1962, 1963, 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix

The 1962-1964 Pontiac Grand Prix was a sales success for General Motors, driven by the contributions of two key executives. While the 1963 model showcased the design genius of GM styling chief Bill Mitchell, the 1962 version highlighted the marketing acumen of Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudsen. Knudsen's leadership elevated Pontiac from sixth to third in industry sales by 1962, a remarkable feat for a mid-priced brand.

Bunkie Knudsen drew inspiration from Ford's successful four-seat Thunderbirds post-1957 to create the Grand Prix. The concept was straightforward: a Catalina hardtop coupe with distinctive styling and a Thunderbird-inspired interior. Initially intended for the Ventura line, the Grand Prix name was chosen for its association with Formula 1 racing and its French meaning, "great prize," effectively replacing the Ventura series.

The differences between the Grand Prix and its parent model, the Catalina, were subtle but impactful. These included a slightly redesigned grille, faux rear grillework, standard front bucket seats (previously optional on the Catalina), and a sleek center console featuring a tachometer, gauge package, and a monochrome color scheme for both the interior and exterior. Despite these minor changes, the overall effect was transformative. As Motor Trend noted, "In terms of style and price, the Grand Prix goes head-to-head with the Thunderbird. But when it comes to performance, it stands in a league of its own."

Indeed, the Grand Prix delivered exceptional performance. It offered five variations of Pontiac's renowned Trophy 389 V-8 engine, ranging from a 230-horsepower economy model to a high-compression Tri-Power version with three two-barrel carburetors, producing an impressive 348 horsepower. With its lighter weight and superior power, the Grand Prix outperformed the Thunderbird. Motor Trend recorded a rapid 0-60 mph time of just eight seconds.

While a three-speed manual transmission came standard, most Grand Prix models were equipped with the optional "Roto" Hydra-Matic, a three-speed torque-converter automatic shared with the Catalina, priced at $231. For driving enthusiasts, a four-speed manual floor shift was available at the same cost, along with a choice of seven different axle ratios.

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Continued

Sales performance for the 1962-1964 Pontiac Grand Prix fluctuated annually. The 1962 model struggled to impress buyers, priced at nearly $3,600, which was only slightly less than a Thunderbird when similarly equipped. While it outperformed Oldsmobile's Starfire, it lagged behind the Thunderbird by a significant margin.

The 1963 model saw a significant boost in sales, largely due to its exceptional design. Like other Pontiac models, the Grand Prix featured smoother curves, stacked quad headlights, clean bodysides, straight A-pillars, and a distinctive razor-edge roofline with a concave rear window. These changes, despite a minimal increase in length, gave the car a more commanding presence, making it a standout on the road.

The perception of added size wasn't merely cosmetic, as Pontiac's 1963 "Wide Track" chassis featured tracks widened by 2.9 inches, totaling 64 inches. However, curb weight remained nearly unchanged, and the car offered more power, with the two top 389 engines replaced by two new 421 engines (introduced in 1961), delivering 353 horsepower (four-barrel) and 370 horsepower (Tri-Power). Despite their steep $400 price tag, the 421 engines provided exceptional performance. Motor Trend recorded a 0-60 mph time of just 6.6 seconds for the 370-horsepower version. Even the base 303-horsepower 389 could achieve the same sprint in under 10 seconds.

While the 1963 Grand Prix had its flaws, it remained a standout. The suspension was somewhat soft, the Hydra-Matic transmission suffered from excessive slippage, the vacuum gauge on the console (replacing the 1962 tachometer) was nearly impossible to read, and the new "Cordova" vinyl roof option, priced at $86.08, was debatable. However, heavy-duty suspension and Pontiac's stylish multi-spoke aluminum wheels ($122.13) were available as options. The car's performance and design were highly desirable, leading to a nearly 250 percent increase in sales for 1963, a record unmatched for six years.

This successful design was short-lived. The 1964 model was essentially a refreshed version of the 1963, with minor styling updates and mechanical improvements. Subsequent full-size Pontiacs grew significantly larger. It wasn't until 1969 that the Grand Prix returned to its original concept of balanced sports-luxury, which is why the 1962-1964 models are now highly sought after by collectors. These models represent some of Pontiac's finest achievements.

The performance of the 1962-1964 Pontiac Grand Prix was a key factor in its popularity. Discover the detailed specifications of the Grand Prix on the following page.

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1962, 1963, 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix Specifications

The 1962-1964 Pontiac Grand Prix offered a diverse selection of engine choices to suit various performance needs.

Specifications

Engines: all overhead valve V-8; 389 cubic inches (4.06 × 3.75); 230/303/318/333/348 horsepower (1962), 230/303/313 horsepower (1963), 230/303/306/330 horsepower (1964); 421 cubic inches (4.09 × 4.00), 353/370 horsepower (1963), 320/350/370 horsepower (1964)

Transmissions: 3/4-speed manual, 3-speed Hydra-Matic

Suspension, front: upper and lower A-arms, coil springs

Suspension, rear: 4-link live axle, coil springs

Brakes: front /rear drums

Wheelbase (in.): 120.0

Weight (lbs.): 3835-3930

Top speed (mph): 105-125+

0-60 mph (sec): 6.6-10.0

Production: 1962 30,195 1963 72,959 1964 63,810

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