Tri-Power Perfect! 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix
Large and in charge, that’s how “Wide-Track” Pontiac performance in the ’60s was described before the late ’63 introduction of the scene-stealing GTO. Pontiacs of that era were big but they were fast too due to their well designed and engineered performance engines – they were not the least bit timid about pushing the envelope. And found here in Coram, New York, is just such an example, a 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix. It is available here on eBay for a current bid of $10,100, reserve not yet met. Thanks to local_sheriff for this fantastic tip!
Pontiac had four different full-size models in ’64, Bonneville, Star Chief, Catalina and the Grand Prix which was the sporty, high-performance model offered as a two-door hardtop. Standard features were bucket seats, center console, 306 HP engine and vacuum gauge (with an automatic transmission, tachometer with a four-speed manual).
This example Grand Prix is a beautiful car! The seller states that it has been restored and undergone one color change. There was metal work performed on the lower quarters but it has all original sheet metal and solid floors/frame. This Grand Prix shows really well and there is no visible evidence of integrity issues or crash damage. The eight-lug wheel/brake drum optional addition is a nice touch too. The seller indicates that the wheels have been refinished.
The interior is ’64 GM all the way. While all five GM divisions went their own way on interiors and appointments there was some visual continuity that spread across the individual models within those divisions. Other than a dirty floor mat, the interior shows very well with its deluxe steering wheel, full gauge package, stainless and simulated wood trim, crisp morrokide upholstery material (reupholstered front seats) and like-new dash pad. The seller claims that all of the instruments function as intended and the original AM radio has been upgraded to a period-correct AM/FM unit.
Where things get really interesting is in the engine room. Instead of finding the standard 306 HP, 389 CI V8, there is a 370 HP, 421 CI High Output (H.O.) tri-power equipped, (3 two-barrel carburetors) V8 in residence – the big kahuna! The seller states that this is the original, verifiable engine – that makes this Grand Prix pretty rare. But that’s not all…The original Rotomatic “Slim Jim” automatic transmission has been replaced by a Turbo-Hydramatic 400, three-speed automatic. Great move! The Turbo 400 was introduced in mid ’64 but it didn’t find its way to Pontiac until some time in ’65. While Pontiac employed the more reliable Hydramatic in the Bonneville and Star Chief, the Catalina and Grand Prix had to make do with the less than desirable Rotomatic which was considered a weak link. The seller additionally details how the shift quadrant on the console has been updated to reflect this change and facilitate gear selection. The seller tells us, “This car truly runs beautiful. It sounds excellent.” I imagine it does.
There are five days to go on this bid and I expect some notable upside in the bidding action. This is a very well documented car and while not completely original, it has all of the right tickets. Like the ’67 Impala SS from yesterday, this is how Detroit performance rolled, full-size style before intermediates and pony cars took over in that space. This Grand Prix example is bitter-sweet because its stable-mate was the new for ’64 GTO that arguably started the muscle-car movement. It wouldn’t be long before all eyes were on the “GOAT” and its GM cousins and these large bruisers would fade from the automotive performance scene. So, here’s your chance to own a very nice piece of that long abandoned, full-size performance segment.
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Comments
Absolutely stunning car! I couldn’t image the reserve is on the Cat. I’m sure it’s a little rich for my blood.
Reserve was met at $20K. Always thought these were so great looking.
The GP was introduced in 62, with facelifts and body restyling in 63, 64 and 65. IMHO the best of the bunch was the 65 with that long swept coke bottle body and that 6ft hood accented on the sides by those beautiful chrome headlight nacelles. Wow what a great looking car that was, in either coupe or convertible form!
The GP was coupe only until ’67, ‘vert one year only. DeLorean saw the sales sag, said ‘either kill it or re-invent it’, hence the ’69.
My cousin had one, convertible, with a 4-speed, 421, and factory leather interior. It was a beautiful car, very heavy and when we took a photo of it we had to stand back 20 feet to fit it in. This is a very nice one….I wish I could….
If half the guys bought every barn find shown, there would be an over flow in the homeless shelters. Got to love it…….
Having a ’64 Bonnie Safari myself I’m of course biased here, but if anyone is in the market for a 60s GM car something like this would be my best tip. Actually I’d much rather take this over an A-body! The GP is probably the non-Chevy GM fullsize that’s best served by the aftermarket.
