The clean and well-preserved 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix recently for sale on eBay reminds us of the excitement this car generated for the brand.
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New Standard
When the Pontiac Grand Prix debuted for the 1962 model year, it set a new standard for style and performance in a full-size car. Subsequent redesigns brought more groundbreaking design and additional performance. But the restyled 1969 Grand Prix really got the world’s attention.
A clean-sheet design, the 1969 model was a smaller, sportier Grand Prix. It took the long hood/short rear deck styling theme to a new extreme. Period ads boasted that the Grand Prix had the longest hood in the industry, stretching more than six feet.
Unique exterior styling touches include flush door handles, the first use of a radio antenna - opens in new window or tab. integrated into the windshield for a cleaner look, and a front-end treatment inspired by luxury brands of the 1930s, such as Duesenberg - opens in new window or tab.. Pontiac even used Duesenberg naming nomenclature for the Grand Prix, offering it in Model J and Model SJ trims.
Aircraft Inspired
Positioned to compete against European and domestic rivals, the redesigned Grand Prix featured an aircraft-inspired cockpit. The instrument panel wrapped around the driver to bring controls and instruments closer. Bucket seats and a console that also angled toward the driver added to the sporty feel.
Engineers made the 1969 Grand Prix somewhat more nimble by trimming several inches from its overall length and removing some 800 pounds compared to the 1968 model. Yet the Grand Prix was positioned more as a personal luxury car than one for twisty two lanes.
Largely a Survivor
A California car since new, this Grand Prix in Model J spec was relocated to Illinois a few years ago by the current owner. It is largely a survivor with one respray in its original gorgeous blue and with a matching original vinyl roof covering - opens in new window or tab.. The seller reports some dryness and bubbling in the vinyl roof, typical of cars so equipped from that era.
The blue theme continues in the cabin, where the interior has been completely redone to look virtually new. This example was well-equipped with desirable accessories from the factory, including:
- Power windows
- Power steering and brakes
- AM/FM radio with rear speakers
- Tilt steering wheel
- Air conditioning (not functional)
The bucket seats, carpets, dash pad, and headliner - opens in new window or tab. appear to be flawless. The trunk is just as clean and includes a full-size spare tire mounted on a Pontiac five-spoke wheel - opens in new window or tab. that matches those on the car.
Matching Numbers
This Model J is equipped with the correct, matching-numbers 400 cubic-inch V-8 engine - opens in new window or tab. rated as producing 350 horsepower. The 6.6-liter engine is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller says the car runs well and is very reliable, and he wouldn’t hesitate to drive it anywhere.
That’s like frosting on the cake. Combined with its overall condition and relatively affordable cost of entry, this could be a great collectible and a good excuse for a road trip.
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