By the late eighties, both McLaren and ASC had strong reputations for making major vehicular improvements on their own, and if either set out to enhance the sixth-generation Pontiac Grand Prix, the outcome would likely have been very rewarding. However, this was a best-of-both-worlds situation where the two put their heads together, with McLaren providing the power and ASC tweaking the suspension and cosmetics. The result was the Pontiac Grand Prix ASC McLaren, and this low-mileage 1990 model here on Facebook Marketplace appears to remain in stunning condition. This red beauty is in Westport, Massachusetts, and I’m a bit surprised the $14,000 asking price hasn’t led to a sale in the 15 weeks it’s been available. Doc, thanks for your tip on this unusual W-Body turbocharged coupe!
The Grand Prix received some significant changes in 1988 when the car switched from its traditional rear-wheel-drive to more-modern FWD components, along with a completely new body style. While many Pontiac fans appreciated the fresh look, the driving experience wasn’t particularly spirited, even with the optional 3.1-liter V6. That’s where McLaren stepped in and modified the GM LH0 engine, adding goodies like an external Garrett turbocharger and some internal strengthening, including a stouter crankshaft. The fuel system was also upgraded and the tuning revised, with the result becoming known as the LG5, which provided a more satisfying 205 horsepower- almost exactly a third more than the 3.1 in its stock configuration.
American Sunroof Company, or ASC for short, also played an integral role in both looks and handling. They’re the backbone behind the widened fender flares, lower body cladding, and functional hood louvers, which helped extract heat from the engine bay. ASC also installed the McLaren-tuned suspension upgrades, which gave the GP a lower stance, a stiffer ride, and improved handling. Also included were 16-inch gold mesh aluminum wheels, which this one is still wearing, and the fit, finish, and entire body all seem excellent here.
Opting for the ASC McLaren Grand Prix reduced passenger capacity by one occupant, as the standard seats were all replaced with heavily padded buckets in both the front and rear. Since 1990 wasn’t typically a pinnacle era for high-performance domestic automobiles, it must have been a breath of fresh air for the driver to have a turbo boost gauge staring at them, and it’s still pretty cool more than a third of a century later. More good news is this one’s said to have passed through only two owners, with the seller reporting he’s been the caretaker for the past 34 years, and only 53k miles have been accumulated since the car was new. I’m finding very little to complain about here, and feeling this is probably a fair deal at or around the $14,000 asking price. What do you think?
Very nice example here Mike. If the condition checks out in person like it does in the photos, I’d say it’s a realistic price. These came out when I was in my early 20s. Between the Cutlass, Regal, Lumina, and Grand Prix, these are my favorite. The rims, the color combination, those thick seats, look great. And McLaren definitely woke up the 3.1 with that supercharger. I always wanted to drive one of these. This does not look like a 36 year old car. In fact, it’s hard to believe 36 years have even passed since this rolled off the showroom floor. Great write up Mike, and a great car too!!! Thanks.
It’s turbo not supercharger…
I just reread what I wrote. I guess the caffeine didn’t hit me yet, I have no idea why I typed Supercharger.
The hood louvers are functional? How about that, I always assumed they were cosmetic. This car looks like it’s in pretty great shape. In my mind, turbocharging had not really developed well, by 1990, for gas-powered engines – I recall Garrett being a well-regarded name, though.
Yes they are functional. They cut through the hood and have screens and a drip tray below them.
Excellent fit and finish on a GM product? Shocker!
Some new driver comes along, aims for the horn, and the radio goes crazy. It looks like they experimented with how many controls they could fit into the steering wheel.