Inspired by BMW? 1973 Pontiac Grand Am
Pontiac created the Grand Am in response to the growing presence of premium European coupes in the U.S. like ones from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The first generation of the car would follow these lines, but sales may have been thwarted by the 1973 OPEC oil embargo and production ceased after three years (1973 to 1975). However, the name would return in 1978 on a different product. This first-year example is said to be a barn find and has been off the road for 20 years. It doesn’t run and the body has been baked by the Sun, but we’re told the interior is good. Located in Garden Grove, California, this “Poncho” is available here on craigslist for $3,000. Another tip brought to us by Barn Finder “numskal”.
The Grand Am employed the GM A platform that was also used on the Pontiac LeMans. Early in its development, the platform was intended for the next generation of the GTO, but waning demand in the muscle car sector scuttled those plans. The moniker was chosen by combining parts of the Grand Prix and Trans Am nameplates, so luxury plus performance was implied. These cars wore the same kind of urethane snouts that the GTO used beginning in ’68. About 43,000 Grand Ams were assembled in 1973, the car’s best year.
A 400 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor was standard in the Grand Am and you could go up from there. A 400 is said to be in this machine, so it would have been rated at a minimum of 170 hp SAE net. This automobile also has an automatic transmission which would be the TH-400 if this is a numbers-matching vehicle. From what we’re told, this Pontiac has not been driven in two decades, but we don’t know if something broke at the time or if it was one of those “ran when parked” deals. The odometer reads 65,000 miles.
We assume the car has spent some of the last 20 years outdoors as its brown paint is pretty well faded. Rust doesn’t seem to be an issue, but you never know until you dig into the nitty gritty. The registration has been kept up, although it’s in “non-op” status which means California buyers won’t get socked with a bunch of back DMV fees. These were good-looking cars for their time – and I can’t recall the last time I saw a Grand Am – anywhere.
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Comments
In 1982 I bought one of these without a motor or trans. It was grey with a black bucket seat interior. A very good looking car, I think the price was a 100 bucks. I put a small block chevy in it because that was what I had laying around and drove it for the summer until the motor started rattling and then was parked for the winter. The following spring I bought a 75 chevelle that needed a motor and a 69 or 70 pontiac something or other as a package deal for 250 bucks. I bought a 74 Monte Carlo with a bad trans and other defects for the chevelle and got it going. My younger brother asked me what my plans were for the pontiac I bought because he was wanting the grand am so we got it started and it ran fine so I told him if he wanted he could swap the motors and drive it and thats what he did.He had the Grand Am looking good with air shocks and big tires under it and I was wanting it back because it looked so good but I stuck to my word. It didn’t last him very long, he got wound up one night and was doing donuts and hit a sewer opening and bent the rear axle. We tried to put another rear under it but the frame was shoved to one side and we could get the control arms to fit the axle, it was warped that badly so it was on to the next car. Had a lot more energy and ambition than money in those days, I ended up trading the Grand Am for a 63 SS that was supposed to have a title but I never got one so it was junked after a couple of years
So much transition going on here. The move to European road manners from a domestic maker. Kissing cousin to the Cutlass Salon and the in-between GTO and Grand Prix. Should have been better received but the target audience had an axe to grind with the bigger heavier car. Or, maybe there was just too much to choose from. One of my favorites.
Located in the heart of Los Angeles metro area with a population of 10+ million people, low price and yet no takers after 9 days says a lot about the cars desirability.
Steve R
For the price, it seems worth the risk. Offer 2k, maybe settle for 2,500. It’ll take about 5-7k to get it pretty again and running well. Deep clean the interior, drop in a modern BT radio and new speakers, sexy wheels, throaty exhaust and you’ll double your investment or have a great driver.
I have a very inane story about this car. We had a 73 Lemans 4 door in the same color. Actually a very cool looking car. Quick with the 350. Loved the rear end treatment.
I was maybe 6, and we had some red spray paint, and for reasons I don’t know, and didn’t know at the time, I sprayed some red spray paint on the hubcap.
As soon as I got the first spray on the hubcap, I stopped cold, thinking, “What am I doing??”
I said nothing to anyone. Years later I casually mentioned the spray paint on the hubcap. My dad assumed that vandals did it. I didn’t correct him.
I bought one new in 73 new. Drove that car for 13 years. Rebuilt the 400 twice. Bottom to top. Not stock by any means. Only premium gas. After throwing a rod didn’t want to do it again. Wish I had it back. Not as fast as my 69 GTO, but worthy.
California, Florida, or close to NYC. That’s where 90% of these affordable vehicles seem to be located. And all more than a day trip away from me.
and no picture of the pricey nose!
in 1979 I bought my neighbors 73 Lemans. white with a light blue vinyl roof with a blue interior. it was already starting to rot by the rear side windows. I paid $300 for it. it was one if my favorite cars
My son has the GTO twin to your Lemans. Even has the Lemans quarter windows-no louvers. Its a good looking combo.
My son has the GTO twin to your Lemans. Even has the Lemans quarter windows-no louvers. Its a good looking combo.
Had a 1973. My first new car @ 19 years old. Kinda unique green color with tan vinyl top. Had the 400 motor and those cool chrome dual exhausts. Real eye catcher. Paid $5400 then. Drove while in college, then traded for a T-Bird. Should have kept the Pontiac.
I had a 1975 model. Wish I had never sold it. Loved the styling and lines.
I had a 1975 GrandAm. Cherry red. It was the bicentennial year (’76) so it had stupid looking red,white and blue pinstripe from the dolphin looking nose to the ends of the doors. Switched them out for the gold pinstripe. A lot more classy. This car was strong,heavy ride. Not a lightweight. Always wanted to put tri-power on it. Federal regs didn’t co-operate.
My first new car l just graduated from high school black with red vinyl interior. Great car drove it for 7 years and traded it on a 1980 Riviera , l think l got 700.00 for it