There’s a niche of Pontiac fans who dig a particular model because it has a set of strengths that few cars can match, but the rest of the enthusiast world tends to ignore it because they’re busy scoping out Goats and Firebirds. It’s a car that was a resounding sales success, outselling its predecessor several times over, yet the general collector market has chosen to ignore this vehicle’s status and keep its stature somewhat low. The car? The 1969 Grand Prix.
Built on a stretched A-body platform, the 1969 Grand Prix was the car Pontiac needed after the model started to get porky and un-sporty. In one fell swoop, the Grand Prix became an American GT complete with cockpit that wrapped around the driver. No, there was no mistaking this for one of those furrin’ jobs – this was pure American verve with muscle car DNA baked in.
Two new trim levels were created for the new image: Model J and SJ, two names that harkened back to Duesenberg. Was DeLorean thinking straight with that? (Argue among yourselves with that one.) The J was the standard Grand Prix, powered by a 350-horsepower 400 and three-speed on the floor. Optional was a 370-horse 428 or the 390-horse 428 HO, plus a step-down 400 two-barrel for those who are a little special. The SJ came as a package and included the 428/370, performance axle ratio, special instrumentation, automatic leveling suspension, and whitewalls.
Muscle Car Campy gives us a road test in a nicely restored Grand Prix SJ that was originally ordered with the standard 428 backed by a 4-speed, which makes it one of 308 built. Additionally, the original owner had the dealer add a hood tach. Why the four-speed? It is said he was a polio survivor and felt exercising his leg would be a good idea. When he was done spec’ing the GP, he was out a cool six grand, which was a lot of money for a Pontiac, if not a car that base priced at $3,700.
The Grand Prix hit the streets for 1962 as Pontiac’s attainable personal luxury coupe, putting Detroit on notice sporty style wasn’t just for the well-heeled. The 1969 came around and did the same thing all over again. It’s a car whose sum is much greater than its value in the collector car world.
If you like what you see, be sure to check out more Muscle Car Campy videos.
The 1969 Pontiac GP came with the stock 389 c.i. motor rated at 375 HP. This was the model J. The SJ came with the 421 c.i. motor rated at 400 HP. Where you came up with a 400 c.i. and 428 c.i. is beyond me. Do some research before you start wrtiting about this stuff. I owned both these cars! You are right about one thing. They were great cars! Great out on the open road with a smooth and comfortable ride, plus lots and lots of power and good handling to go with it.
My rule of thumb is that when someone says, “Do some research!” he is usually wrong.
The last year of the 389 and 421 was 1966.
The base engine for the J was a 400. The SJ came standard with a 428 rated at 370 horses. Here’s the brochure to prove it:
https://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/pontiac/69pgpr/bilder/7.jpg
Something I learned awhile ago is that owners or former owners of cars does not an expert make.
Truly a rare beauty, all the boxes checked, and a four speed to boot! A true gentlemen’s muscle car.
My Cousin had a 70 GP. Dark blue with white interior, model “J” 400 / 350 HP with the 400 TH. Buckets & console, white vinyl top. Just a beautiful car, fast !! I drove it a few times, it had a real nice ride as well. A wonderful memory.
Is Pontiac 4 sale
Nope
Diego, you are absolutely correct !!!
I am glad you called him on that, or else I was going to do it myself !
I personally owned a 69 GP with numbers matching 428, and it was also the SJ variant. I never knew so few were made though, else I may have taken pains to hang onto it.
A well, at least I was able to enjoy it for about one year before rashly selling it on.
Thanks for the info Diego !!!
Thank you!
I use to own one. My friend in Brownwood Tx has a 1973 sj Grand Prix. Smith’s bar b q in 76801. 455
Diego,Good morning.Is the 1989 SJ 428 Grand Prix for sale? If so,could you be so kind as to lead me in the right direction?
It is not for sale.