Although the Pontiac Grand Prix experienced some declining sales during the second generation of production, that all changed when the redesigned 1969 model saw 112,486 units roll off the assembly line, a nearly 3/4 increase over the previous year’s production number. While these cars aren’t particularly rare, they offer some great looks from an era when interest in personal luxury autos was on the rise, so if you’ve been searching for a project from this period, this 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J might be worth a look.
This one’s said to have previously been sitting for around two decades and was headed to a salvage yard when the seller intervened, but it’s the circumstances behind the hibernation that are the most shocking here. It seems the previous owner was behind the wheel and got involved in a law enforcement chase, which resulted in the Pontiac getting away from the Crown Victorias in pursuit on that fateful night. However, justice prevailed, as the cops later went to the guy’s house and made their arrest, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence.
It remains unknown what kind of shape the metal was in before the GP was officially off the road, but there are some exterior sections showing rust, and it’s a bit hard to tell how much of it is on the surface versus areas that have actually corroded through. Hopefully, it’s not far enough along that any panel replacement will be required, and the Pontiac does appear pretty much complete on the outside.
When the 1969 Grand Prix debuted, it took the honors for having the longest hood in the brand’s history, with this one featuring a 400 cubic-inch V8 underneath that large component. Those equipped with a 2-barrel carburetor produced 265 horsepower, but the seller says this one’s got the 4-barrel on top, which increased output to 350. It’s said to turn over and run briefly with the assistance of starting fluid, but considering the amount of time this car has been parked, I’m guessing a good going-through will be in order for the next owner. The A/C compressor is also missing, but maybe that provided a little extra getaway power the night this GP outran the law.
The tarp doesn’t seem to have provided very much protection for the interior, with just about everything in there covered in a layer of funk years in the making. On a positive note, the trio of photos from the underside appear to show a platform that still looks reasonably good, at least in the areas we get to view. This 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix is in Perris, California, and can be spotted here on eBay, where bidding is currently resting at $1,000. Is this early G-Body one you’d consider taking on as a project?
The first year G body had the straight trunk. The 1970 had a pointed kinda boat tail design.
The trunk lid was the same part number GM used on the Chevelles that year.
The 1969 and 1970 GP’s shared the same trunk lid. The “V” shape began with the 1971 models. The trunk lids were specific to the Grand Prix only, and they were not the same part number as a Chevelle trunk lid.
Ah, you’re right. 1970 had the same deck lid. My memory may be fooling me, but I’m pretty sure that part number for the ’68 through ’72 Chevy A and G bodies carried the 3 and 5 designations for GM interchangeability. Same part number for five years.
The GM interchangeability was with Buick, not Pontiac.
I knew that dang Chevelle lid fit something else in GM. It was the ’70 thru ’72 Skylark.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled Pontiac review.
Also fits Skylark and Monte Carlo’s………..
That “circumstance” is a daily occurance in America. Nothing to see here and about as interesting as most of the “Celebrity” connections noted on BF.
This is a 1970 not a 1969. Notice the louvers are on the fender.
Also, the 69 had horizonal bars in the grille.
Very good those vertical bars on the 69’ was how most people could tell the year.
As an 18 year old, 40+ years ago, I worked at a body shop that had one of these as a loaner car. Being the “kid” I got the grunt work, like removing sheet metal needing replacement & going to pick up lunch for the others.
One day I got to take the GP to pick up burgers. For some reason it did the “one wheel peal” and smoked the rear tire as I left just about every stop. Those Pontiac 400s had pretty good torque!
Once beautiful GP deserves a resto if not a rust out. Seen some pretty rough cars get saved.
Yep…..with that kind of feedback ……I’ll pass…….
If you live nearby and have a trailer it’s a viable parts car close to the current high bid if $1,025. Show up, give him cash when he produces a title, front disc brakes, floorshift column and bucket seat cores will put you in profit.
Steve R
Sold for a high bid of $1,200.
Steve R
My.buddy had a 69’ with the 428’ H. O.
I had a 73’ SJ 455’ but tuned down some yet still a blast to drive. Would leave 2 black strips for 2 blocks easy some power braking. Had to let off. There’s faster, handle better, etc. but the 73’ GP still the favorite.