1969 Pontiac Grand Prix

1 1969

1.1 market
1.2 development
1.3 features
1.4 steam powered prototype

1969

pontiac s general manager john z. delorean ordered development of all-new grand prix 1969 model year. featured dramatic bodywork , highly pronounced grill, , rode on stretched version of intermediate gm platform dubbed g-body.

market

delorean , other pontiac planners saw way reverse declining sales of full-sized grand prix creating new niche in burgeoning personal luxury car market. smaller hulking cadillac eldorado , oldsmobile toronado, positioned nimbler , more performance oriented less bulky ford thunderbird , buick riviera, new grand prix designed outshine upscale mercury cougar xr-7 pony car , b-bodied performance-oriented dodge charger intermediate.

sales reached on 112,000 units, quadruple 32,000 full-sized models built in 1968. similar less luxurious chevrolet monte carlo followed in 1970. ford , chrysler responded producing plusher versions of intermediate torino , charger, both created newer entries intermediate personal luxury car battle—the ford elite in 1974 , chrysler cordoba in 1975.

development

the new intermediate-based 1969 grand prix began take shape in april 1967, few prototype models built on full-sized pontiac platform before g-body ready. save both development costs , time in same manner ford created original 1964 mustang using basic chassis , drivetrain compact falcon, revised grand prix have unique bodyshell share a-body intermediate platform , mechanicals tempest, le mans , gto. reduced development time usual 36 months required new model less 18 , allowing pontiac concentrate upgrading styling , interior appointments.

the rear end more subtle aggressive front

shortened 3 inches previous catalina wheelbase, 118 in (3,000 mm) 1969 grand prix had own body – , pontiac s longest-ever hood. short-lived 1967 convertible, new grand prix 2-door hardtop. model names borrowed suggestive duesenberg model j nomenclature j , sj levels of trim.

the basic 1969 body shell saw major facelift in 1971 bracketed minor detail revisions in 1970 , 1972 model years.

features

the new grand prix sought deliver performance attention-getting styling, increased installation percentages manual transmissions , engine options 390 hp (290 kw) 428 ho. 2 engine sizes offered 2 power options available in each engine size; 265 hp (198 kw) or 350 hp (260 kw) 400 cu in (6.6 l), 370 hp (280 kw) or 390 hp (290 kw) 428 cu in (7.0 l) v8.

the 1969 grand prix debuted dramatic command seat wraparound cockpit-style instrument panel placed controls , gauges within easy reach of driver. enhancing interior s sporty look, strato bucket seats separated console integrated instrument panel slanted toward driver, included floor shifter, storage compartment, , ashtray. leather trim option replaced nylon loop rug cut-pile carpeting offered in addition redoubtable morrokide vinyl , cloth , morrokide upholstery offerings.

innovations in 1969 included radio antenna embedded in windshield, flush-mounted pop-open exterior door handles, side-impact beams inside doors, , optional built-in electrically heated rear window defogger.

steam powered prototype

pontiac in 1969 built steam powered se 101 concept car 150 hp (112 kw) engine designed gm engineering in conjunction besler brothers. engine, however, 450 lb (200 kg) heavier v8, , 3 times more expensive make.