Third generation .281973.E2.80.931977.29 Pontiac Grand Prix

1 third generation (1973–1977)

1.1 1973
1.2 1974
1.3 1975
1.4 1976
1.5 1977

third generation (1973–1977)


1973

1973 pontiac grand prix

all a-bodies, including grand prix, redesigned 1973. generation larger , heavier, due partly federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) crash bumpers. although large v8s still available, performance on decline due federal standard—a new emissions control system. notable styling feature of generation appearance of fixed opera window, replacing previous disappearing rear side glass. year s grand prix switched pillarless hardtop design pillared colonnade hardtop frameless door glass did gm intermediates in response proposed federal safety standards regarding roll-over protection have spelled end of pillarless , convertible bodystyles, mandate never materialized.

front , rear styling of 1973 grand prix turned out evolution of 1971 , 1972 models vertical-bar v-nose grille , single headlamps along new federally mandated 5 mph (8 km/h) front bumper. rear featured revised boattail-like trim square-taillights above bumper.

inside, new instrument panel continued wraparound cockpit theme of previous models new african crossfire mahogany facing on dashboard, console , door panels, real wood in contrast simulated woodgrain material found in car interiors during time. strato bucket seats new higher seatbacks , integrated headrests in morrokide or scivvy cloth trims, , optional recliners , adjustable lumbar support, notchback bench seat offered no-cost option.

the standard drivetrain consisted of four-barrel 400 cu in (6.6 l) v8 rated @ 230 hp (170 kw) , turbo hydra-matic transmission. standard power steering , power brakes. four-barrel 455 cu in (7.5 l) optional , included sj option added rally gauge cluster , radial tuned suspension front , rear sway bars, pliacell shock absorbers, , radial-ply tires.

although third generation grand prix indeed bulkier , heavier predecessor, handling large car, due improvements in suspension design. introduction of radial-ply tires boon handling. gm s body cars front suspensions based on chevrolet camaro , pontiac firebird during production run.

grand prix production set new record of on 150,000 units, despite intense competition similar restyled chevy monte carlo, , near personal luxury coupes such buick s all-new century regal , oldsmobile s cutlass supreme — both of styling , appointments similar gp , monte carlo, , shared same squared-off formal roofline opera windows - used standard a-body coupe body , 112 in (2,800 mm) wheelbase shared lower-priced models. success of gp (and monte carlo) led direct responses ford motor company following year larger ford elite , mercury cougar, followed chrysler entries in 1975, dodge charger , chrysler cordoba.

1974

1974 pontiac grand prix model sj

the 1974 grand prix received revised split grille vertical bars entirely above bumper. out back, boattail effect softened due new federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumper added similar mandated front bumper introduced in 1973. license plate , fuel filler moved above bumper , taillight lenses revised.

the interior trim remained virtually unchanged 1973, standard seating choices, including strato bucket seats center console or notchback bench seat armrest , cloth or morrokide upholstery. bucket seats available optional recliners , adjustable lumbar support. however, real african crossfire mahogany trim replaced simulated material instrument panel due splintering problems on 1973 models; real wood continued on console , door panels 2 years. also, new cut-pile carpeting replaced nylon loop rugs of previous years.

also new 1974 federally mandated interlock system required driver , front-seat passenger fasten seat belts in order start car. regulation, unpopular buying public, offered 1 year , on 1975 models. rescinded congressional action.

engines carried on 1973, including 400 cu in (6.6 l) v8 (standard on model j) , 455 cu in (7.5 l) (standard on model sj, optional on model j). turbo hydra-matic transmission, variable-ratio power steering, , power brakes standard equipment on both models. in addition 455 v8, model sj added rally gauge cluster, sj identification, , radial-tuned suspension similar pontiac s grand am. radial tires new option on model j year.

sales of grand prixs 1974 model year dropped 1973 s record of around 150,000 units under 100,000 units due new competition in intermediate personal-luxury car market new upsized mercury cougar xr-7 coupe , ford elite, both based on dearborn s intermediate torino/montego platform. still, 1974 third best-selling year date pontiac grand prix.

1975

1975 pontiac grand prix

a revised grille fewer vertical bars , revised taillight lenses marked 1975 grand prix. changes included addition of gm s high energy electronic ignition , catalytic converter mandated use of unleaded gasoline. radial tires became standard on models.

a new luxury lj model added new top model. base model j remained available, sj. lj included pinstriping , velour interior trim. speedometers revised numerals topping @ 100 mph (160 km/h) rather 120 or 140 mph (230 km/h) readings found in previous years , speed readings in kilometers added.

the addition of catalytic converter spelled end of dual exhaust 1975 , detuning of engines. 400 cu in (6.6 l) v8 (standard on j , lj models) dropped 230 180 hp (130 kw) while 455 cu in (7.5 l) (standard on sj, optional on j , lj) detuned 250 200 hp (150 kw). new 1975 more economical 170 hp (130 kw) 400 cu in (6.6 l) two-barrel carburetor, available no-cost option on j , lj models.

early 1975 models featured seat belt interlock system introduced on 1974 models required both driver , front passenger fasten seat belts in order start vehicle. however, congressional action rescind regulation, led automakers discontinue device , permitted dealers , garages disconnect device on cars so-equipped.

sales dropped 86,582 units aging design, continued recession resulting 1973-74 energy crisis, substantially higher prices 1975-model cars due year s safety , emission control regulations, , intense competition ford s cougar , elite, , chrysler corporation s 2 new entries in class including chrysler cordoba , dodge charger se.

model mix 64,581 base j models, 7,146 sjs, , 14,855 of new lj.

