn’t sure about milage, which is exactly how most of these old car should be listed.
Good post!
Just my oponion!
I love my mild custom 63, 4speed. The original tri power engine is on a stand and now has a 455/462 for fun. 8 years of hard work but worth it and never will be finished because its a driver
The ’63 & ’64 Pontiac Grand Prixs were basically identical with only minor changes to the body . This was similar to the Olds Starfire or Jetstar which was only produced for the 1964 model year . They were actually more of a performance car with luxury features , but had a higher price tag than a Chevrolet . Never the less , sales were healthy for the Grand Prix since it was a new model which was introduced in 1962 . Hopefully this well kept ’63 will find a new home !
Many people have said, and I am one of them too, that Pontiac had some of the most beautifully styled cars during the early and mid 60s. And when you stop and take a look at this 63 GrandPrix…. Who can argue? This is one beautifully restored Pontiac, the color and black vinyl top are just right.
One stunning beautiful car and this is THE car that got me interested in cars at a young age. As one ’63 ad said”If you don’t like being looked at, you don’t need to go in this”. I couldn’t agree more.
THIS stunner for $25,000. ??
Look at the trunk, body, underneath…wow.
These have come down in cost or I need to pinch harder!!!
Stunning – please, please let this beauty go to a fine caretaker.
According to a fender badges, this one has a 421. Could those badges be on the car just for show? A call to PHS is definitely in order here; what other untruths are lurking under the surface?
My bad, upon closer inspection those badges do say 389, but that’s the first time I’ve seen a GP with 389 badges. I still would send the
vehicle identification to PHS to verify authenticity.
Dan, I’m with you. My first thought was 421, looking at the badge. I didn’t know Pontiac ever put 389 badges on 63 Grand Prix.
As far as i know, 63 and 64 GPs didn’t have engine badges on the fender. I own both…
As far as i know, 63 and 64 GPs didn’t have engine badges on the fender. I own both…
They would have fender badges if optioned with the 421. Google “1963 Grand Prix 421” and you’ll see images of cars with 421 callouts.
This is a beauty, but for me the most beautiful Pontiac of all time was 65 especially Bonneville.
This is why pontiac went belly up. They cloned their Cara. Ventura was a nova g8s look like their other. Models gtos resembling their other models..
I think you have the wrong decade.
Wrong decade sir. Other automakers imitated Pontiac during the 60’s not the other way around.
Rode in a friends to the beach the day after graduation same color. It was 1971, love these cars. Would love to own it.
Wow! If I had a garage to put that one in . . .
Vinyl top is not the original tuxedo grain, so it has been replaced. This is a beautiful example, with its biggest flaw being the lack of AC.
I grew up in Pontiacs. Dad had them as company cars. Pontiac interior design and quality were light years ahead of cheap, crappy Chevy or Ford interiors. The Morrikide seat covers wear like iron. This is a car from a time we will never see again with throw away import SUVs built like garbage and priced like Rolls Royces. This is a bargain at $25,000 when you see rotted to the roof panel 69 Chargers on here for more.
I have a white one with red interior. Someone is getting a good deal. I wouldn’t sell mine for that price.
25K for this car is a good price, wish I had room for it