1972 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J

Description

By 1972, the era of full-sized luxury muscle was starting to die, just like the rest of the high-horsepower machines, but that didn't stop Pontiac from building cars like this ultra-cool 1972 Grand Prix Model J. There's still a rumbling 400-inch V8 under the hood, a pair of bucket seats inside, and enough performance to make it a legitimate piece of the Pontiac legend.

Time has been kind to the Grand Prix, whose design stands out as one of the better ones of the period. Of course, long hoods and short decks have been in fashion since the dawn of the industry, but this Grand Prix gets it exactly right. A slight freshening for the '71 model year only helps, adding a neo-boat-tail rear end. This car has been nicely preserved in its original, survivor-grade Anaconda Gold, which suits the upscale Poncho just fine, especially with the light tan vinyl top providing contrast. Befitting a car of this one's stature, fit and finish are quite good, particularly with that massive hood sitting flush which is no small achievement. The big doors line up well, too, and although the survivor paint obviously has some flaws after all these years, it still shows well in person with a nice soft shine that seems well-suited to the period. This one just looks right. Note the crisp line along the lower edges of the body that makes panel alignment so critical, as well as neat details like the slotted rear side marker lights and pinstripes that highlight some of the more dramatic sheetmetal curves. Thankfully, Pontiac took it easy on the chrome, using it sparingly on the tightly-fitted bumpers to make a statement, and they remain in good condition as well.

Pontiac's commitment to luxury and performance is quite evident inside, where you get a couple very comfortable yet sporty beige buckets up front, split by a Model J-spec center console. A wrap-around instrument panel was new and Pontiac advertising called it "aircraft-inspired" which might be a reach, but it sure looks good. The beige cloth-and-vinyl are correct but appear to be a bit more recent, as they're just too nice to be original and those appear to be fresh carpets and mats on the floor as well. However, the door panels are likely original and their condition suggests that this car has lived an exceptionally easy life. The car includes factory air conditioning, a tilt column, power brakes and steering (mandatory on a beast this size, I'd think), and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission that's a reliable travelling partner. The trunk is original and very spacious, but that also means that there are no secrets hiding under a mat, and you can see that this car is really clean.

Mechanically, the original numbers matching 400 cubic inch Pontiac V8 is hard to beat. Torquey, smooth, and versatile, it moves the big GP with ease. Not detailed for show, it takes its influences from contemporary Trans Ams and wears light blue on the block and valve covers, and maintains its original black snorkeled air cleaner up top. The intake and 4-barrel are stock spec, although the stock-style headers now feed a throaty stainless steel dual exhaust system. The underside is original and solid, and the light dusting of undercoating does nothing to hide the fact that this car doesn't suffer from the tin worm like so many of its contemporaries. And those handsome Pontiac Rally II wheels look as good here as they do on its siblings, wearing big 225/70/14 Cooper Cobra white-letter radials at all four corners.

These cars have a dedicated following and with values only going up, now is the time to put a clean, attractive Grand Prix Model J in your stable. Call today!