1963 Pontiac Grand Prix

Description

Everyone likes surprises, right? This 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix hardtop is definitely a surprise. With the GTOs and Bonnevilles getting all the attention, it's only a matter of time before everyone catches on that the Grand Prix is really the one to own. This one packs a rumbling 389, a gorgeous interior full of options, and has the right look for full-sized Pontiac muscle, all at a very reasonable price. Surprised?

Still wearing a coat of original spec special-order Bamboo Cream paint, this gorgeous full-sized coupe has a no-nonsense look to it, doesn't it? Maybe it's the legendary Super Duty DNA running through its fuel lines or something, but this car looks grown-up and muscular. Pontiac designers nailed the proportions, giving the big car a sporty attitude despite being notably bigger than its GTO sibling, which is no minor achievement. The all-new look of the 1963 cars introduced styling features that would become Pontiac trademarks for years to come, including stacked headlights and the slick taillights hidden in the trim. Crisp body lines and a minimum of add-on styling gimmicks certainly help, and today it shows off excellent fit and finish that's pretty much the way the factory did it. It has recently had much the chrome and emblems refinished, which adds sparkle to the overall look. The grille remains in great shape, the glass is original and good shape, and the lack of the usual vinyl top gives it a touch of sportiness that you usually don't find in full-sized luxury cruisers.

Pontiac was big on two- or even tri-tone interiors, but this handsome no-nonsense Grand Prix wears basic black. The vinyl upholstery is in excellent condition with no notable splits or tears and the look should be familiar to anyone who drove a GM car in the 60s. Matching door panels are almost too nice to be original, and the dash has not been baked in the hot sun despite this car hailing from the warm, sunny south. Even the clear Lucite steering wheel looks great with only minor signs of age. All the instruments are bright and crisp, including the console-mounted economy gauge, and if you look closely you'll discover that the high-beam indicator is a Chief Pontiac head in profile. This car also carries factory A/C that's fully functional, a center console, power windows, and a hidden AM/FM/Satellite/iPod radio that sounds great, although it's worth mentioning that the original AM radio works, too. The trunk is upholstered in correct brown mats and carries a full-sized spare.

The original, numbers-matching 389 shows just 38,142 original miles and purrs using a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust, as original. Again, we suspect that the engine has never been out of the car and it runs superbly, strongly suggesting that this car hasn't been raced or abused. With big block torque, it cruises effortlessly at just about any speed and a few upgrades make it reliable, including a modern alternator and chrome Edelbrock air cleaner. The exhaust is a 2.5-inch setup with stock-style mufflers for a vintage performance sound that definitely commands attention. A 3-speed automatic drives the original full-size rear end with 3.23 gears inside, so it's still the superlative highway cruiser it has always been. It's quite solid, too, so you should have no fears about dipping into the torque reserves any time you'd like. Standard steel wheels with hubcaps that look like the legendary 8-lugs give it the right look and it sits on fresh 215/75/14 whitewall radials all around.

So are you surprised by how much you like this car? Don't be, because it really is as awesome as it looks and the price is certainly right. Call today!