455 V8 Project: 1973 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ
As a personal luxury coupe, the Pontiac Grand enjoyed an extensive run from 1962 to 2002. Along with the rest of GM’s mid-size cars, the GP was treated to a redesign in 1973 using the new Colonnade styling technique that eliminated true hardtops for better rollover protection. This ’73 Grand Prix is the SJ edition, complete with a 455 cubic inch V8, though a bit of work is going to be needed. In a garage near Los Angeles, California, this potential survivor is available here on craigslist for $7,000. Once again, Rocco B. comes through again in the tips department!
Changes to the Grand Prix for 1973 would be a hit and the car would set record sales levels at 150,000 units. But the whole personal luxury car segment was on the rise, so the good news was not limited to just Pontiac. The new GP was bigger than before, in part from the increased girth of the front bumper for better protection in low-speed crashes (the rear bumper would soon follow). Two engines were available with displacements of 400 and 455 CI, but both were detuned from prior years to help keep the Earth a greener place.
We don’t know the history of this Pontiac. The odometer reflects just under 70,000 miles, which is somewhat low for a 50-year-old car, if accurate. The triple black automobile (vinyl top, paint, interior) is said to be in good overall condition, but it’s going to need some attending to. This Landau edition of the upper-level SJ model has a bad gear shift box which means the automatic transmission doesn’t perform like it’s supposed to. Said transmission also has a fluid leak.
There’s no indication of any problems with the body or paint and the interior is probably okay except for the driver’s bucket seat. Besides having some worn materials, it looks like could be broken as it leans back oddly (the seller admits it should be replaced). We’re told the car has upgraded headers and a “special block” but what does that exactly mean? Is the 455 not numbers-matching? The work the buyer is facing has likely been taken into consideration in the asking price.
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Comments
This sounds like another good entry point to classic cars & there is no denying that 455 would respond well to basic hot rod tricks ! I didn’t see any mention of air conditioning but considering it’s a SJ it should have it & would make a sweet bruiser cruiser! The left coast saves cars but keeps me from them as well!
A look at the engine photo on CL reveals an a/c compressor on the left.
The CL description says “needs a gearshift box…” is that left coast code for needs a transmission?
I had a 71. 455. Best car I ever owned. Nit the best handling car ever, but fast for a bigger long hood car.
I had a 71. 455. Best car I ever owned. Nit the best handling car ever, but fast for a bigger long hood car. But my older brother would kick my butt with his 68 coronet 500 RT. 4 speed 440!
Not made for speed, chick nagnet. I had a black 1974 with white landau top, a beauty.
My buddy had a 74 with a 455 that had been “attended to” … GOBS of torque and an absolute tire shredder. I loved that car and would love to have one in my garage. The GP 455 SJ is the one…
A running, looks mileage, pre-smog big block. Worth every penny!
Is this black colonade week.? Between the two 73 lemans’ gto and Grand am the awesome buick stage 1 4 speed and this Grand prix
I’m starting to think there’s no end to these cars I thought were all crushed and gone I’d take any one these from the rusty Grand am beater to that sweet 4 speed 455 stage 1 GS being the nicest colonade I’ve seen
It just goes to show how rare these cars are not.
I like these cars, I had a 77,and it rode like a dream!, But it had the puke 301 engine which came out that year, ended up spinning a bearing.
My uncle had an Ascot Silver w/ Black landau and leather int., 400/ 4bbl. So beautiful someone stole it. Twice. Ran it over some railroad tracks and messed it up the underside the second time. Drove it for awhile and traded it on a ’78. Also Silver w/ V6. That got stolen too. Gave up and went to Buicks
I feel like everybody knows somebody that had a 70-80’s GM 2 door couple stolen, especially the G bodies.
Bought new 1972 SJ 3X Black with red pin stripe really nice 455 moved it along 8 track on rear hump facing forward.
Good deal imo.Turbo 400 performance rebuild by my trans guy with r&r is about 800. Looks super clean.Bucket seat repair is no big deal. A better engine pic would be nice .Is it the original engine? I’d definetly check this one out if it was closer.It’ll sell quick.Sharp car.
’73 was the year I graduated HS and the worst year for cars starting with the front bumper all the way to the lame emission bs. I was lucky enough to grow up during the glory years though.
I already have two 1973 that I paid $1000 each for but both need engine and trans which I have. I would go $3500 for this car. If interested call me 760-963-6255, thanks
No one mentioned that the “LANDAU” emblem on the side roof panel is from a Monte Carlo! Just saying!
Out of all the cars in the world and all the model years the 73’ GP was my favorite cause it is what my Dad had when I got my drivers license. It was only 2 years old with 20,000 miles on it and it was a triple black beauty with a red pinstripe. It was fast enough to be fun and handled well for a car of its size. He traded it for a gorgeous 79’ Riviera black with gray interior but I was heartbroken when he did. I had a 71’ olds cutlass S which was in very good condition but the 73’ GP is a smooth choice
My first car was a 77 GP SJ. It was my grandpa’s car. It had 16k miles when I took it over in 1987. Berkshire Green with a padded light green vinyl landau top and a 400 with a 4 bbl. I still miss that car.
Nothing without air ride drives better!