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Wikipedia: Pontiac Grand Prix
Subtopics MPC '72 Grand Prix 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Interior Parts Page Sections History Reference Desk Photographs Documents Merchandise Article Index Classified Ads |
History
The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's Pontiac Grand Prix page on 11 July 2016, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
The Pontiac Grand Prix is an automobile which was produced by Pontiac from 1962 to 2008. First introduced as part of Pontiac's full-size model offering for the 1962 model year, the Grand Prix name was also applied to cars in the personal luxury car market segment and the mid-size offering, positioned below the large Bonneville in Pontiac's model lineup.
First generation (1962–1968)
The Grand Prix first appeared in the Pontiac line for the 1962 model year, as a replacement for the Ventura. It was essentially a standard Pontiac Catalina coupe with minimal outside chrome trim and a sportier interior (bucket seats and a center console). The performance-minded John De Lorean, head of Advanced Engineering at Pontiac, contributed to the development of both the Grand Prix and the GTO. Early models were available with Pontiac performance options, including the factory-race Super Duty 421 powertrain installed in a handful of 1962 and 1963 cars. The full-size Catalina-based Grand Prix sold well through the 1960s.
Second generation (1969–1972)
For the 1969 model year, John Z. DeLorean, Pontiac's general manager at the time, ordered the development of an all-new Grand Prix based on a slightly stretched version of the intermediate GM A platform, which was dubbed the G-body.
Market
DeLorean and other Pontiac planners decided to make the switch in light of declining sales of the full-sized Grand Prix in comparison to competition from unique personal luxury cars including the Ford Thunderbird, Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado at the luxury end, along with the emerging Pony cars such as the Ford Mustang and Pontiac's own new-for-1967 Firebird.
The 1969 Grand Prix now competed in the intermediate-sized personal luxury car market segment with sales reached over 112,000 units, well above the 32,000 full-sized models built in 1968. The similar Chevrolet Monte Carlo followed in 1970. Ford and Chrysler responded by producing plusher versions of their Ford Torino and Dodge Charger intermediates, but both eventually created new models to enter the battle—the Ford Elite and Mercury Cougar XR-7 in 1974 and Chrysler Cordoba in 1975. The GP and the others were consider as smaller and lower-priced alternatives to the more expensive personal-luxury cars of the day including the Ford Thunderbird, Buick Riviera, and Oldsmobile Toronado along with the even pricier Cadillac Eldorado and Lincoln Continental Mark III.
Development
Development of the new intermediate-based 1969 Grand Prix began in April 1967 with a few prototype GPs built on the full-sized Pontiac platform, before development of the G-Body. To save product development costs, it was decided that while the newest GP would have a unique bodyshell of its own, the car would use the basic chassis and drivetrain from the A-body intermediates (Tempest, Le Mans and GTO), in much the same manner Ford created the original Mustang in 1964 using the basic chassis and drivetrain from the compact Ford Falcon. Going this route greatly reduced development costs overall and permitted Pontiac to concentrate on more effort to upgrade the styling and sheetmetal, along with interior appointments. This move also enabled Pontiac to reduce development time for the 1969 GP from the usual 36 months required for a new model to less than 18 months.
The previous platform was based on the 121 in (3,100 mm) wheelbase from the Catalina, but on 1969 models it was decreased to 118 in (3,000 mm). This smaller, lighter car at last had its own body and Pontiac's longest-ever hood. Like the previous generation (for which a convertible was a one-year-only offering in 1967), the new Grand Prix would be offered only as a 2-door hardtop. Even the model names took elements of old Duesenbergs (J and SJ trim).
The basic 1969 bodyshell continued until the 1972 model year with a major facelift in 1971, but only minor detail revisions in 1970 and 1972.
Third generation (1973–1977)
All A-bodies, including the Grand Prix, were redesigned for 1973. This generation was larger and heavier, due partly to the federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) crash bumpers. Although large V8s were still available, performance was on the decline due to another federal standard—a new emissions control system. The most notable styling feature of this generation was the appearance of the fixed opera window, replacing the previous disappearing rear side glass. This year's Grand Prix switched from pillarless hardtop design to a pillared "Colonnade" hardtop with frameless door glass as did all GM intermediates in response to proposed federal safety standards regarding roll-over protection that would have ultimately spelled the end of pillarless and convertible bodystyles, a mandate that never materialized. The 1973-77 GM intermediates with their pillared hardtop design were often referred to as "Colonnade hardtop coupes" or "Colonnade hardtop sedans".
