Although the market was trending toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, as America was on the verge of a major fuel crisis, Grand Prix sales remained strong. But total production did dip to 99,817 units for the year, with 85,976 of that total being Model Js and the remaining 13,841 Model SJs. The 455 four-barrel engine was installed in 4,408 Model Js. Radial Tuned Suspension became standard on all Pontiac models on June 17, 1974.
1975
The '75 model year proved to be another carryover year for the Grand Prix. With the exception of revised grille and taillight treatments and a slightly different bucket seat pattern, the exterior and interior were identical to 1974.
Both the 400 and 455 four-barrel engines were again combined with the Turbo 400 in the same applications. But an even lower compression ratio of 7.6:1 and the addition of a catalytic converter reduced horsepower ratings of the 400 to 180 and the 455 to 200. Making an appearance for the first time since 1970, a 400 two-barrel engine generating 170 hp was once again available as a credit option of $50 for economy-conscious buyers. And for the first time since its debut in 1962, the Grand Prix no longer had dual exhaust.
A new option package was introduced for 1975 to complement the base Model J and sportier Model SJ. The Y83 LJ package gave buyers the chance to create the ultimate luxury Grand Prix, and included such items as a padded Landau roof, velour seating surfaces, power windows and locks, extra insulation, black trunk floor and spare tire coverings, and specific LJ identification. Package price ranged from $577 with a solid exterior color to $699 with a two-tone exterior color treatment.
Most likely because of its price and less fuel-efficient engines, Grand Prix production slid yet again to just 86,582 units for the model year. The Model J represented 64,581 units of that total, while the Grand Prix LJ totaled 14,855. Grand Prix SJ production had dropped to just 7,146 units-most likely because of its standard 455 four-barrel. But another 5,094 455 engines were installed in Model J and LJs, while the 400 two-barrel was installed in just 1,701 of them.
1976
The '76 Grand Prix saw some significant changes, but not all were immediately apparent. Although interior styling did not change much, the exterior received a mild update. The single round headlights were replaced by dual rectangular units on each side, and the grille featured a pronounced waterfall effect. A new hood was also used to accommodate the new front end.
Standard equipment content of the Grand Prix Model J saw the largest changes. Until this point, it had such standard items as a 400 four-barrel engine, a floor-shifted automatic transmission, highly appointed interior with bucket seats, and deluxe wheel covers. But the only two-door offering from Pontiac with a higher base price than the Grand Prix in 1975 was the full-size Grand Ville. A new market approach, however, saw many of the items that were once standard now optional. This caused Model J base price to drop over $500 from the previous year, making it much more attainable for buyers on budgets.
For the '76 model year, standard equipment on the Model J included a 350ci two-barrel engine, a column-shifted automatic transmission, a full-length cloth-covered bench seat, and small hubcaps. The Grand Prix SJ went from being an option package to becoming its own model, boasting of many standard items such as the 400 four-barrel engine, bucket seats with a console, custom lamp group, and deluxe wheel covers-and its base price reflected this. The LJ package, which again consisted of the plushest items, was now only available on the Grand Prix SJ.
A special Golden Anniversary Grand Prix commemorating Pontiac's 50th Anniversary of vehicle production was also available. Built as a Grand Prix SJ with LJ appointments, the Golden Anniversary Grand Prix received its own specific exterior color called Anniversary Gold, and was trimmed in white with buckskin interior. Each vehicle also received a new feature-removable roof panels known as Hurst Hatches. In all, 4,807 of these eye-appealing models were produced. More details on package content and production information can be found in "Golden Opportunity"-which appeared in the September '05 issue of HPP.
Consumers responded favorably to the styling refinements and lower base price. Sales skyrocketed to 228,091 units for the year, with the Model J accounting for 139,859 of those. Models SJ and LJ accounted for the remaining 59,187 and 29,045 units, respectively. The 400 four-barrel engine was installed in a total of 79,819 Grand Prixs. And since the 455 four-barrel was only available as an extra cost option of $181 on the Model J and $63 on the Model SJ, production records show that just 11,820 had been installed through July of the model year.
Included with the Golden Anniversary Grand Prix package, the Hurst Hatch option was initially scheduled as optional in all '76 Grand Prix models from the start of production. Vehicles ordered with this option were shipped to Hurst for the conversion before being sent to their final destinations. But conversion issues delayed availability of this option on standard Grand Prix models until mid-January. As a result, only 10,016 Grand Prixs-including the Golden Anniversary models-received Hurst Hatches that year.