It really is hard to believe...
It really is hard to believe that Mark Beyer’s one-of-a-kind ’72 Hurst SSJ Grand Prix spent 22 years in a Columbus, Ohio, outdoor storage yard before he rescued it. The restoration project was one of the most ambitious we have ever encountered, as the car was severely rusted and neglected.
Back in the ’40s and ’50s, publishing companies would often take out ads in magazines such as Boy’s Life and others for flashy go-karts, custom bicycles, and other items that would appeal to youngsters and capture their imaginations. The item advertised would usually be priced well out of reach for most parents to give their kids, though they all would sell you an informational brochure for a small fee.
The truth be told, these brochures were really what the company was selling. In the rare instance that someone would actually buy the item advertised, they would simply have one or two built and deliver them, though that was not the intent of the exercise—it was to sell the idea of one.
The painted notation “special” was still present on the firewall of the GP, which indicated that the car was to be pulled off the line for special build processes. This fact was verified by late Pontiac engineer John Sawruk. Note the optional reel-out light.
Mark Beyer’s ’72 Hurst SSJ Grand Prix captured his imagination in much the same way—except he made it a reality in every sense of the word. Nearly every high-tech gadget that was offered for this car from Hurst was added on, the Hurst ads for the optional equipment mesmerized him much like those early post-war ads did—a radio telephone, a “dual bi-polar” radar detector, onboard television, and many of the other whiz-bang features that George Hurst could dream up became Mark’s quest to locate.
The Hurst and SSJ fender badges...
The Hurst and SSJ fender badges are mounted above this unusual lock mechanism that arms the vehicle alarm system.
The story begins in 1999. Mark had already been a fan of SSJ Grand Prixs and had done an immense amount of research on them. In addition to owning a Grand Prix from every year up to ’72, he also owned two other SSJs, both white with gold.
Rumors started popping up in the Pontiac community about a large cache of 700-plus cars, about 400 of which were Pontiacs that were hidden on a piece of property near Columbus, Ohio. The cars were covered with tarps and were not visible from the road. This story sounds way too far-fetched to be true, but your author was a first-hand witness to the spectacle, and to say it was surreal doesn’t even cover it. There were rows and rows of ’57 and ’58 Bonnevilles, ’55-’57 Safaris, heavily-optioned ’60s-era Bonneville convertibles, 2+2s, ambulances, GTOs, Judges, Firebirds—all too mind-boggling to believe, but they were there, including one special Grand Prix.
The long-hood, short-deck...
The long-hood, short-deck propertions of the G-Body Grand Prix are clearly evident. Note the hood tach, ski rack, and TV antenna. American 200S wheels were Hurst options.
“I heard of the so-called ‘junkyard’ in Ohio, and also I knew Joe Evans and Dan Gregory, who bought the lot and I asked if I could look at what was there,” Mark explained. “I saw an unusual ’72 GP painted a ’71 color, Bluestone Gray. Then I noticed the SSJ emblems, and knowing Grand Prixs checked it out further.” He added, “After literally curling up the hood to get to the Fisher Tag, I looked for a paint code. All I saw was - - (dash-dash). Then I knew this was not a normal GP. I called PHS and verified that it was indeed a legitimate SSJ and immediately bought it from Joe and Dan.”
Other strange things popped up, including a full vinyl top that was not like the regular SSJ landau half-top design and was also not like a factory Grand Prix top, either. The moonroof was consistent with the Hurst-installed unit, and it also had a blue leather interior that may have been added by Hurst but there was no documentation to support the theory. It also had painted pinstriping and a vehicle alarm system, both installed by Hurst—very unusual stuff, indeed. Mark paid $1,850 for it, and after spending another $150 to get it dragged out of the mud, he brought it home.
The original YC-code 250-horse...
The original YC-code 250-horse 455 four-barrel engine was rebuilt by Humphrey’s Engine Rebuilding in Columbus. Correct date-coded 7M5 cylinder heads replaced the rusty ones and an 067 cam was installed. Mark cleaned the Q-jet carb, freeing up the moving parts using dental instruments, and then rebuilt it with interior parts from another unit. Underhood options abound, like cruise control and the alarm system on the inner fender. Also note the detailing via proper decals and paint marks.
He then went through the package from PHS and noticed the Special Paint option on the Pontiac invoice, which coincided with the double dash on the cowl tag. The invoice for the Grand Prix showed that it was delivered to Jim Herrim Pontiac in Findlay, Ohio. Subsequent research showed that it was later sold by Marte Pontiac in Columbus, so it appears that it spent its whole life in Ohio. It ended up in the Columbus auto graveyard in 1977 with a mere 69,700 original miles.
