The G-Body Pontiac Grand Prix is one of those models that doesn’t elicit much excitement from the domestic enthusiast crowd, and it’s a bit of a surprise to me. Obviously, this was not a high performance model, but the styling was attractive and Pontiac offered a V8 engine and 4-speed automatic combination for anyone willing to spend the money. While the Buick Regal got all the shine, the Grand Prix did some in some interesting trim lines, like the limited production 2+2 model that was essentially a twin to the Chevrolet Aerocoupe. All in all, an interesting option for an affordable entry into classic car ownership, and this 1987 Grand Prix LE listed here on eBay appears to be a high option example.
Now, is this the best example of this unloved Pontiac? Hardly. According to the listing, it has over 191,000 original miles, which I find absolutely astounding. No disrespect intended to the GM cars of this era, but they weren’t exactly known for racking up big miles. The seller has chosen to “write” this listing with the help of AI, so who knows if the mileage is actually correct; the paint looks far cleaner than that sort of mileage would indicate, but it also may be wearing a respray. There is some evidence of rust that looks like the type of corrosion that comes from poor paint prep versus driving through New Hampshire in the winter months. With the LE trim, the Pontiac came standard with lots of comfort features, and this one appears to sport the optional finned alloy wheels.
Bucket seats and a proper center console are a nice look, and the Grand Prix is also equipped with a healthy gauge package. The gauges are important to note, as GM made a big deal out of the Grand Prix coming equipped with conventional dials via an ad campaign; of course, GM was already adding digital instrumentation to cars like the Corvette, so it seems odd that they were highlighting the advantages of staying old-school. Regardless, the Grand Prix shown here benefits from the changes made standard in the previous years, like the T-handle shifter, redesigned seats, and woodgrain-style trim on the dash.
The interior looks better than I’d expect for 191,000 miles, but I’d love to see the odometer to confirm that number as being accurate. The Grand Prix came equipped with a few different engine options, and the V8 under the hood of this car is the one to have. The 305 produced 150 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque, which was hardly remarkable but pretty much the norm during the CAFE years. The Grand Prix is every bit of a project car and the seller’s ask of nearly $5,000 seems ambitious given the market for these is quite soft. Do you think this garage find Pontiac deserves to be restored?
Even though it is a mere shred of what a Grand Prix was, now a rebadged Chevy, it still was a nice car. Pontiac was #1 in NASCAR around this time, some big names drove Grand Prixs. In fact, the King himself raced Grand Prixs, his last a ’92, I believe and the end of his racing. Sadly, this is just a “junk” car to many, and not worth hassling with. Now, if it was clean, and driveable, $30 grand,,(cough), but for $5grand, today, sadly, this is what the schmoes of the world have to settle for.
the seller should have at least had somebody get the tires holding air. you never see these anymore and with a v8. if was not 2k miles from me i would show up with the trailer and offer 4k. could be a nice cruiser
Be easy to slip a nice late model Chevy engine in it and surprise the boys at the lights.
It would have been nice if the seller had removed those cheap, baggy, and non-matching aftermarket seat covers so that the condition of the factory upholstery could be seen.