• Year: 1964
• Mileage: 4479
• Primary color: Blue
• Transmission type: 3 Speed Automatic
• Engine: 389 V8

In the early '60s, Pontiac knew exactly the right balance of performance and luxury, and the Grand Prix probably best exemplified it. Though it's got a few subtle modifications, this 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix hardtop represents a whole lot of performance and comfort, all wrapped in cutting-edge style, for the dollar.
Pontiac led the industry with their stacked headlight design, and pretty soon every other manufacturer was scrambling to copy the look. The Grand Prix was a little bigger than the GTO, but not as massive as the Bonneville, so it hits that sweet spot where it looks like a grown-up car but still provides plenty of entertainment. The most obvious modification are the louvers punched in the hood, a traditional look that remarkably works very well on the squared-off Grand Prix. They're properly done and the work is apparently insanely expensive, and they may even be functional, letting hot air out of the engine bay (which, of course, was their original purpose). Beyond that, it's been covered in a teal blue metallic paint that's very period correct and looks great on the long, lean body and since it's two-stage urethane, it's got a great shine. There might be a few signs of use on the car, because it's not a trailer queen, but the overall look is right. Someone really loved this car. Those massive quarter panels are straight, the doors fit well, and the black vinyl top adds a dose of formality.
The black interior is really why you want to own a Grand Prix. Bucket seats and a console in a luxury car haven't looked this good since the Buick Riviera, and Pontiac puts its own special twist on it. It's a combination of original and replacement pieces, with newer carpets on the floor and perhaps replacement seat covers, although they're showing some wear that might indicate they're original. The steering wheel is that awesome clear plastic Lucite that's showing some age, but it would be crazy to replace it, and the woodgrained details are still in good order. All the controls are arranged around the driver, with a wide central instrument panel and a trio of auxiliary gauges under the dash. There's also factory A/C (seems to need a recharge) and a cool vacuum efficiency gauge on the center console, which were all the rage in 1964. The original AM radio is still in the dash and remains fully operational and the massive trunk is the kind that makes you want to take a road trip. Nice!
Pontiac's proven 389 cubic inch V8 lives under that louvered hood and it's plenty potent in the Grand Prix. It's got the right look with corporate turquoise engine enamel, and there are a few choice upgrades that make it a better driver, including a dual master cylinder, upgraded alternator, and long-tube headers with a new Flowmaster dual exhaust system. The rest, however, remains fairly stock-looking and it runs well, with the kind of big torque you need in a full-sized car like this. The transmission is now a TH350 3-speed automatic, an upgrade over the original PowerGlide (perhaps a JetAway), and the original heavy-duty rear end hangs out back. Clean floors remind us that cars from warm climates really are better, and it sits on a set of 8-lug wheels, which are a must-have for any '60s Pontiac. Fat 245/60/14 BFGoodrich radials complete the luxury/muscle look.
A handsome car that's ready to enjoy, all at a very reasonable price. In terms of style, performance, and desirability, Pontiac had the formula figured out. Call now!

• 5400 Sandshell Dr, Suite 100,
  Fort Worth, TX, 76137, US
• (817) 764-8000
• sales-dfw@streetsideclassics.com

• http://www.streetsideclassics.com/
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