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 along with the new federally mandated 5 mph (8 km/h) front bumper. The rear featured a revised boattail-like trim with square-taillights above the 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 in Morrokide or scivvy cloth trims, and optional recliners and adjustable lumbar support, with a notchback bench seat offered as a no-cost option.
The standard drivetrain consisted of the four-barrel 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 rated at 230 hp (170 kW) and the 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, Pliacell shock absorbers, and radial-ply tires.
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 introduction of radial-ply tires was also a boon for handling. GM's "A" body cars' front suspensions were based on the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird during this production run.
Fourth generation (1978–1987)
1978 brought a downsizing of the Grand Prix and the other A-bodies. This version of the A-body also received some sheetmetal revisions for 1981. The 1978 GP was about 1 ft (0.3 m) shorter and 600 lb (270 kg) lighter than the 1977 model with an overall length of 200 in (5,100 mm) and a 108 in (2,700 mm) wheelbase.
For the first time in Grand Prix history, a V8 engine was not standard equipment. In order to meet Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandates set after 1973-74 energy crisis, a Buick-built 231 cu in (3.8 L) V6 was standard equipment on the base model (formerly the Model J) and two versions of the Pontiac 301 cu in (4.9 L) V8 (Chevy 305 cu in (5.0 L) V8 in California) were optional. The luxury LJ model came standard with the 135 hp (101 kW) 301 V8 with two-barrel carburetor while the sporty SJ was powered by a 150 hp (110 kW) 301 V8 with four-barrel carburetor. Top speed for the six-cylinder was about 96 mph (154 km/h), while the top-of-the-line 150 hp (110 kW) V8 was 109 mph (175 km/h).
A floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission was standard equipment with the V6 on the base model and the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic was optional. Turbo Hydra-Matic was standard on LJ and SJ models and base models with either of the optional V8 engines. Standard seating choices by model included a notchback bench seat with cloth or Morrokide vinyl in the base GP, a pillowed velour cloth notchback bench seat in the LJ or Strato bucket seats in cloth or Morrokide in the SJ. The Strato buckets were optional on the base GP and a 60/40 split bench was optional on both base and LJ models. Viscount leather upholstery was available with bucket seats on SJ models.
Fifth generation (1988–1996)
The first front-wheel drive W-body Grand Prix coupes were built in October 1987, and released on January 12, 1988 for the 1988 model year. This generation Grand Prix was built in Kansas City, Kansas. The Grand Prix was introduced as base, LE and SE coupes. All featured GM's MPFI 2.8 L V6 that made 130 hp (97 kW) and 170 lb·ft (230 N·m) of torque. A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic were the transmissions offered. The LE was well equipped with power windows and door locks and digital dashboard with analogue tachometer. SE models upgraded with power front seats with multiple lumbar, side bolster, side wing adjustments, an AM/FM Cassette stereo, and a trip computer and compass located in the center of the dash. Some models of this generation have the rare feature of a split front bench seat with a column shifter. Another unique feature only found on the Grand Prix is the combination lock for the glove box, rather than a key. Grand Prix was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1988.
Sixth generation (1997–2003)
In 1990, work began on a redesigned Grand Prix alongside other W-body vehicles under design chief John Manoogian II. By 1993, a final design was approved and show concept developed during the latter half of 1994. On January 4, 1995, General Motors unveiled the 300 GPX Concept at the 1995 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This was a near-exact preview of a redesign for the Grand Prix, due within the 1996 calendar year. In January 1996, the 1997 Grand Prix was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. Promoted for its "wide track" appearance and racy styling, the second generation W-body Grand Prix sold well. It brought back a modern interpretation of an appearance introduced in 1966, called coke bottle styling.
The first 1997 Grand Prix was built on August 12, 1996. There were two trim levels available from 1996; the SE and GT (GT available in coupe and sedan body styles). The Grand Prix came as a base SE sedan or a sportier GT coupe and sedan, as well as with a high-performance GTP package—available for GT models in either body style. Coupes and sedans shared similar styling, except for rear doors and quarter panels. The GTP was an option package under the GT trim level and later became its own trim level. The base engine on the SE was the only engine carried over from the previous generation, the 3.1 L V6. The GT had a 3.8 L V6 (3800 Series II) which was an option on the SE. The 3800 Series II was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 1995–1997. The GTP added an Eaton M90 supercharger (also used in the 1996–2003 Bonneville) to the 3.8 L, boosting power from 195 hp (145 kW) to 240 hp (180 kW). GTP trim level featured a "performance shift" button on the shifter that raised the transmission shift points. Front bucket seats came standard, while a 45/55 split bench seat was available as an option on the SE sedan only.
