Car: Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop Coupe
Year: 1964
What makes it special: Grand Prix was produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 through 2002 for coupes and 1988-2008 for sedans. First introduced as part of Pontiac’s full-size car model offering for the 1962 model year, the marque varied repeatedly in size, luxury, and performance during its lifespan. Among the changes were positioning in the personal luxury car market segment and mid-size car offering from the 2nd generation to the 5th generation for the sedan and from the 2nd generation to the 6th generation from the coupe, it returned to a full-size car from the 6th generation to the 7th generation for the sedan, positioned below the larger Bonneville in Pontiac’s model lineup.
What made it famous: The 1964 Grand Prix received minor appearance changes from the 1963 edition. Those included a revised grille based on the 1964 Bonneville/Catalina with new “GP” logos and rear deck trim with new taillights, still hidden, again following the shape of the other big ’64 Pontiacs. Revised upholstery trims highlighted the interior, still featuring expanded Morrokide vinyl bucket seats and console as standard equipment. Engine offerings were mostly unchanged from 1963 except that the standard 303 hp 389 4-barrel V8 gained three 3 hp, with the extra-cost Hydra-matic transmission. The standard 3-speed manual and optional Hydra-matic transmissions were unchanged from 1963, however, a new GM-built Muncie 4-speed available in either a wide-ratio M-20 or close-ratio M-21 options replaced the Borg-Warner T-10.
Why I would want one: I like to think of these as “Big brother muscle cars.” They are reminiscent of the GTO’s, only on a larger scale.
Fun fact: Production ceased in February 2003 and was the last GM car to have an analog odometer.
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