Pontiac was on a roll in the 1960s. During the early part of the decade, specially trimmed models with buckets and (sometimes) consoles were becoming a thing, and Pontiac stepped up to the plate and created a special model of its own. Based on the Catalina, the newly christened Grand Prix two-door hardtop featured a distinctive inset grille, special trunklid trim, clean flanks, a standard 303-horsepower Trophy V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, buckets, a center console, and a tachometer. Needless to say, the new model was a rousing success. A fine example of the 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix is the focus of today’s AutoHunter Spotlight. Restored within the last four years at a reported cost of $100,000, it is powered by a 455 Tri-Power paired with a TH400 transmission. With a Midnight Blue metallic body complemented by a white painted top over a black interior, this personal-luxury Poncho comes from the selling dealer with build receipts, spare parts, the original 389, and a branded title.
Nineteen sixty-two was the year Pontiac instituted convertible-like styling for its two-door hardtops. The hardtop on this Grand Prix is white, which nicely contrasts with the deep blue body. Other features include a driver-side mirror, rocker moldings, LED headlights, chrome ornaments on the front fenders, and a front fender-mounted antenna. A set of 8-lug wheels are wrapped in 235/75 American Classic wide-whitewall tires.
The black vinyl interior features front bucket seats with a center console. Other interior features include a push-button AM radio, clock, heater, an instrument panel pad, chrome pedal trim, and rubber floor mats.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer, console-mounted 7,000-rpm tachometer, and fuel gauge. An aftermarket gauge cluster for the oil pressure, voltage, and coolant temperature is mounted underneath the dashboard. The odometer shows 60,344 miles, though the true mileage is unknown.
The rebuilt 455 (which has accrued less than 1,000 miles since being overhauled) features Tri-Power induction, Edelbrock Performer aluminum heads, roller rockers, and more. The engine is backed by a three-speed TH400 automatic.
The undercarriage features a custom driveshaft leading to a limited-slip differential. Other features include power brakes, newer springs and shackles, and a dual exhaust system.
This 1962 Pontiac Grand Prix may have been a response to a young trend, but the model itself sparked a trend because personal luxury cars were usually a step up or two in price. The Grand Prix brought affordable class to the segment, leading to me-too responses from competitive brands such as Oldsmobile, Dodge, and even Buick. The auction for this GP ends on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT), so be poised to bid on this classy coupe before you miss out.
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