 The redesigned Grand Prix...  The redesigned Grand Prix that debuted in 1969 featured a strong, performance-oriented appearance. Its classic long-hood/short-deck theme gave the Grand Prix-which boasted of the longest hood in the industry-timeless looks that have yet to be replicated. This beautiful '69 Grand Prix Model J belongs to Patrick Santi of Omaha, Nebraska. Little was changed on the Grand Prix for 1970. |
 The short-deck styling of...  The short-deck styling of the '69 Grand Prix becomes evident from this view. Dual-exhaust was always a standard feature on the Grand Prix, but the chromed exhaust extensions seen here were added by the owner. The '70 model year saw only a minor revision of the taillights' texture. |
 Its suspension was designed...  Its suspension was designed for improved ride and handling, and received 14-inch wheels and black-wall G78-14 tires as standard equipment. Depending upon the model year, optional equipment included different wheel covers, styled-steel Rally or Polycast Honeycomb wheels, white- or red-lined tires bias-belted tires, and even a 15-inch radial-tire option. |
 The Grand Prix interior featured...  The Grand Prix interior featured cockpit styling that angled the instruments and accessories toward the driver. This theme was retained for several years. |
It isn't often an auto manufacturer can dominate the new-car market with the introduction of a new model. But Pontiac did just that in 1964 with the GTO and again in 1969 with the redesign of the personal luxury car-the Grand Prix. The fresh styling lasted a few years before another redesign in 1973, which fostered even greater attention for the flagship model.
While most Pontiac hobbyists have no trouble distinguishing the Grand Prix from other Pontiac models, many are unfamiliar with the details that differentiate one model year from another. Our three-part series will take a closer look at how the Grand Prix evolved from 1969 to 1972 (including the SSJ) and then from 1973 to 1977, as well as discussing some detailed production numbers.
Evolution
The Grand Prix was introduced in 1962 and built on the Catalina platform. Its image was one of personal luxury and performance with an understated appearance. Aimed at older, more affluent buyers, the Grand Prix was subdued, lacking much of the bright chrome found on other models. With several standard amenities that were otherwise optional on the Catalina, it was also more expensive. Drivetrain options even included the Super Duty 421 engine and a four-speed manual transmission, which meant one could produce a Grand Prix that was every bit as potent as its toughest competitor.
As years progressed, nearly every GM vehicle grew in size-and the Grand Prix was no exception. The additional weight negatively affected performance and handling. And a major redesign for 1967 produced a Grand Prix that shared little with what it was just a few years before. By 1968, Grand Prix sales figures had dipped below 32,000 units. Amid the increasing popularity of musclecars, the larger Grand Prix was doomed for extinction if drastic changes were not in its future.
During much of the '60s, Pontiac had been third in sales in the industry. The company was also well known for its trendsetting concepts. As the late-'60s performance-car market swayed heavily toward the intermediate and midsize platforms, Pontiac General Manager John DeLorean worked closely with design engineers to create an intermediate-sized Grand Prix for 1969 that was classy, luxurious, and sporty. He envisioned the new Grand Prix as the Duesenberg of its day, even designating the entry model "Model J" and the high-performance model "Model SJ" in Duesenberg fashion. It was with this that DeLorean saw Pontiac's newest trendsetter-but he left Pontiac shortly thereafter when he was promoted to general manager of the larger Chevrolet division.
1969
The '69 Grand Prix was designed as a two-door hardtop model on an extended two-door A-body chassis similar to that of the four-door LeMans. Its wheelbase, however, was extended to 118 inches (as opposed to 116 inches for the four-door LeMans), but its body was 4 inches shorter than the four-door LeMans. The platform was designated G-body, and several Duesenberg-type styling cues were incorporated into it, including the traditional long-hood/short-deck theme. DeLorean also wanted the Grand Prix to have the longest hood in the industry-and Pontiac advertising made sure that this was a well-publicized fact.
Its interior resembled a cockpit with wrap-around styling, and its instruments and switches were angled toward the driver. Plush bucket seats; a center console; and a floor-shifted, three-speed manual transmission were all standard. This new model also incorporated such state-of-the-art equipment as a heated-glass rear window defroster and a windshield-mounted radio antenna. The concealed antenna consisted of wires that were captured between the two laminated panes of windshield glass, giving the Grand Prix an entirely uninterrupted exterior.
The new Grand Prix was introduced into a fiercely competitive new-car market where GM divisions were even searching for ways to get a jump on one another. In Pontiac's instance, they withheld publicizing the new Grand Prix until the last moment, which prevented other divisions from preparing competitive models. Once released, the Grand Prix was an immediate success with buyers and magazine writers alike. It even received Car Life magazine's prestigious Engineering Excellence Award for 1969-an award that hadn't been presented in either of the two previous model years.
Standard under the Grand Prix's massive hood was the 400 four-barrel engine with 10:1 compression, rated at 350 hp. It was backed by a standard three-speed manual transmission, while a four-speed manual and Turbo 400 were available at extra cost. Those buyers concerned with fuel economy or burning regular fuel could opt for the 265hp 400 with 8.6:1 compression and two-barrel carburetion at no extra cost. It was, however, only available with the Turbo 400.
Even with the sporty attitude of the Grand Prix Model J, one option gave buyers the chance to create the ultimate performance-oriented, personal-luxury vehicle. By selecting UPC Y97 on the order form and adding $244 to the window sticker, the Model J was transformed into the Grand Prix Model SJ boasting of several items that were otherwise optional, including a 370hp, 428ci engine with 10.5:1 compression; Rally gauges; a custom lamp group; an automatic leveling suspension; G78-14 white-lined tires; a heavy-duty rear axle; and specific SJ identification.