Personally I like the convertible roof found on Cats/Bonnies better, the GPs roof is shared with the Starfire/ Jetstar 1. Competing in the ‘personal car’ segment means they were well equipped and cherished vehicles, consequently there are many nice examples in the market and they don’t sell for hilarious $.
The Roto-Problematic would be reason alone to run away from a Cat/GP, however being a ’64 a TH conversion like here is THE way to go. That’s NOT doable on pre’64 Poncho engines without an adapter. IMO this example has all the right options (even the tach!) and unmolested clear steering wheel – most every non-restored wheel will be yellowed and cracked, will cost a FORTUNE to have professionally restored and is not available as repop…
Beautiful car! These didn’t shine on the dragstrip, they shined on the open road where 60-80 mph time mattered, like passing a semi on a two lane road. Good cruising mileage, serious punch when on the wrong side of a short stretch of broken white line.
“These didn’t shine on the dragstrip,”—very true, Dave, but in the early 80s i beat so many new Mustangs, Camaros and Firebirds at the stoplights of Phoenix with my 66 GP that I felt like John Force!
I miss my 66, and want this 64 so bad!!
Beautiful car, but I never liked on the ’64 GP how they filled in the taillight ‘boomerangs’ the other big Pontiacs had. In ’64 I’d actually rather have a Catalina 2+2. Great color on this GP though. I gotta believe that is not where the factory put the 421 emblems. Stuff like that gets under my skin….do the homework!!
I’d still own the car though. :)
This GP has the 421 emblems in the proper place. I have NOS fenders with the holes for the emblem in this location. Now, that said, I do have fond memories of seeing one ’64 GP, back in 1964, with the 421 emblems on the forward upper fender like the “326” emblem on the ’65 LeMans. I’ll go back and take a look in my ’64 Dealer Album for reference.
Nice car. Hagerty says 26 grand in good condition.
This looks better than good but rugs should have been replaced in order to get top dollar.
Grew up in the 60s 70s, been around cars since I’m a little kid, fastest car I’ve ever been in, without a tunnel ram, or something all out race, 69 Pontiac Bonneville w a 428, I think it was like 370 hp, just unreal how quick that boat was, had every option in the book, Luxury and power, my whole life I never sacrificed Luxury for 2 seconds quickness always owned Luxury cars that moved
I’m in love!
Great color, wonder what it was changed from?
Oh, and that’s REAL wood on the dash and horn bar…
My dad had one new, I had a pair in 1980 in Portland, Oregon when they were just cheap old cars. My time will come again, soon!
According to seller it was Cameo Ivory which simply translates into … white. No wonder why it was changed to this beautiful hue…!
Not sure these will ever come down in $…there are only so many left. Its like finding a Gibson ’58 Les Paul sunburst guitar for 300.00…not going to happen. I guess you have to go for it now on a good one.
Gorgeous GP! I love these cars & have owned one myself along with other Pontiacs & these are some of my favorites. These are real cars compare to the ones that are produced now a days!
Beautiful car. I have a 63. Personally like the rear end of mine better. But that is just my personal taste. They drive like a dream.
I’d rather have this than a like condition G.T.O. any day!
At 20K right now.
High high do we think it will go?
These are the nicest cars ever. I have personally seen the gas gauge move lower after a full wide open throttle with the 421. That said I still would want it, and nothing will make it 20 MPG…who cares. 28k……
Nah, put EFI on that car and you’d get 20+ mpg all day long. Wodnt have the romance of tripper unless you spent a fortune on a system… efi and Hei would be a must for me.
When the Beach Boys put one of these on their album cover, I took note and have paid attention ever since. I love the frenched-in headlight doors and hidden tail lights. An acquaintance owned a dark turquoise example with 421HO 4-speed, with most of the options list checked off. I loved that car.
Sharp car! Thanks for sharing as it really brings back memories for me.
Although I never had a GP, I had a ’64 Bonneville Brougham 4-door hardtop as my daily driver from 1970-1976. It was the ’64 Bonneville Brougham that launched the whole Brougham era: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/automotive-history-1964-pontiac-bonneville-brougham-the-true-father-of-the-great-brougham-epoch/
Dad was a Pontiac guy and would buy a new top-of-the-line Pontiac every three years, alternating between a 4-door sedan for him and a wagon for Mom. They’d drive their cars six years and then I’d get them. He’d always get the most powerful engine he could get with automatic and A/C so his ’64 had the same 421 H.O. tri-power this car has. Despite the bulk of the car it really moved.