1970 Pontiac Grand Prix Coupe (RHD)

Description

The Pontiac Grand Prix was produced by this division of General Motors from 1962 to 2002 for coupes versions and 1988 to 2008 for sedans. It was first introduced as part of Pontiac's full-size model offering for the 1962 model year, and thereafter the Grand Prix model varied in size, luxury appointments and performance during its lifespan. Pontiac's then general manager, industry legend John Z. DeLorean, ordered the development of an all-new Grand Prix for the 1969 model year. It featured dramatic bodywork and a highly pronounced grille, and it rode on a slightly stretched version of the intermediate GM A platform. For 1971 a new integrated bumper/grille and larger single headlights replaced the quad lights of 1969-70 models, along with a new slanted boattail-style rear with taillights built into the bumper. Interior revisions amounted to new trim patterns for cloth and vinyl upholstery patterns for both the bench and bucket seats, but the leather interior option was discontinued. Engine choices included the standard 400ci (6.6 litre) V8 with four-barrel carburrettor and dual exhausts, rated at 300 hp (220 kW) and the optional four-barrel 455ci (7.5 litre) V8 rated at 325 hp (242 kW). Both engines received substantially lower compression ratios (8.4:1 for 1971 compared to 10.25:1 in 1970) as part of a GM-corporate edict that required engines to use lower-octane regular leaded, low lead or unleaded gasoline beginning with the 1971 model year. Transmission offerings initially were carried over from previous years, including the standard three-speed manual, or optional four-speed stick or Turbo Hydra-Matic. However, at mid-year, Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic became standard equipment and the manual shifters were dropped. Variable-ratio power steering was made standard equipment as well. 1971 looked to be a good sales year for the Grand Prix, but in mid-September 1970, a corporate wide labor strike halted all GM production for 67 days. Production numbers for 1971 were thus lower than 1970 with only 58,325 units being produced.