1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ

Description

Here at Streetside Classics, it's our job to watch the market and spot trends. Most recently, it seems that big luxury/muscle is hitting its stride, and there are few better examples of the breed than this 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. With a ton of recent work, this black-on-black stunner coddles like a Cadillac, but moves like a GTO.

Think of the Pontiac Grand Prix SJ as a muscle car on steroids. It's got the right long hood/short deck proportions, a fantastic Starlight Black paint job, and a black vinyl top, all of which are muscle car staples. Up close, however, you'll notice that someone really sweated the details on this one, and there's quite likely a lot more than the asking price wrapped up in making it look this good. The original bodywork is laser-straight thanks to a lifetime in warm, sunny North Carolina, and with black, there are no shortcuts. Adding just the right amount of flash, bright red pinstripes accent the dramatic hood and subtle kick-up behind the doors, and all the chrome has been polished to a high shine. And yes, that's a hood-mounted tachometer, which is still fully functional. Red 428 badges aren't subtle, but they're the only warning you get with this car that there's more going on than just someone's luxury coupe, and that's very cool.

The amazing continues inside, with a gorgeous black interior complete with handsome textured vinyl bucket seats and a center console. Add in the matching black carpets so it looks like a million bucks, and it's all in very good condition. Even the driver's seat shows minimal wear and the back seat looks like new, further evidence that this special Grand Prix has been loved all its life. The three-spoke steering wheel should look familiar to Pontiac fans and the burled wood appliques on the dash add an upscale atmosphere that matches the shift knob. This one also includes options like A/C (ice cold thanks to an R134a upgrade) and a rear defroster. You'll note that everything works, including the clock, and there's an AM/FM stereo radio in the wrap-around dash, although it's probably due for an upgrade. The trunk is positively huge and comes complete with a new mat and full-sized spare tire assembly with jack.

The muscle part of the Grand Prix equation comes from its original, numbers-matching 428 cubic inch V8, which is neatly detailed to stock specifications. A big chrome air cleaner lid proudly advertises that there's a 4-barrel carburetor living underneath, and chrome valve covers were a Pontiac tradition, because they know their customers would be showing off the hardware under the hood. There's nothing out of place and the Pontiac Turquoise paint on the block looks fresh. The engine runs beautifully, with a big hit of torque at any speed and a wonderful V8 burble from the recent Flowmaster dual exhaust system. A TH400 3-speed automatic is heavy-duty enough for the engine's output, and feeds a set of highway-friendly 3.08 gears, so this big Poncho just loafs along at supra-legal speeds. The chassis is quite clean, thanks to a life in a warm climate and a new gas tank hangs out back. Four stylish original Rally II wheels wear fat 225/70/14 Firestone radials.

Don't be surprised if cars like this see a big jump in values very soon. It happened to the Riviera, the Eldorado, and the Continental Mark II, and this Grand Prix offers that same kind of luxury muscle. Call today!