The Grand Prix was a line of automobiles 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.
Third generation (1972-1977)
1973
All A-bodies, including the Grand Prix, were redesigned for 1973. This generation was larger and heavier, due partly to the federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) crash bumpers. Although large V8s were still available, performance was on the decline due to another federal standard—a new emissions control system. The most notable styling feature of this generation was the appearance of the fixed opera window, replacing the previous disappearing rear side glass. This year's Grand Prix switched from pillarless hardtop design to a pillared "Colonnade" hardtop with frameless door glass as did all GM intermediates in response to proposed federal safety standards regarding roll-over protection that would have ultimately spelled the end of pillarless and convertible bodystyles, a mandate that never materialized.
Front and rear styling of the 1973 Grand Prix turned out be an evolution of the 1971 and 1972 models with a vertical-bar V-nose grille and single headlamps along with the new federally mandated 5 mph (8 km/h) front bumper. The rear featured a revised boattail-like trim with square-taillights above the bumper.
Inside, a new instrument panel continued the wraparound cockpit theme of previous models with new African Crossfire Mahogany facing on the dashboard, console and door panels, which was "real" wood in contrast with the simulated woodgrain material found in most car interiors during that time. The Strato bucket seats were completely new with higher seatbacks and integrated headrests in Morrokide or scivvy cloth trims, and optional recliners and adjustable lumbar support, with a notchback bench seat offered as a no-cost option.
The standard drivetrain consisted of the four-barrel 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 rated at 230 hp (170 kW) and the Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. Also standard were power steering and power brakes. A four-barrel 455 cu in (7.5 L) was optional and included with the "SJ" option that also added a rally gauge cluster and a radial tuned suspension with front and rear sway bars, Pliacell shock absorbers, and radial-ply tires.
Although the Third Generation Grand Prix was indeed bulkier and heavier than its predecessor, handling was good for a large car, due to improvements in suspension design. The introduction of radial-ply tires was also a boon for handling. GM's "A" body cars' front suspensions were based on the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird during this production run.
Grand Prix production set a new record of over 150,000 units, despite intense competition from a similar restyled Chevy Monte Carlo, and "near" personal luxury coupes such as Buick's all-new Century Regal and Oldsmobile's Cutlass Supreme — both of whose styling and appointments were very similar to the GP and Monte Carlo, and even shared the same squared-off formal roofline with opera windows - but used the standard A-body coupe body and 112 in (2,800 mm) wheelbase shared with lower-priced models. The success of the GP (and Monte Carlo) led to direct responses from Ford Motor Company the following year with a larger Ford Elite and Mercury Cougar, which were followed by Chrysler entries in 1975, the Dodge Charger and Chrysler Cordoba.
1974
The 1974 Grand Prix received a revised split grille with vertical bars that was entirely above the bumper. Out back, the boattail effect was softened somewhat due to a new federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumper that was added to the similar mandated front bumper introduced in 1973. The license plate and fuel filler were moved above the bumper and taillight lenses were revised.
The interior trim remained virtually unchanged from 1973, with standard seating choices, including Strato bucket seats with center console or notchback bench seat with an armrest and cloth or Morrokide upholstery. The bucket seats were available with optional recliners and adjustable lumbar support. However, the real African Crossfire Mahogany trim was replaced by a simulated material for the instrument panel due to splintering problems on 1973 models; the "real" wood was continued on the console and door panels for another two years. Also, a new cut-pile carpeting replaced the nylon loop rugs of previous years.
Also new for 1974 was a federally mandated interlock system that required the driver and front-seat passenger to fasten their seat belts in order to start the car. This regulation, which was very unpopular with the buying public, was offered only this one year and on some early 1975 models. It was rescinded by Congressional action.
Engines were carried over from 1973, including the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 (standard on the Model J) and 455 cu in (7.5 L) (standard on the Model SJ, optional on the Model J). A Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission, variable-ratio power steering, and power brakes were standard equipment on both models. In addition to the 455 V8, the Model SJ also added a Rally Gauge Cluster, "SJ" identification, and a radial-tuned suspension similar to Pontiac's Grand Am. Radial tires were also a new option on the Model J this year.
Sales of Grand Prixs for the 1974 model year dropped from 1973's record of around 150,000 units to just under 100,000 units primarily due to new competition in the intermediate personal-luxury car market from a new upsized Mercury Cougar XR-7 coupe and Ford Elite, both based on the Dearborn's intermediate Torino/Montego platform. Still, 1974 was the third best-selling year to date for the Pontiac Grand Prix.
1975
A revised grille with fewer vertical bars and revised taillight lenses marked the 1975 Grand Prix. Changes included the addition of GM's High Energy electronic ignition and a catalytic converter that mandated the use of unleaded gasoline. Radial tires became standard on all models.
A new luxury LJ model was added as the new top model. The base Model J remained available, as well as the SJ. The LJ included pinstriping and a velour interior trim. Speedometers were revised with numerals now topping at 100 mph (160 km/h) rather than the 120 or 140 mph (230 km/h) readings found in previous years and speed readings in kilometers were added.
The addition of the catalytic converter spelled the end of dual exhaust for 1975 and detuning of engines. The 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 (standard on J and LJ models) dropped from 230 to 180 hp (130 kW) while the 455 cu in (7.5 L) (standard on SJ, optional on J and LJ) was detuned from 250 to 200 hp (150 kW). New for 1975 was a more economical 170 hp (130 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) with two-barrel carburetor, which was available as a no-cost option on J and LJ models.
Early 1975 models featured the seat belt interlock system introduced on all 1974 models that required both the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belts in order to start the vehicle. However, Congressional action to rescind that regulation, which led automakers to discontinue the device and permitted dealers and garages to disconnect the device on cars so-equipped.
Sales dropped to 86,582 units thanks to an aging design, continued recession resulting from the 1973-74 energy crisis, substantially higher prices for all 1975-model cars due to that year's safety and emission control regulations, and intense competition from Ford's Cougar and Elite, and Chrysler Corporation's two new entries in this class including the Chrysler Cordoba and Dodge Charger SE.
Model mix was 64,581 base J models, 7,146 SJs, and 14,855 of the new LJ.
Source: Wikipedia
1976 Pontiac Grand Prix
Reply With Quote
