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, a 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)