Last Of The Big Ones: 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ
Mr. Numskal has discovered for us today, a 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix. I’ve always found these fourth-gen (’73-’77) GPs to be the porcine Pontiacs. They absolutely possess the Grand Prix’s character, there’s no missing that, but they appear to be overwrought and lacking the breezy, svelte, mobile missile persona that first appeared with the 1969 downsizing. There are some aspects to this car that are not advertised but the VIN tells a more complete story so let’s investigate further. Discovered in Sacramento, California, this hefty two-door coupe is available, here on craigslist for $6,500.
Right out of the gate, we find, courtesy of the VIN, that this is a Grand Prix Model SJ which was the performance variant usually denoted by the presence of a larger, more powerful standard engine. This example, finished in a beige/yellow hue with a matching padded Landau top is rather benign looking but it is straight and appears to be free from corrosion though the seller does mention some occupying trunk rust. The Landau vinyl is pulling loose here and there, and surprisingly, the side-mounted bump strips are not peeling away from their base, at least not yet, a problem that afflicts GM cars of this era. The Rally II wheels are always a nice discovery, and they help with the overall presentation, but to my eyes, this GP is still bloated-looking.
The engine line-up in ’77 was a bit confusing as various engines were employed based on the state of titling – all the same for 49 of the 50 but of course, California had to go its own way. And in this case, this Sacramento-domiciled Tin Indian should be powered by a 185 net HP 403 CI Oldsmobile V8 – at least that’s what the VIN’s fifth digit of “K” points to – an Olds prime mover. The other 49 states would see the installation of a 180 net HP Pontiac 400 CI powerplant in SJ-designated cars while the Model J struggled with a base 135 net HP 301 CI Poncho V8 engine that probably made for some slow rolling. As for this specific GP, the seller claims, “Runs good, brakes are good..“.
The bucket seat/center console interior is a bit ratty looking. The vinyl upholstery is ripped in places, the carpet is downright grimy, the steering wheel is grody, and the door panels appear to be collapsing. That said, and as near as the images reveal, the dashpad, center console, and headliner check out as OK. One nice feature is the curved instrument panel – a Grand Prix staple. It’s not exactly a wraparound affair, the way earlier versions were designed, but it still helps to maintain a bit of the Pontiac “excitement” vibe. This is an A/C equipped car but the belt is off the compressor so I’d assume that it’s a no-go in the cooling department.
So, a good buy at $6,500? Maybe, if you like this version of Pontiac’s personal luxury coupe. This car is poorly photographed and it’s difficult to get a thorough look at its entirety – I recommend reviewing all of the listing pics and see if you can piece something together. Beyond that, the odometer reads 87K miles which is reasonable – assuming that it’s accurate. Regardless, I think I’d hold out for a ’69-’72 variant – that’s my preference, how about yours?
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Comments
I prefer these, especially the rectangular headlight models. I disagree on the looks – I think these looked svelte, sharp, and crisp, and Pontiac did a great job with the yearly updates. It’s the kind of car I could imagine appealed to a variety of buyers back then.
It may not pack the punch of the pre-smoggers, but nothing did in these years.
It’s definitely one of the better looking cars made in the late ‘70s. Still had some style and character, that was quickly being washed out of many formerly great looking models.
I had a 71. 455 four barrel . Dual exhaust. Turbo 400 auto. Would burn the tires off from a standing start, chirp them good when it it hit 2nd. They kept the design beautiful till the downsizing though. Good looking car.
Irregardless of it’s faults this is still one nice looking Poncho even though I prefer the ’62-68 GPs. I’ve seen dumpster fires on this site that cost far more than this Pontiac which is in way better condition.
Ehhh…yeah a bit tattered. Though a complete car and not to bad on the rot (trunk pan and the shot of the left door) thought it looked like the door seal…but a closer look at the edge seems to be some rot there…to me. $6500 may be a bit high, but some elbow grease and mechanical skills and if you’re not afraid to tackle the rust issues…could be worth it to someone. This was a $800 car 25 years ago in this condition. Those days are gone….lol But then again….you don’t see these anymore unless at a car show and someone has one. Clean her up…fix this and that…drive it.
800 dollars 25 years ago. Probably 5000 in today’s dollars. Money is pretty worthless today.
Much more plentiful 25 years ago as well. You old timers that complain about rising old car values always seem to forget about that fact. 25 years ago that car wasn’t old enough or uncommon enough to matter at all. The same is not true now that it’s approaching FIFTY years old.
Uhh
Was a fan of this model 1977. Had eyed one similar that was a triple black beauty in good condition. No rust & pristine. Hoped it would come up for sale. Owner moved & car went on with him. Suspect he knew he could get a lot of takers for it. Will keep on the lookout maybe will find one closer by one day instead of across the country!
To each their own, 76 & 77 GPs are the best looking years to me. Price is fair with the noted faults. Nice, clean ones are usually about double this price. Perfect ones can go triple. This one is good for an entry level collector who can afford to fix one thing at a time, while still able to drive it.
Totally Agree. I loved the 77 looks, but 76 was the final year of the 455. I would love a 76 SJ with the big motor. I had a base 77 with the 301. I loved it, but that motor was way too underpowered for a big car. It was the only thing I didn’t like about it. Then 1978 happened and they were all ruined. Those downsized models were horrible. Underpowered and ugly. Super malaise at it’s finest.
My first new car was a 77 GP LJ, Glacier Blue w/blue velour bucket interior. It was beautiful but very slow with the 301. Needed the 400. My mistake when I bought it.
Great and classic model offering from the General. Not far behind the blue ribbon Riviera, far as im concerned.
We had a ’77 SJ 400 ci that my stepdad worked the heads, added an offenhauser intake and a healthy q-jet, substantial cam to match…was a great sleeper. Ppl forget the rest of the goodies coming with the stout body. 12 bolt posi, HD TH400….Etc…
275-60s fit on all four corners. He loved those tires on EVERYTHING
I love these cars I had a 76 black with the red interior 400/4bbl under the hood with hurst t tops had the hurst sticker on the door jam. It was the SJ model. I loved it I was much younger then so I even drove it in the freezing cold winter with the t tops out lol. I wish I still had it. GLWTS
For money this is the car to buy. Great looks and the 403 can be built to be a nasty beast. I see no down side to this car.