A true classic from the 1960’s is this beautiful 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Convertible.
The first generation Grand Prix ran from the 1962 through the 1964 model year. First generation models were full size vehicles and became mid sized starting with the second to the fifth generation for the sedan and to the sixth generation for the coupe.
John De Lorean who was the head of Advanced Engineering at Pontiac managed the development of the Grand Prix as well as several other performance models such as the GTO. The Grand Prix was developed to be Pontiac’s flagship model that combines style, luxury and performance.
Beginning in the 1969 model year the Grand Prix would be shortened to a 118.0 inch wheelbase becoming a mid size car and be part of the Pontiac LeMans series.
The 1967 Grand Prix is a part of the second generation which ran from 1965 through 1968.
Pontiac Grand Prix..A Mixture of Luxury and Power
One thing the Grand Prix was well noted for was it’s luxurious interior while keeping the sporty touch. Seat coverings were either cloth upholstery or Morrokide. This sporty interior touch also included a tachometer and rear audio speakers. If a car buyer wanted to display performance yet do it in a luxurious enclosure, the Pontiac Grand Prix was his or her automobile with plenty of V-8 horsepower. It’s interesting to note that the Grand Prix was perhaps overlooked a bit as a muscle car simply because of it’s luxurious styling. Many muscle car enthusiasts of that era were likely much more concerned with what was under the hood than the upscale interior appointments. The truth about the Pontiac Grand Prix was that it offered plenty of both.
The Grand Prix was built on the Pontiac Catalina platform. This was Pontiac’s shorter big car chassis. The Grand Prix differed a lot from the Catalina with it’s sportier interior including popular Strato bucket seats. Between the seats was a console along with a floor shifter.
A Big Redesign
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.
1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Specifications
Engines available on the 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix included 400 and 428 cubic inch V-8’s in various configurations and horsepower. The 400 cubic inch came as two and four barrel carburetors with horsepower at 265 and 350 respectively. The 428’s delivered 360 and 375 HP with four barrel carbs.
Pontiac built a reputation for powerhouse engines. Their 1967 GTO models, also powerful muscle cars, came with the first Ram Air engine. The Ram Air I was the most advanced 400 cubic inch engine Pontiac had at the time and pushed the horsepower up to 360.
Transmission options were a three speed and four speed manual along with a three speed Hydramatic and Hydramatic Turbo.
Dimensions include a wheelbase of 121.0 inches, overall outside length 215.6 inches, width 79.4 inches, height 54.0 inches. Curb weight 4,280 lbs.
New car price averaged about $3,750.
Only 5,856 Grand Prix Convertibles were produced for the 1967 model year. This was out of a total Pontiac 1967 Production of 780,700 units.
Related Auto Museum Online articles include..
Reference material for this article includes..The Life and Death of Pontiac by Tony and Michele Hamer…Grand Prix : Pontiac’s Luxury Performance Car by Don Keefe…Pontiac: The Performance Years by Martyn L. Schorr…Pontiac Registry.
1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Collector Car Sales Prices
Pontiac’s from the 1960’s are popular collector cars both for their modern styling and powerful engines. Both the Grand Prix and the GTO fit well in the muscle car wars of the latter 1960’s. As far as the 1967 convertible models are concerned, they are considered rare and highly collectible as only 5,856 were produced. collectible today.
High retail value for examples in showroom condition will see bids of $55,000 on up. Those in excellent condition have seen bids in the $35,000-$45,000 range. Those models in good condition are in a wide range of from about $20,000 to $30,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)