Seventh generation (2004–2008)
The Grand Prix was updated for 2004 on a revised version of the GM W platform and was unveiled at the 2002 Chicago International Auto Show on February 7, 2002 as the Grand Prix G-Force Concept. The series production version was unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on January 3, 2003. The Grand Prix came in four different option groups; GT1, GT2, GTP, and GTP Comp-G ("Competition Group").
The GT1 and fancier GT2 have the Series III 3800 V6 engine, putting out 200 hp (150 kW) and 230 lb·ft (310 Nm) of torque, while both GTPs have the supercharged (Eaton Gen 5 Supercharger) 3800 Series III V6 engine with 260 hp (195 kW) and 280 lb·ft (380 Nm) of torque.
A Competition Group (Comp-G) package was available for the GTP that included red painted brake calipers (same brakes as the 'standard' GTP), sport tuned suspension, heads-up display (also in GT2 model), 4-speed automatic transmission with paddle-style TAPShift, StabiliTrak dynamic control system, 3.29 axle ratio, performance tires and Magnasteer II. Also, a 10-spoke light weight wheel was standard with the Comp-G package but could be 'upgraded' to the GTP optional wheel.
The newly redesigned model mostly received positive reviews from critics regarding its distinctive styling, performance, and reliability. Commencing with this generation, the 2-door coupe version of the Grand Prix was no longer an available body style. The timing of the disappearance of the Grand Prix coupe coincided with GM's reintroduction of the 2-door Pontiac GTO. The Grand Prix came with a head-up display.
A 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 "Special Edition" was also offered in very limited supply, this model included special chrome spoke wheels, heated leather seats, the Monsoon sound system, and the heads-up display. This Special Edition has the Pontiac SE name badging on the side of the car just behind the front wheels.
Reference Desk
The Crittenden Automotive Library's "Reference Desk" is a collection of materials that cannot be shared due to copyright restrictions. Information from these resources, however, can be shared. Go to the Reference Desk page for more information.
| Type | Title |
|---|---|
1981  Book | 1981 Pontiac Service Manual: Pontiac, Grand Prix, LeMans and Firebird; General Motors Corporation |
| Type & Item # | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Model Kit AMT 6655 | '65 Pontiac Grand Prix | 3 in 1 customizing kit  |
| Model Kit MPC 1-0401 | The Grand Superfly | Custom Pontiac Grand Prix  |
| Model Kit MPC 1-0641 | Sweat Hogs 'Dream Machine' | Custom Pontiac Grand Prix  |
| Model Kit - AMT 2268 | '65 'Prix Lowrider | Cruisin' USA, 1:25 scale, George Barris Custom |
| Model Kit - MPC 1-7222-250 | '72 Grand Prix | 1:25 scale,  |
| Model Kit - Revell 7433 | 1991 Pontiac GTP Coupe | 1:25 scale |
| Model Kit - Revell 7458 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix | 1:25 scale, "Aero" Version |
| Model Kit - AMT 8047 | Kyle Petty Grand Prix Stock Car | 1:25 scale, #7 7-11 |
| Die Cast - Revell 8636 | Pennzoil Pontiac #30 | #30 Pennzoil Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Die Cast - Racing Champions 01151 | Michael Waltrip | 1:64 scale, #30 Pennzoil Pontiac Grand Prix< |
| Model Kit Monogram 2960 | #2 Rusty Wallace Pontiac | "Pontiac Excitement" 1:24 scale  |
| Die Cast - Winner's Circle 57471 | 1:24 scale, Bobby Labonte Pontiac Grand Prix#18 Interstate Batteries |
| Date | Article | Author/Source |
|---|---|---|
| 30 July 2009 | Crash 'em or trash 'em | Gus Philpott, The Woodstock Advocate |
| 2 January 2013 | Pontiac Grand Prix Engines Now Added to Inventory Online at NewEnginesforSale.com | New Engines for Sale |
| Date | Location | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 May 2015 | Chicago Suburbs, Illinois, USA  | 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Interior Parts | N/A |
