The Pontiac Grand Prix has always been stylish across its generations, and I once owned a 1975 Grand Prix Model J. It was probably the most comfortable of my classic cars on the highway, and I would love to own another one someday. If you feel the same, a 1983 Pontiac Grand Prix LJ is up for auction in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, currently listed here on eBay with a bid of $8,300 and four days left. There is also a buy it now option at $15,999.
The 1983 Pontiac Grand Prix was part of the fifth generation of the model which ran from 1978-1987. Pontiac’s promotional brochure announced “There’s New Excitement In Our ’83 Grand Prix” and buyers had the choice of three levels of trim; the base, LJ, and Brougham Coupes. The model for auction on eBay is the middle-priced LJ which featured the luxury-sport trim. The seller notes that the garage kept Grand Prix has no rust on the body and that the frame was undercoated twice. The 1983 model had the distinction of having no hood ornament.
I’m a sucker for T-tops even if they were prone to leaking and they look great on this Grand Prix. The brown interior looks extremely comfortable with plush velour bucket seats while the wood-grain dashboard of the Grand Prix gives off a luxury vibe. The seller does reveal that the floor pan has some surface rust which could be cleaned up and coated. 1983 would mark the end of the Grand Prix LJ series, as the LE model would replace it in the 1984 model year.
After reaching out to the seller in regard to the mention of a new V8 engine with 2,500 miles on it, I was told the Grand Prix originally had a V6 which would have been the standard Buick 231 cubic inch producing 110 hp. However, reader Big_Fun pointed out that the VIN decodes to having the Chevrolet-based 305 V8 from the beginning, which was an optional engine on the Grand Prix in 1983. The new engine is also reported to be a Chevy 305 which produced 150 hp and the seller states the car runs and drives well. One issue which needs to be addressed is a reported issue with the title regarding the mileage. This Grand Prix LJ for sale looks to be a good classic Pontiac to drive around in. What do you readers think?
Good news; the VIN decodes to having the Chevrolet based 305 V8 from the beginning. No overdrive symbol spotted, likely rear gear ratio is 2.14 (!) or 2.41 (shout out to Stan!)
Thanks Big_Fun! I’ll make the correction and credit you.
Very nice Grand Prix. I was going to say, if someone swapped engines they did a very nice neat job, and looked factory. Nice car, thanks for the write up Christopher I enjoyed it!!!
A few red flags but this everything a Pontiac Grand Prix should have: Bucket seats with the console (I love the open look head rests) and the Pontiac Rally wheels. Nice car.