First generation Pontiac Grand Prix models were introduced in 1962, and gained popularity as a large personal luxury car with plenty of style inside and out. Development of Grand Prix is generally attributed to Advanced Engineering head John DeLorean. Teamed with a powerful V8 engine, the Grand Prix underwent many changes during its limited lifetime. The car was discontinued in 2008, followed by the dissolution of the Pontiac brand in 2010 during the Chapter 11 reorganization of GM. Style and comfort were expected, and later generations grew from personal to family luxury capabilities.
Most Pontiac Grand Prix cars were built in several US locations, including Pontiac, MI; Arlington, TX; Doraville, GA; Southgate, CA; Kansas City, KS; Wilmington, DE; and Linden, NJ. The location of... View more build is stamped into the VIN code as the fourth symbol; it will show the first initial of the manufacturing city. The latest (2004-2008) generation was built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. These performance cars are powered by snappy V6 engines and powerful V8s. Most models featured a signature twin-grille nose. After complete restyling in 1965, only one model year thereafter offered a convertible option, 1967.
Pontiac Grand Prix generated excitement and survived through seven generations until economic hard times forced the exit of the entire Pontiac brand in 2010, with model discontinuation in 2008. Between its introduction in 1962 and termination in 2008, Grand Prix models were revised and resized many times. Originally based on the standard Catalina coupe model, Grand Prix had a sport interior with bucket seats and center console. Exterior chrome was minimal, and the powertrain was a Bonneville 389 CID V8 featuring 303 hp and 4-barrel carburetor with dual exhaust system. Body size and engines changed with the times as the world experienced gas shortages and demands for better fuel efficiency increased.
Transmissions were offered in manual and automatic styles, teamed with V8 and V6 engines. One of the most powerful was the 455 CID V8, while efficiency was achieved with a smaller 2.1 L V6 engine. The interior designs included a user-friendly cockpit with large gauges. The exterior always had sleek styling elements to go with high tech mechanical features like keyless entry, heads-up display, firmer suspension, high performance tires, OnStar, CD, air conditioning, cruise control and power windows and mirrors.
Coupe or sedan styling was offered on most models until the last generation, when sedan became the only choice. A reliable supercharged 3800 V6 engine was introduced with the Sixth Generation (1997-2003) Grand Prix models. Always popular for being a very stylish car, the Grand Prix also captured Motor Trend Car of the Year" honors in 1965. The Pontiac Grand Prix is no longer in production, making all models targets for collectors. View less