This super-rare dealer accessory...
This super-rare dealer accessory ski rack, which Mark displays at car shows with a vintage set of water skis, has a locking feature, which makes it quite theft-resistant. Also visible here is the antenna for the Sony television.
The custom moonroof was an...
The custom moonroof was an SSJ exclusive, having been engineered and installed by Hurst.
A cassette tape player is...
A cassette tape player is mounted at the rear of the console, facing the front of the car. It also came with a cassette carrying case, which Mark has.
The Sony TV and matching antenna...
The Sony TV and matching antenna were SSJ options that were seen in all dealer advertising, but were rarely seen elsewhere. Mark tracked down the correct TV and antenna for the SSJ.
The documentation also revealed that this factory-built Model J was most likely one of the most heavily-optioned Grand Prixs produced that year—even before it went to Hurst. It had 31 options, including the 455 engine, Ride and Handling Package, Safe-T-Track, A/C, tilt wheel, cruise control, and Rally Gauge cluster, among many other items. It became obvious that a great deal of research would be needed to correctly restore it.
To say that the restoration was a challenge would be a huge understatement—the SSJ was a disaster. The original frame was too badly rusted to reuse, so a correct date-coded frame was obtained from fellow POCI member Preston “The Pontiac Man” Grant IV, and 15 pieces from a ’71 parts car were used to reconstruct the body. The actual bodywork and paint were expertly handled by Allen’s Collision in Bucyrus, Ohio.
When Mark found the SSJ, it had a custom leather interior and headliner, apparently installed by Hurst. However, this could not be verified, so he reverted back to the cloth interior originally installed at the factory. Note the leather-wrapped steering wheel, radar detector on the dash, and the radio telephone. Mark modified the internals of the phone so it will operate as a modern cellular phone.
The Hurst vehicle security...
The Hurst vehicle security system includes a switch that triggers the alarm if the trunk lid is opened. It is mounted just to the left of the trunk lid latch. The ground cable on the right side is for the trailer-towing package.
Several original dealer options were added, like the hood tach, rear-seat shoulder belts, inside hood release, and rear swaybar. The GP also came with dealer-installed vinyl side molding. Jim’s Trim Shop in Columbus assisted Mark with the interior refurbishment. Mark reverted the interior back to the factory cloth seat covering because it could not be determined if Hurst actually installed the blue leather seat covers. If he can document this, they will go back on, as they were in mint condition.
Mark is quick to point out that a lot of friends helped with the restoration of this one-off Grand Prix. In addition to Preston, Mark also wants to thank another POCI member, Mike Spizziri, for helping with the carburetor and other engine issues, particularly with the fixing of a stubborn oil pan leak. Paul Spotts from Spotts Performance rebuilt the original Turbo 400.
American 200S wheels were...
American 200S wheels were optional equipment for Grand Prix SSJs, and were added on this car. The centers retain their natural as-cast finish. They are shod with GR60-15 BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires.
In the 40 years since Mark’s SSJ was originally built, the high-tech gadgetry it contains is all fairly mundane stuff today: moonroof, mobile phone, in-car entertainment system with video—even a vehicle security system. The most interesting thing about these items is that while they predicted much of what we now take for granted, the fact that they were on this car in ’72—in formats totally incompatible with today’s technology—makes them a fascinating snapshot into how far we have come and also how ahead of the curve this particular Grand Prix was. It was a wonderful stroke of luck that Mark found and restored this amazing, one-of-a-kind Pontiac. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to see and enjoy it now, and be even more captivated by it than those kids with their go-kart brochures 60 years ago.
The locking hood mechanism...
The locking hood mechanism is a very rare dealer-installed option that Mark added as part of the restoration.
Another unusual option that...
Another unusual option that Mark added to his SSJ is the Automatic Level Control with Superlift Shocks. This canister is actually the on-board compressor for the air shocks.
The sculpted rear deck design...
The sculpted rear deck design and matching curved rear bumper design used in ’71 was carried over for another year. The redesign did a great job of freshening up the styling before the all-new GP was released for ’73.
It is clear that this car...
It is clear that this car was little more than crusher bait when Mark began restoring it.
The fact that he received...
The fact that he received 399 out of a possible 400 points at the 2012 POCI Convention in St. Charles, Illinois, is nothing short of miraculous and a testament to the level of craftsmanship needed to resurrect this one-off but very dilapidated machine.
The engine compartment looked...
The engine compartment looked like the car had been raised from the hold of a sunken ship—it was that deteriorated.
Though filthy, the custom...
Though filthy, the custom leather interior was in fantastic condition. It was kept in case documentation can be found to prove that it was Hurst installed. If so, it will be re-installed.