Big and Brawny: 1972 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertible
For some reason, Pontiac decided to replace the Bonneville as the flagship car in 1971 and brought out the Grand Ville. It still used the same B body as the Catalina and Bonneville, but the hardtops had a roofline that appeared to be taken off the C body cars such as Buick Electra and Oldsmobile 98. This one, however, is a convertible. This 1972 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible is for sale here on Craigslist in Gilroy, California. Thanks to Barnfinds reader Miguel for bringing this car to our attention.
While the front of this car is definitely a Grand Ville, the rear looks like it has the taillights and housing area of a Catalina or Bonneville, and 1971 rather than 1972 at that. It’s also pretty obvious that it’s going to need a new convertible top. The seller describes the car as “the muscle car for the doctors and lawyers who didn’t want the kids Firebird or GTO.” I don’t consider it a muscle car, it’s just that the cars were so heavy a 455 was almost required and so was standard in 1972. The seller also says the car could use new paint. There are no real rust issues other than some small holes in the trunk. The tires look brand new.
This is not the original interior but still is going to need replacing. It appears that in an earlier interior update, the dash was painted a brighter red that would have come in the Grand Ville originally. I’m not even sure red was an interior or exterior choice in 1972. Of course, the carpeting needs replacing as well.
Here’s the 455 cubic inch V-8 with 4 barrel carburetor that was standard. This engine has been rebuilt along with a rebuilt Turbo-Hydramatic 400 transmission. The front suspension has also been rebuilt. The seller also states “the car has been sitting on a DMV non-opp since 2012”. Maybe someone from California can explain that, but it sounds like the car has been off the road since 2012, but it does run and drive. For $3,995, this really seems like a pretty good deal. The important thing is it’s running and you could take care of the cosmetics in time, or it could be a good winter project. Then you would be ready to ride in style in the spring. Who’s up for that?
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Comments
A strange car ; a Grandville with no air and crank windows.
My ‘71 was an ac and pw delete as well.
This is a Grandville wannabe. Nothing more than a Catalina with a couple of incorrect nameplates on the fenders. A true Grandville had split taillamps and a Grandville nameplate on the rear deck lid. Nothing special here. Overspray on inner fenders says cheap paint job. Lipstick red dash is tacky. Not my cup of tea , no options fake Grandville. Next.
I inherited a 1971 Grandville blue with white leather what a great car
Bought my 74 a year ago. Like riding down the road on my living room couch. The 455 has some great getup. Was having kids when this was new so had to get a wagon instead.
Now it’s my turn.
If a California registered vehicle is not driven and kept on private property, it is eligible for a PNO, at $5 annually. This keeps registration current, and avoids fees for non-registration
Still not a bad price…..if it is rust free – but that’s hard with any convert.
These are interesting cars, but after having a 1975 Delta 88 convertible, I don’t want another one.