Automotive history is funny, eh? You can have a model that people love, and it gets replaced by a successor that people love less despite being “new and improved.” Our Pick of the Day is one of those vehicles, a 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ. It is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Kentwood, Michigan. (Click the link to view the listing)
The 1969 Grand Prix may not get much collector attention beyond Pontiac folks, but it was a revolutionary car in the market, a reformulation of the model that had grown lugubrious over the years. It was a shame because the Grand Prix literally defined the reasonably priced personal luxury car, which spawned a host of imitators including the Oldsmobile Jetstar I, Dodge Monaco (later, Monaco 500), Mercury Marquis and, eventually, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
Based on a stretched A-body platform, the 1969 Grand Prix was touted as a driver’s car, capable of giving GTO performance but with the sure-footed handling and luxury of a more sophisticated GT. Sales went through the roof after several years of cascading sales. Two trim levels were created, J and SJ, both inspired by the famous Duesenberg model and its supercharged variation.
The Grand Prix was nicely facelifted for 1971, then redesigned for 1973, right at the dawn of federalized front bumpers. Nonetheless, the Colonnade-based ’73 was leaner and swoopier than before, demonstrating all the strengths of the previous generation while evolving its style. Two separate grilles used the trademark split-grille to good effect. Inside, a redesigned instrument panel consisted of gauges galore, still angled towards the driver but now decorated with African crossfire mahogany. New, contoured bucket seats promised greater comfort, though now leather was no longer available. “We even improved GP’s handling and overall performance,” claimed the brochure. Power front disc brakes, variable-ratio power steering, and Turbo Hydra-matic automatic were standard.
The SJ package returned, similar to before. For 1973, it included the 455 V8, steel-belted radial tires, rear stabilizer bar, unitized ignition system, custom finned wheel covers, body-colored outside mirrors, pin striping, and Rally gauge cluster. The base Grand Prix shed its J designation but overall standard content was similar, including a 400 four-barrel. Optional for both was the Super Duty 455, though by the time the roller coaster of government emissions certification, Pontiac allocated them all to the Firebird.
When the model year was over, over 153,899 Grand Prixs were built for the 1973 model year. This was substantially higher than the record set in 1969. And, with all the ingredients that made the Grand Prix, it sounds like it could be a winner on the collector’s stage . . . but it’s not. Folks today prefer the 1969-72 versions, likely due to the high-compression engines (at least for 1969-70).
This creates an opportunity for cars like this Burma Brown metallic 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ, one of 20,749 built for the model year. The standard bucket seat interior is made of Morrokide vinyl. Turn your head up from the reupholstered bucket seats and you’ll find a sunroof—an expensive and uncommon option at the time. “This Grand Prix has been meticulously maintained and owned since 1976, with numerous upgrades, including new fenders, door skins, quarter panels, and a re-chromed bumper,” says the seller. New carpet, exhaust system, and front-end trim are also notable improvements. I also spy tilt wheel, air conditioning, cruise control, aftermarket stereo with cassette, power door windows and locks, power seat, Rally II mags, and white vinyl top.
The seller states this Grand Prix has Safe-T-Track, Pontiac marketing department’s name for limited-slip differential. That gives a hint that this Poncho is a performer combined with the 455—a bit of performance, a bit of luxury. For $21,900, you get what may be the epitome of a Grand Prix.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
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