Tri-Power Equipped: 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix

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If you keep an open mind about the subject of modified classics, this 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix deserves a close look. Its appearance is very tidy, and the buyer doesn’t have to deal with rust issues. However, the engine upgrades will have unlocked additional power, making the Grand Prix a force to be reckoned with. This Pontiac is destined for a new home, and the interest it has generated suggests that it will happen in a few days. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Grand Prix listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The solitary bid of $20,000 is below the reserve, though the Listing View and Watch List tallies hint that the action will intensify in the final hours.

Pontiac’s Second Generation Grand Prix graced showroom floors from 1965 to 1968. This classic rolled off the line in 1967, complete with concealed headlamps, a new design feature for that model year. This Pontiac is a bit of a mystery because the seller describes the paint shade as Linden Green Metallic. However, because my color charts were inconclusive due to age, I searched for other cars in that color. The conclusion I reached is that this definitely isn’t Linden Green. Whatever the truth, the car still looks striking. The exterior presentation is impressive, with no cosmetic imperfections and a Black vinyl top that is in as-new condition. The trim is excellent, as is the glass. This Grand Prix rolls on a tidy set of American Racing Torq Thrust wheels, fitted with Pontiac-badged spinners.

Apart from cosmetic updates, one of the most profound changes Pontiac made for the 1967 model year was to increase the Grand Prix’s V8 engine capacity. The previous 389ci motor was replaced by a 400ci powerplant, providing buyers with more power and torque. The factory quoted 350hp for the engine under this Pontiac’s hood, but I think we can do slightly better. The company had discontinued the iconic Tri-Power option on the 389 at the end of 1965, but it seems that this Grand Prix’s owner didn’t receive the memo. The seller doesn’t mention any additional mechanical changes, but history suggests that this 400 should now produce somewhere around 370hp. The power feeds to Planet Earth via a three-speed TH400 automatic transmission, with this car also sporting power steering and power brakes. Potential buyers can rest assured that this Grand Prix is a turnkey proposition, as the seller confirms it runs and drives exceptionally well.

As with the exterior, there is much to like about the inside of this Grand Prix. Its Turquoise vinyl trim is excellent, the carpet looks new, and there are no shortcomings in the dash or pad. The splashes of faux woodgrain, combined with the bucket seats and the console, create a luxurious feel. I am surprised that the first owner didn’t tick the box beside air conditioning on their Order Form, but the tilt sports wheel and AM radio are welcome touches.

Although I prefer my classics unmolested, I find this 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix extremely attractive. Perhaps it is the affection I feel for the marque, a brand that disappeared far too soon. The listing suggests it isn’t a trailer queen but a car to be driven and enjoyed. The current high bid is in the ballpark for a vehicle of this caliber, but we can only speculate on the seller’s reserve. It might be worth monitoring this auction, even if you aren’t a potential buyer, because it will be fascinating to see if this classic finds a new home. If so, what do you think the winning bidder will pay for the privilege?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. angliagt angliagtMember

    Love these! Innovative styling,from back when you
    could tell what year a car was by looking at it.

    Like 21
  2. Howard A Howard AMember

    On an earlier post, the author went so far as to say the comments make the site. I’m not sure that’s entirely true, but I have noticed a stark reduction in comments, and I hope my sometimes gruff demeanor isn’t the reason. I’m trying to encourage more, and try to think of it as a virtual car show, and not this “get rich quick” scheme the hobby has apparently become.
    Take this stunning automobile, for example. Some seem to bash these ’67-’68s, as not true GPs. I don’t know, man, while a departure from the stacked headlight cars, to me, these were the ultimate “old fashioned” GPs. ’69s were awesome too, but that was an entirely different car. The color, the wheels, the tri-power, vinyl top, the AUTOMATIC, that dash, I’d rather have the original steering wheel, but someone loved their GP. Must be tough to sell it.

    Like 20
    • Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

      Howard. You most certainly haven’t scared me off. Personally my job has been crazy busy ( not complaining) and been pulling in some long days while I can make the $$$ before the snow flys and it slows down. So my comments are probably a bit more fewer and further in between.
      I do agree about an original ’67 wheel it is part of the original character of the car.
      I always enjoy your comments. And its always good to be able to see things from several different perspectives. And you have a lot of experience with a lot of different vehichles, from 2 wheels ( one wheel if you ever had a unicycle) up to 18 wheels. And I appreciate it.
      -Dave

      Like 11
      • Howard A Howard AMember

        Hi Dave, the site is a comical mix of folks from all walks of life, with a common bond. Not sure the staff knows the power of that. Like I’ve said before, it( the site)is like a modern day “hanging out at the garage”, something that was a big part of all our lives, sadly missing today. I have the luxury(?) of being retired, and I waited a LOOOONG time to be able to do this. If I was still working, I couldn’t contribute near as much. Thanks to all who do both. If it’s cold or snow, I can go back to bed, but can’t forget a time with cold diesel fuel running down my arm and the Wisc. wind a hollerin’, got to get that diesel running, my family depended on me,,and to the drivers that still deal with that today, so we can live comfortably in the USA,,,amen.

