1968 Pontiac Grand Prix 428 4sp. A/c – The Rarest Example First Gen Grand Prix on 2040-cars

1968 Pontiac Grand Prix 428 4sp. with A/C  – The Rarest Example of the Last Generation G/Ps

The first generation Grand Prix was a full-sized Pontiac hardtop coupe trimmed to standards above the top-line Bonneville. The Grand Prix always featured a distinctive grille and taillights, bucket seats, plus carpeting covering the floor and lower door panels. The center console-mounted transmission shifter included a storage compartment and matched the wood grain of the dash. The rear bench seat included a center fold-down armrest and a speaker grille that could be made functional with the extra-cost Bi-Phonic rear speaker. Other deluxe trim included a padded instrument panel, woodgrain steering wheel, courtesy lights, and many other luxury features.

The last of the first generation Grand Prix sported revised sheetmetal with a more rounded rear end that set the trend for the next several years of GM styling. Also new to the G/P were concealed headlights with horizontal mounting, concealed windshield wipers and ventless front windows. Out back were louvered taillights similar to those found on the GTO. Inside, Strato bucket seats were covered with Morrokide vinyl, and the instrument panel and door panel trim were special.

Under the hood, the high performance 421 V8 grew into a new 428 cu in (7.0 liter) V8 with four-barrel carburetor with various internal improvements including bigger valves and improved breathing capabilities. This optional 428 cu in (7.0 l) V8 on this car has a higher power rating of 375 hp.

New safety improvements this year also were a dual master-cylinder braking system and an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column.

The 1968 Grand Prix received a new "beak-nose" grille and bumper with concealed headlights and revised rear deck/bumper with L-shaped taillights, plus side reflector markers.

This would be the final year for the Grand Prix to be based on the B-body full-sized car platform. Meaning: this is the last of the classic full-sized, wide-track Pontiacs. The 1969 GP would be all-new with an exclusive bodyshell but its chassis design was based on the smaller Pontiac A-body intermediates (Tempest, LeMans, and GTO).

It’s always desirable to own the last example of any generation collector car, but this one is the best of the last. When is the last time anyone saw a factory-equipped 428 Grand Prix with a four-speed and air conditioning? According the PHS records (which accompany and document this car as authentic), only 305 G/Ps were delivered with manual transmissions, and that includes 400s and 3-speeds. To add to the rarity, consider how many of those were equipped with factory air conditioning? Now, ask yourself how many survived, and this becomes one of the rarest of all Ponchos around. It never fails to get oohs and aahs and expressions of amazement.

A large part of this G/P’s appeal is that it is largely an unrestored car! One would think it must have been painted to look this good, but there is no visible evidence on the body. The interior is original, including seats, door panels, headliner, dash pad, etc. and looks fantastic. The engine compartment is detailed and correct, and all the equipment matches the PHS documents and the supplied window sticker (pictured).

That optional equipment includes power steering with woodgrain wheel, power brakes, AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna and rear speaker selector, Rallye II wheels, handling package, and the legendary hood tach, Please examine the window sticker for the complete list. They're all there and on the car.

The condition can only be described as phenomenal. It runs, drives, and looks as new, and would take a trophy at any show. It is certainly Best in Class, but in reality, it is in a class by itself.

For more information or to discuss an offer or partial exchange, please do not hesitate to call Michael at 631 553 5300. Thanks for looking.