The Pontiac Grand Prix is a true muscle car thanks to the V8 engine under the hood, but its unassuming exterior makes it the perfect sleeper car.
The Pontiac Grand Prix Boasted A Grueling 6.4-Liter V8
Housed inside the gorgeous Pontiac Grand Prix sat an impressive 6.4-liter V8, capable of producing 303 horses and 323 lb-ft of raging torque. Due to the weight of the vehicle, it had a limited top speed of 108 mph, although masses of power were in great supply. Two upgrades were available which offered 338 or 348 horses, although owners rarely found these upgrades necessary, as the standard V8 offered more than enough excitement. Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, speed wasn’t the most important feature when it came to fiery muscle cars. Enthusiasts favored fast acceleration, and the Pontiac Grand Prix offered just that. The Grand Prix’s 0-60 mph speed of 6 seconds remained thoroughly impressive during this era, excelling expectations. Not only was it a beast on the drag racing scene, but the Pontiac Grand Prix also offered reliable daily driving.
The Pontiac Grand Prix Flaunted A Classic Exterior
The Grand Prix was primarily based on the Pontiac Catalina with its long 120-inch wheelbase, encased in a luxurious trim. Gone were the popular chrome trims and boring fittings, replaced instead with modern fittings that kept the Grand Prix looking contemporary and understated. A stretched, split grille with beady headlamps decorated the Grand Prix’s elongated hood. Horizontal tail lamps highlighted the Grand Prix’s rear, either side of the automobile’s name, which stretched itself across the trunk.
Head inside the cabin, and General Motors’ love for a simplistic interior could be clearly felt through the vehicle’s bucket seats and hardtop roof. Despite the Pontiac Grand Prix being a two-door coupe, there was a surprising amount of space inside. Passenger entertainment came in the form of rear seat speakers and cool lighting. A foldable center console came as standard, which added a little touch of luxury to the Grand Prix. The Pontiac Grand Prix’s interior oozed the very thing that General Motors prized itself upon, impressive simplicity with a touch of luxuriousness.
A Pontiac Grand Prix Rolls Up With A $25,000 Price Tag
With a mammoth 477,070 Pontiac Grand Prix’s rolling out of production, only 30,195 of those were from the 1962 model year. With this stunning vehicle first hitting the automobile market with a $3,490 price tag, car enthusiasts can now expect to fork out upwards of $25,000. Later generations can cost around $30,000 due to their improved condition.
The Pontiac Grand Prix was the true definition of classic muscle car that shone bright during its prime and continued to do so throughout its long lifespan on the competitive market. The Grand Prix offered its riders comfort, heaps of power and a shed load of excitement. Raw aggression enabled the iconic Pontiac Grand Prix to excel and become one of the world’s most sought after muscle cars during the ’60s and ’70s, and its fan base lives on today.
Although the Pontiac Grand Prix was sadly discontinued in 2009, car enthusiasts were lucky enough to experience the pure thrills that the Grand Prix offered. Thankfully, many Pontiac Grand Prix’s are still available to purchase today. So, if you’re looking for some dazzling muscle car excitement, why not measure up your garage ready for this timeless classic to be your newest edition? Its unassuming style, combined with its mighty V8, make this an excellent sleeper.