389ci V8 3-Speed Auto/Nice Interior/1st Gen Grand Prix

1963 Pontiac Grand Prix

In the world of performance cars, a “sleeper” car can be best defined as a car that has all the outward appearances of a standard or base model car, but with added performance. Essentially all go and no show. Even before the introduction of the GTO in 1964, Pontiac had already established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the street and track. This reputation ebbed and flowed in the following decades until its unfortunate demise in 2010.

For consignment the first generation of the GP that could be considered a sleeper car. Big and bold, lots of long panels of steel, European style driving lights in the grille, and a slightly finned rear with taillights and trim that runs the gamut from rear quarter to quarter. Deep wide sporty bucket seats, all in pretty good shape for this car, and oh! …some muscle under the long hood.

Exterior
With a respray of blue the exterior of this car has mostly straight panels that have a few faults here and there, but it remains mostly original looking as it did from the factory. Chipping, some surface rust, cracking, and slight bubbling is seen when you get really close to this car. The chrome and brite-work have some dimpling, fading of the mirrorlike finish, and small areas of rust. At the joints where body panels meet smaller pieces, there is some chipping in the seams of the paint. Badging is all correct and also shows some rust beginnings. 14-inch honeycomb sport wheels are all around and the caps show rusting.

Interior
Opening the doors and we are met by a blue vinyl trimmed passenger compartment. Door panels are in good shape as are handles and cranks. The wide deep blue vinyl buckets in front are clean and tear free and have some nice surrounding chrome edging. A metal trimmed center console is seen in the center and houses the gearshift and a Pontiac manifold vacuum gauge. The dash is pure original GM design with an inverted V covered with lots of shiny trim, wood appliqué, and blue paint. It shows with a few areas where paint has been scratched off due to wear, but it is presenting very clean overall. Carpet is beautiful, and headliner above shows nicely. The rear bench is like new and has a fold down center armrest that is wide enough to be shared by both rear passengers, or put up to accommodate a third passenger.

Drivetrain
A 389ci V8 decked out in sky blue sits in a clean engine bay. It is fed by a Carter 4-barrel carburetor and has the standard Pontiac 3-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission, and a 3.23 gear rear axle.

Undercarriage
A coating of surface rust is seen throughout, however none appears to be invasive or creating any structural problems. Independent coil springs are on front, and a 4 link with coil springs are on the rear. Power drum brakes are all around.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and we were in the warmup phase where idling was very smooth from the start. Throwing it into gear we were off, and were entertained by a smooth ride, nice acceleration, and good handling. It was an overall pleasurable experience.

A good looker, with a few faults throughout, but some slight elbow grease and some effort on the TLC end, and you will have a great example of the first-generation GP.

VIN Decode
963L20474
9-Grand Prix
63-1963
L-Linden, NJ Assy Plant
20474-Sequential Unit Number

Trim Tag
12C-3rd Week December 1962 Build
STYLE 63 2957-1963 Grandprix 2 Door Sport Coupe
BODY BL2916-Linden Body #
TRIM 288-Blue Vinyl
PAINT WW-Nocturne Blue