1973 Pontiac Grand Prix J Series - Rare Factory 455 Option on 2040-cars

1973 Pontiac Grand Prix J Series

NO RESERVE

Rare Factory Option 455 V8

First Year Third Generation Pontiac Grand Prix.  A luxury-performance automobile produced by Pontiac and first introduced as part of Pontiac's full-size model offering, slotting below the large Bonneville in Pontiac's model lineup.  All A-bodies, including the Grand Prix, were redesigned for 1973.

The most notable styling feature of this generation was the appearance of the fixed opera window. This year's Grand Prix switched from pillarless hardtop design to a pillared "Colonnade" hardtop with frameless door glass.  The 1973-77 GM intermediates with their pillared hardtop design were often referred to as "Colonnade hardtop coupes".  Front and rear styling of the 1973 Grand Prix turned out be an evolution of the 1971 and 1972 models with a vertical-bar V-nose grille and single headlamps. The rear featured a revised boat tail-like trim with square-taillights above the rear bumper.

Inside, a new instrument panel continued the wraparound cockpit theme of previous models with new African Crossfire Mahogany facing on the dashboard, console and door panels, which was "real" wood in contrast with the simulated woodgrain material found in most car interiors during that time. The Strato bucket seats were completely new with higher seatbacks and integrated headrests with a notchback bench seat offered as a no-cost option.

Standard drivetrain consisted of a four-barrel 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 rated at 230 hp with a Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. Also standard were power steering and power brakes. A four-barrel 455 cu in (7.5 L) was optional and included with the "SJ" option that also added a rally gauge cluster and a radial tuned suspension with front and rear sway bars.  Although the Third Generation Grand Prix was indeed bulkier and heavier than its predecessor, handling was good for a large car, due to improvements in suspension design.

The redesigned ’73 Grand Prix  was a major hit with the public, and magazine writers raved about its new styling.  Grand Prix production set a new record of over 153,899 units in 1973.  Grand Prix Model J production totaled 133,150, and of those, 9,812 received the 455 four-barrel engine at an extra cost of $57.  The remaining 20,749 were Model SJs.

Car runs and drives.  Original California Car with good paint and no dents.  Normal wear and tear with minor blemishes.  Wood dash shows wear and dashboard has cracks typical to CA climate.  Some gauges may not be working and AC not working.  Trim missing on steering column near turn signal lever.  Rear window needs to be resealed and tires show wear.