1976

1976 pontiac grand prix lj golden anniversary edition

a new split vertical bar waterfall grille , quad rectangular headlights in front , revised taillight lenses out highlighted 1976 grand prix. same 3 model designations continued (j, sj , lj) lj , sj offering same trim , equipment levels in 1975 exception being sj downgraded standard 400 cu in (6.6 l) v8.

the base model j underwent number of content changes cut base price around $500 more competitive other mid-sized personal luxury cars. changes j included smaller 160 hp (120 kw) 350 cu in (5.7 l) v8 base powerplant , downgrading of interior trim included new notchback bench seat made standard equipment , strato bucket seats/console became optional. features such cushioned steering wheel , custom pedal trim plates became optional on model j, remained standard on lj , sj, both of continued include strato bucket seats standard equipment. models got new simulated rosewood trim dash, door panels , console (with bucket seats) replaced african crossfire mahogany trim of previous years. upholstery choices included cloth or morrokide vinyl bench or bucket seats on model j, velour buckets on lj or morrokide buckets on sj. leather interior trim new extra-cost option available strato bucket seats , lj , sj models. both lj , sj models came standard 180 hp (130 kw) 400 cu in (6.6 l) v8 optional on model j. 200 hp (150 kw) 455 cu in (7.5 l) optional on models.

in celebration of pontiac s 50th anniversary in 1976, number of special edition grand prix produced. technically lj trim option, these models featured removable hurst t-tops, color-keyed rally ii wheels, special anniversary gold paint (actually new cadillac seville s autumn gold) accented white opera roof , white side protection. available interior color light buckskin. among other distinctions special badging golden hood , trunk medallions , golden arrow head logo in steering wheel. buyers opt other accessories available lj. many chose sport instrumentation, sport steering wheels, or leather upholstery. mechanically, similar regular models. 1 of 2 anniversary models offered pontiac, other special trim firebird.

grand prix production increased: sales went 228,091 units total (a plus of 226%), making bicentennial year best in grand prix history — , second in class chevrolet monte carlo 353,272 units. included 110,814 base model js, 88,232 sjs, , 29,045 ljs (including 4,807 golden anniversary editions , single demonstrator pontiac s not yet introduced 301 cu in (4.9 l) v8 engine.

1977

1977 pontiac grand prix

a complete re-working of front header , bumper highlighted 1977 grand prix, final year 1973-vintage bodyshell set replaced downsized gp 1978. parking lamps positioned between quad headlamps, , previous year s waterfall grille replaced narrower 1 extended lower portion of bumper. behind bumper new reinforcements (mounting panels) made aluminum rather steel reduce weight. in taillights simplified eliminate weighty pot metal bezels created horizontal stripe effect in 1976. same 3 models (j, lj , sj) carried on engine revisions. base model j got pontiac s new 135 hp (101 kw) 301 cu in (4.9 l) v8 standard equipment, small , underpowered propel 4,000-pound car. optional engines included 160 hp (119 kw) 350 cu in (5.7 l) v8 or 180 hp (130 kw) 400 cu in (6.6 l); 2 engines standard on lj , sj models, respectively. original thinking on 301 cid engine weight savings using lighter engine cancel out horsepower loss smaller displacement. turned out major miscalculation , 301 equipped cars became less desirable among grand prix enthusiasts , collectors in later years. 301 had knocking (pre-ignition) problem later determined caused shape of combustion chamber.

each of engines pontiac-built units in previous years, offered in 49 of 50 states. because pontiac s own v8 engines not meet more stringent california emission standards set 1977, grand prixs (and other pontiac models) sold in california powered oldsmobile-built engines including lansing s 350 cu in (5.7 l) rocket v8 j , lj, , 403 cu in (6.6 l) rocket v8 standard on sj , optional on other 2 gps in california. due shortage of olds 350 engines resulting record sales of cutlasses , reduced production of engine due plant conversion build diesel v8 beginning in 1978, few 1977 grand prixs destined california reportedly came off line chevrolet-built 350 cu in (5.7 l) v8.

grand prix sales increased all-time high of on 270,000 units 1977, last year bodystyle, despite competition newly downsized , lower-priced ford thunderbird introduced year , restyled mercury cougar xr-7 bodyshell switched t-bird year discontinued ford torino/mercury montego.