Pontiac Grand Prix. 1962 (prod. 30,195). 2-door coupé. F/R, 389, 421 in³ (V8 OHV). The start of a long-running line. Meant to rival Ford Thunderbird, but far sportier. Based on the 120 in wheelbase Catalina, it featured bucket seats in Morrokide vinyl, floor shifter, full instrumentation, chrome centre console with tachometer, a four-barrel V8 with 10·25:1 compression developing 303 hp, dual exhausts, a “sport” rear axle ratio of 3.42:1. Rear seat had a folding centre arm rest and speaker grille. Well equipped inside, making it Pontiac’s priciest two-door, above even the larger Bonneville. Upgrades included a more powerful four-barrel 389, the Tri-Power 389 (with three two-barrel carburettors) and two 421 in³ V8s (Super Duty up to 405 hp, only 16 known to have been ordered). Three-speed manual, four-speed automatic optional, with 90 per cent of buyers choosing the latter.

Manufacturing location: Pontiac, Michigan, USA

Marque: Pontiac | Model: Pontiac Grand Prix | Predecessor: Pontiac Catalina (1961–4) | Successor: Pontiac Grand Prix (1963–4)