The story of this 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix has a few twists and turns. It features a 389ci Tri-Power V8 under the hood, but the car doesn’t come with that motor. However, the deal includes a similar powerplant from the correct model year. It requires restoration, though the included parts car will help the new owner find all those little items that invariably disappear during a build. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Grand Prix listed here on Craigslist in Estacada, Oregon. The seller set their price for this package deal at $6,500 OBO.
Pontiac introduced the Grand Prix in 1962, positioning it as its entry into the growing personal luxury car market segment. This first-year example would have looked stunning in Starlight Black, but time hasn’t treated its paint kindly. You don’t need any close-up shots to reveal the problems, and the passenger-side rear quarter panel is battered and bruised. There are also small areas of rust in the same panel and the trunk pan, which isn’t the end of the world. The deal includes a parts car, and its quarters are in excellent condition. It should also be a great source of small items like brackets and screws, which adds to its appeal. The rust mentioned appears to be the only structural shortcoming, as the Grand Prix is rock-solid. The trim and glass are in good condition, and this gem rolls on a set of Pontiac’s beautiful 8-lug wheels.
The drivetrain is where this Grand Prix becomes slightly confusing. It features a 389ci Tri-Power V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and a Safe-T-Track rear end. However, the V8 under the hood, which is of 1968 vintage, isn’t included in the sale. What the buyer receives for their money is the Tri-Power motor above, which is from the correct model year. Its condition is unclear, but that year’s Sales Brochure suggests it should produce 318hp and 430 ft/lbs of torque. Once bolted under the hood, the Grand Prix’s performance should be very respectable, allowing the Pontiac to leave the Ford Thunderbird eating its dust.
The seller provides only one interior shot, confirming that this Grand Prix is trimmed in White vinyl and features bucket seats, a console, a factory tachometer, and a pushbutton radio. The seller describes the interior condition as “good,” and there are no visible splits or tears. However, the vinyl has a generally dirty look and might respond to a deep clean with one of the better detailing products. If this approach produces positive results, the combination of White trim and Black paint will be undeniably eye-catching.
To utilize a spot of alliteration, this 1962 Grand Prix is a promising Pontiac project. The Tri-Power V8 increases its desirability, and the parts car is a bonus. It would look stunning fully restored, with the Black paint, sparkling chrome, and the beautiful wheels combining to produce an eye-catching result. Considering what the seller offers, their asking price looks extremely affordable. Of course, their willingness to negotiate may improve the situation. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you? I will understand if they are.
Hmm. $6500 for TWO ’62 Grand Prixs? If you’re in the market for what looks like a pretty solid ( excluding the rust) Grand Prix, this just might be your ticket. I can imagine this one brand new 389 Tri-Power 4 speed. 8 lug rims. Black with a white interior looks sharp together too. A lot of folks probably gathered around this one in the neighborhood with the hood open when it was new. The Only problem for me would be, I wouldn’t want to tear apart the second car, I’d be tempted to restore that one too if its not too bad.