        Like 14
    • Stan StanMember

      Lol ..if folks are chased away by your “gruff” comments Howard this site, and all of us are better off 👋

      Like 5
  3. Mustang SollyMember

    It’s a terrific ride. Two things, it’s missing the 8 lug wheels, and I prefer the standard front end with the exposed stacked headlights.

    Like 4
    • Mike B

      Missing the wheel opening moldings and the fender skirts to make it the truly classy ride it was in its day.

      Like 0
  4. CadmanlsMember

    Nope it’s not all original, so what? Look at it, it shines the wheels are a nice touch. Obviously someone wanted a large GTO and I have no problem with making some changes to your car. It’s not Uber collectable. It’s not a 2+2 Cat but it all about smiles per mile folks. Bound to make that happen when you’re on the road and put the go pedal to the floor and listen to the tripower sing!

    Like 13
  5. Cooter CooterMember

    Always thought my ultimate Grand Prix would be a triple black 1969 SJ 455/4 speed. And I always liked the 73’s slit rear taillights but the drivetrain was watered down by then.

    This is a beautiful, stretched version of the “gentleman’s luxury coupes” produced in that era, with sharp, clean lines. And that frontend?? Just wow!

    Like 8
  6. Driveinstile DriveinstileMember

    This is at least to me one of my favorite colors from.the Pontiac color chart. My brothers ’66 GTO that he had restored in the early 80’s was this color. Its gorgeous. ’67 isn’t my favorite year, but still a beautiful car in my opinion. The interior, exterior look great. And I don’t care that the TriPower is from a ’66 or before. It’s a Pontiac, and Tripower setups just look right at home under the hood of any full sized 60’s Pontiac. ( or midsized too ) I like this one, I usually dont go for aftermarket rims, but these do look great, nice classic choice. Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Absolutely beautiful.

    Like 9
  7. Steve R

    The dealer has it on their website for $35,500, discounted from $40,900. I’d want to see it in person for that amount of money.

    I like vintage Torque Thrusts on a car like this, however, these appear to be current day models that use acorn lug nuts, the spinners/knock offs need to go. A set of 8 lugs would look better, they were probably the best optional wheels from any make during the 1960’s.

    Steve R

    Like 4
    • Mike76

      Agree. Eight lug wheels would look awesome on this ’67. Then again, eight lug wheels look sweet on all the large sixties Pontiacs.

      I’ve noticed far fewer comments too. Probably this time of year does not help but it seems like there’s been less comments on many articles now going back months. My work keeps me on odd hours, days off, etc. I don’t know what day it is half the time. I had a few days off for Thanksgiving and my wife was laying next to me in the bed and said, I forgot how good looking you are…I don’t know about y’all, but when I hear that, I immediately think a) I need to check the bank accounts, b) okay, what do you want? I also felt her forehead to make sure she was not running a fever. I think she was actually being sincere though as we’ve been seeing each other in passing so I have not been on as much, because it’s usually work or family time. When I do come on, it’s quickly during breaks or late night if I work a swing shift. Even though I don’t post every time, I still visit BF daily.

      Happy Holidays all.

      Like 8
  8. Pat P.

    I think the PMD rally ll wheels would look great on this. Love the color.

    Like 3
  9. bobhess bobhessMember

    Not backing off on commenting but have been up to my gills in race cars, race tracks, and house and ground work. Crew chief and I are part of SCCA’s staff in mid Florida and we have races September, October and November that we race and work at the same time. Pure chaos. As for this beautiful Pontiac, it led GM’s great looking and running cars of the mid 70s. I’d change out the steering wheel and hit the road. WOW factor at the top on this one.

    Like 6
  10. Cooter CooterMember

    Wouldn’t it be pretty cool to have a Barn Finds weekend somewhere so everyone can meet and enjoy a few beers and laughs?

    I believe people think my name is really Cooter, but it’s Wayne. I used that name for laughs. I run a printing and packaging plant in Jacksonville with 200 employees so I am a busy guy too! 63 and see retirement on the horizon.

