1972 Pontiac Grand Prix Model SJ review from North America
"Undiscovered classic with power and looks"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The only thing that has gone wrong was the alternator quit while I was participating in an all Pontiac day at the drag strip. I even made it to the semi-finals when my ET dropped off. I still drove it home which was a 45 minute trip. Old age and high RPMs took out the brittle insulators holding the rotor leads.
General comments?
I love it! This is the 2nd best GP I have had the privilege to own. I have owned numerous '71 or '72 Grand Prixs since 1982. I have had two beaters and four really sweet rides. Three of these I had repainted with the Hurst SSJ black and gold paint scheme.
The one I have now, I have done the G-machine upgrade on it. Poly-graphite bushing, KYB shocks, 1-1/4" front and 1" rear sway bars, lowered front suspension, fat BFG radial TAs all around. The ride is bit too firm unless the gas tank is over half full, but man does it handle!
My next step is to install the 12 speaker, 5 amplifier Yamaha/Carver stereo system I rescued from my '71 GP.
I have a spare .060" over-bored 455 on an engine stand, but the original stock 455 runs strong enough to still give me ETs in the 14.7s.
I really enjoy turning heads whenever I drive it. It has body lines which really stand out as compared to all the expensive "jelly beans" they have produced over the last 15 years.
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| Comfort, smooth ride, and nice looks |
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| 1976 - Grand Prix LJ Pontiac 400 6.6L The 1976 Grand Prix is a perfect blend of muscle, luxury, and fun driving |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1972 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 455 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 98000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 107000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Grand Prix |
| Date of Entry | 9th August, 2001 |