The automotive landscape is littered with vehicles that could have been great but somehow never emerged from the shadows. Or, they were hotly anticipated and and publicized but never measured up to the hype surrounding them. This 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix ASC McLaren meets both criteria for being an unloved specimen, but plenty of enthusiasts are keeping these rare models alive and treating them like the collector car Pontiac always wanted it to be. It’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $14,700 with under 80,000 original miles. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Kiwie49 for the find.
In my humble opinion, this is one of the coolest skunkworks cars ever made. Pontiac once again enlisted the help of its pals at ASC/McLaren, the same group that brought the Buick GNX to life, to make the new Grand Prix a tad more deserving of the significant overhaul it had just received. Power output was weak in stock form, which seems to be par for the course when GM introduces a new model. Despite having V6 power on board, it was still a pittance of what it should have offered performance-wise. ASC/McLaren got to work, adding a turbocharger along with wildly flared bodywork, gold mesh wheels, and an interior loaded with the best technology of the era.
When they were done with it, the V6 now cranked out a respectable 205 b.h.p., a nice jump over the 130 horsepower it left the factory with. The only transmission was the standard-issue 4-speed automatic, so there was no getting around that. The engine also grew to be 3.1L over the stock 2.8 liters. While the newfound output won’t set your hair on fire today, it’s the overall vibe that this Grand Prix has that makes it desirable in my book. Those fat fenders, the ridiculously over-stuffed bucket seats, the myriad buttons on the steering wheel – this is an exercise in pure excess, and I love everything about it.
The various driver controls and information centers were pretty whiz-bang for the era, and along with other GM models like the Reatta, it was clear the company was trying to up the ante in the tech department. I don’t believe it ever did much for GM’s reputation as a forward-looking organization, but cars like the Grand Prix ASC McLaren should serve as reminders that every now and again, the company did have the gumption to be better than the rest. These days, with less than 4,000 produced, the Grand Prix ASC McLaren will stand out at any car show it attends, and would look outstanding parked next to a pristine GNX.
Comfortable cruiser for the long drives. 😌 🛣
Wow I haven’t seen these in a very long time. I remember when they came out I felt this model should have been rear wheel drive. And with the turbo i know this would of push near 300 hp and to have a 5 speed stick…. I am amazed the buttons on the interior are still readable. The white paint warn out pretty quick after cleaning the interior. But they had the best seats on the market at that time. You could strap yourself in and you won’t move around.Having fun going around quick turns. My favorite color on this ride was black/gold. I wanted to get one but 1990 was the year I was getting married. The rear spoiler looks really good not being factory. The price is very fair and I doubt you’ll find another one like this in this condition. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
Me want!! Have a vintage revell to put together!
Those 245/50-16s made this car. That stance was simply perfect.
My nephew and his friend were in one of these that left the road in excess of 100 mph hit a culvert that sent it airborne the car tumbled end over end multiple times crossing the road climbing a embankment that kicked it back across the road landing in someone’s yard…..they both only had bumps and bruises and seatbelt rash so I would say they are fast and mostly safe cars.
I was given one as a demo for a week in 1992, and it was a nice, stylish, peppy ride. It would have been much better with RWD and a manual. l Every one of the ones I saw was Red. Does anyone know if this was the only color offered? Nice price, won’t ruin the bank account.
Loved that body style! Had a 91 GP & 95 GTP!
Loved this body style! Had a 91 GP & 95 GTP!
I had an 88 GP and my mother had a 93(?). Both were great cars and as dependable as an anvil.
The only thing I question with this hotrod version is how bad is the torque steer on this? I know with the bone stock 88 it would almost pull the steering wheel out of your hands it was so bad.