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.
It’s technically correct (which is the best kind of correct) in that a turbocharger is a type of supercharger, which refers to any means of mechanically-driven forced induction (as distinct from, say, a ram air intake).
Of course in common usage, turbos are usually just called turbos, leaving supercharger to refer to other types not powered by exhaust-driven turbines.
Doesn’t matter. The designs back then were just horrible and if you need a turbo or supercharger, the engine is too small. The 60’s and 70’s for Pontiac was then.
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.
Comfortable cruiser for sure, well appointed w luxuries. Plenty of power for passing. Nice cars.
Calling it a GTO with 205hp is criminal.
Good thing they never called it a GTO, then.
You might be thinking of the Grand Prix GTP that replaced the ’89-90 Turbo from ’91-on, or the unrelated ’04-06 Pontiac GTO based on the Holden Monaro (VZ) which replaced the Grand Prix coupes.
SubGothius…love those Aussie adopted models. 6sp manual, rwd, powerful V8s. Real burners in a conservative pkg. 👍
Hello,
I’m confused. Dupe account names are legit?
I like this. The one thing that would be a problem I recall Gran Prix of this vintage having red dashboard lights. I hated them. But if I were in the market I would buy it and swap out the bulbs.
I recall testing one in its day at a dealership. Plenty fast enough. Faster and better handling than most cars on city streets. So too was the 1987-1996 Chevrolet Beretta with the 2.8L and later 3.1L that easily went 60mph in 8 seconds. Large greenhouse and top crash test ratings made these cars a fun and practical car for small families. We enjoyed 2 Berettas. Beretta designed by an all-woman team of engineers too.
Don’t forget the Z24’s! I ordered my first car in the late fall of 85, when they started advertising them on TV as a little wolf in sheep’s clothing, pulling up beside a red Vette overlooking a cliff! Mine was red and trimmed in silver. Man, that doesn’t seem like it’s been 41 years ago already!
I believe if the GP is mechanically sound as it is visually, then it’s definitely worth the $14 grand they’re asking. Especially being a rare model. I don’t know how many of these Pontiac produced.
Just checked the number of these. They only made 3500, between 1989 and 1990. So these would be considered rare.
If it was priced according to what potential buyers are willing to pay, it would have sold. It seems like there isn’t a lot of demand and/or the price is too high. If a car sits on the market for 15 weeks it’s too expensive.
Steve R
There’s one on FB Marketplace in Palatine, IL that also, ironically enough, has been on the market for 15 weeks. That one has 77k on the odometer and is marked down to $10,500.
It’s almost like these are not in very high demand. I wouldn’t mind owning one to experience the novelty. Selling it later would be the tough part!
Rare. 2,700 models this year . Nice write up here Mike .
Pontiac could have put the 3.8 from the Turbo TA in this as we all know ASC McLaren had the contract to build the GNX years earlier.
GP engineers were told no as the Pace Car TA got a 1 yr only revival of the GN drivetrain with PAI handling that .
Pontiac’s NASCAR program was in full throttle at this time right through to 2003 .
It wasn’t until 1997 that the 3.8v6 would fill the engine bay in the W body with a supercharger.
Corporate politics kept the W body under control with the Firebird, Camaro and Corvette in the GM stable .
These GP’s are finicky and to find one this well preserved with exceptional long ownership …
Not an easy task , priced pretty darn well.
They couldn’t put the turbo 3.8 in these because they didn’t have a fwd transmission strong enough to handle the power. These were extremely detuned and torque managed just to keep the transmission alive. If you pop off the vacuum hose going to the wastegate these will light up the tires at 20 mph in the dry until the computer recognizes the overboost condition and shuts it down
A guy I knew had one. He used to brag about the “computer” on the center hump. LOL
very clean but not a popular style G/P. i would say the price is on the high side that’s why it still sitting on F.B.
I had a 1990 Corvette 350 automatic. I also had a GTP 6 cyl turbo. The Pontiac would leave the Vette in it’s dust. Had over 200K on it when the tranny gave out, motor still purring.
I’ve owned two of these, beautiful cars! Fast and great handling! As Stephen referenced, I left more than a few Corvettes wondering what happened, as well as others. Fun times, fond memories!
You must be young. Those were cramped cars and nothing to look at. I understand small engines can be made to go fast. One of these in 1969 is worth money.
Nice car. B-pillar door handles are prone to break. Ask me how I know.
I grew up in a W body Regal. My mom bought it new in 1988 and owned it for 25 years. We never once had a door handle break. The linkage on the driver door did come loose once, but was an easy fix. I went on to own several W bodies 2 doors myself and a Beretta and never had a door handle break on me either. The key was using the handle to unlatch the door, but grabbing either behind the handle once the door was unlatched or the top of the door frame to pull the door open.
Yeah I’d say people not knowing what it is is why it hasn’t sold yet. Friend of mine had a 91 GTP, it was a rocket! This would be very similar.
It was simply the cars of that time period . People have feelings for the vehicles in which they grew up with. If it had a 400,421,427,428,or a 455 it would be a catch.
14 K is about 5K too high. The 3.1 performed competently enough, but the turbo will be too much for the transmission. We would rebuild those often in the dealership. Why pay 15K for a 36 year-old vehicle? It isn’t a collector car.
Exactly. The body styling in that time period wasn’t exciting and a bit shocking. Could never fit a 389 in that. Pontiac went too small.
Exactly. The body styling in that time period wasn’t exciting and a bit shocking. Could never fit a 389 in that. Pontiac went too small.