    Like 11
  11. OhU8one2

    My favorite GP is a 67 convertible. Built for one year only. There’s the rarity. It must be Plum Mist with white interior and convertible top. Wheels would be 8-lug with redline tires,hood tach and biggest V8 I could get,rebuilt by Butler. I would keep this car the rest of my driving days. GLWTA

    Like 3
  12. Tim S

    Always have had a special affection for the 1967 Grand Prix. Like the color too. Sorta looks like it may be Mariner Turquoise Poly but not certain. Cool color anyway. Thought it neat that, I believe that it was the only 1967 Pontiac with 1) concealed headlights that also were 2) horizontal rather than stacked and 3) the only year for a convertible Grand Prix. Maybe not too collectible but a cool car nonetheless. A neighbor about 1/2 mile up the road from us had a beautiful ‘67 Grand Prix convertible with Rally II wheels in Regimental Red. Sold/Traded it a couple of weeks ago for a white/white 1963 Cadillac DeVille convertible. Didn’t know he wanted to sell/trade. Coulda kicked myself for not buying it but too late, my wife already kicked my butt for thinking about it!

    Like 3
  13. Larry D*

    The availability of Pontiac’s tri power option actually lived on through the 1966 model year. The 389 in the GTO and a couple of 421’s in the full size models were available with trip power (even in the full size Safari wagons). The ultimate was the 375 HP 421 HO, available in the 2+2 models. These engines, and the tri power option, were all replaced by the new 400 and 428 engines, available with a 4 barrel as the top option.

    Like 3
  14. Archie

    I always see these listed as having “faux” woodgrain. I’m not sure about ’67 but the last time a ordered woodgrain dash pieces for a similar ’66 Pontiac it was actually real wood and very well made.
    Naturally I really like these 60s Pontiacs.

    Like 5
  15. Clay Vandoren

    Color is Mariner Turquoise, I have a convertible same color but parchment interior.

    Like 3
  16. hairyolds68

    it’s neat but it’s been molested and for me it kills it. too much gaudiness under the hood and a not-so-great choice in wheels. they really don’t go with particular car, and he is a dealer

    Like 1
  17. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    Ended at 20K.
    Reserve Not Met.
    1 bid.

    Like 2
  18. Bill QuickMember

    I seldom comment. However, I read every article that catches my eye and every comment made about those cars. I enjoy the vast amount of knowledge, information, and humor that is shared by all of you. I hope that the comments never slow down or stop, because I can’t imagine trying to get half the education from BAT. If we all have to add a one sentence review of every car to keep that from happening…we should all be commenting!

    Like 2
  19. PRA4SNW PRA4SNWMember

    I don’t think the comments have slowed down. I am usually a few days behind with reading the articles, and after 2 days, some articles will have 30+ posts!

    I have always enjoyed the eclectic mix of offerings here, and the more unique the item, the more comments there will be.

    Like 3
    • Rixx56Member

      Exactly, sometimes a day or 2 behind. I enjoy reading comments, but especially learning from the several knowledgeable contributors. The education from this site is appreciated; not at all stuffy like some I find on BaT. Tho I also learn from BaT, many items are out of my financial reach. Keep up the commentary!!

      Like 2
  20. Larry Ashcraft

    I don’t look at BF until the articles are at least a day old, because I enjoy the comments, and I’m not looking to buy anything (I have my ’40 Ford, and no more room). I rarely comment unless I have specific knowledge of the subject.

    Like 3
  21. Cooter CooterMember

    Well If I seem a bit “Chatty” this week it’s because I am on Stay-cation. I haven’t done one of these in some time. I have everything that was loose boxed and labeled in neat plastic containers and the garage & attic are immaculate. House is fully decorated for Christmas!

    Like 4
  22. Civileyes CivileyesMember

    I’ve got this model in a drop top- around 5K were produced and the convertible was only that year. I drive her around Brooklyn just about every night. I’m not into going to a bunch of car shows but I’ve never seen another one on the road (Convertible), In NY or within my travels. I imagine that there are a couple dozen or so still running around. Sometimes it’s hard, even for classic car fans, for them to decipher the model. Also, I get a lot of folks that think its from the 70s. I can say that she is a blast to drive (rebuilt OG engine about 5k miles ago and plenty of power) and that the general population loves a big old drop top. I imagine most folks would love this big old hard top as well; both to cruise in and to look at. I think the major drawback of the one listed is the lack of the 8 lugs- they fit the car perfectly.

    Like 1
  23. Wademo

    Absolutely beautiful! To bad they got away from the better looking instrument panels in the early sixties, that is the only knock on the beauty of this car. Although I do remember a lot of quality issues on these when they were new, I would love to have one now. All is forgiven!😁

    Like 0

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