1975 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertible

Hoods and trunk lids that go for days were par for the course for full-size American cars of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.  For that extra dimension of extravagance and silliness, there were full-size convertibles.  While proposed rollover regulations were what the Big 3 cited as the reason for discontinuing their convertibles, full-size convertibles had been moribund for years.  The final full-size Pontiac convertible was outsold by all full-size Pontiacs except the two-row Catalina Safari and two- and three-row Bonneville Safaris.  That arguably speaks more to Pontiac's weakness in the full-size wagon segment than the convertible's sales prowess.  Much as Pontiac's full-size models consistently sold in lower volumes than their rival divisions' counterparts, the Grand Ville was the slowest-selling B-Body convertible that year albeit not by as wide a margin as you might think.  With its handsome coke-bottle contours and modern detailing, the Grand Ville was arguably the most elegant of all the B-Bodies in '75 and a marked improvement over earlier years of this series.

There's something to be said for the last of a breed.  In the automotive world these are the cars that have usually taken a given model or platform as far as it can go.  The positive is that any early bugs or issues should be but a memory by the time the last is built.  The downside is that it can make a car feel outdated when compared to the model that replaces it.  For consignment and gracing our presently overstuffed halls, the last of a breed in the form of 2 owner 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible.  Overall in good condition with a big V8 and a new top, I smell a road trip coming on, an extra comfy one with rear air shocks.

ExteriorAn older repaint in the factory Cameo White drenches the massive steel panels that make up the body and it is in very well-preserved condition, with just a few chips and some dulled areas.  Leading the way is the predominant Pontiac beak, albeit subdued from its 60's brethren, with its central eggcrate grille split by gunsight trim and the proud red Pontiac arrowhead.  Dual rectangle headlights, a sign of designs to come, flank the grille and down below is a large and in-charge chrome bumper with tall bumperettes and black trimmings.  The long and wide hood is leading back to the new sandalwood canvas top and has a clean stainless divider trim down the center.  Brightwork around the passenger compartment is very nice and a black rubberized lower beltline molding picks up on the door where the black pinstriping that races back the fenders tapers off.  Long slotted and sectioned tail lights take over the rear of the car and we note outward canted corner markers that wrap around the body.  Another trimmed and guarded bumper in chrome hangs below and is just fine.  15-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels adorn the corners and are wrapped in thin white stripe 225/75R15 radial.  DYNOMITE!

Interior
A swing of the massive door and we are greeted with miles of Saddle vinyl covering which mates up with some chrome trimmings, an aluminum inlay with the power window toggles, side view mirror joystick, and a Saddle leather pull with dark brown Sheridan trimmings.  Slipping inside we can snuggle up to the diamond pleated and buttoned vinyl which is a very close match for actual leather.  This is a split bench in front and full bench in the back and all are very nicely preserved in Saddle but do show some seam separation on the lower front seat cushion.  A splayed out V shaped dash in Saddle with wood appliqué accenting, lays out all the features right in front of the driver in a panoramic view.  All original gauges, levers, knobs, and controls are present and accounted for as is the original steering wheel fronting this dash.  A factory AM/FM radio is seen, and A/C is also an installed option.  Deep pile carpeting floods the floors and is in lightly faded but clean condition.

Drivetrain
Originally ordered with the 455ci V8, a YT stamped 400ci V8 now resides in the cavernous engine bay.  A single 4-barrel carburetor is atop the big 8, and a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission, circa 1973, is bolted on the back of the mill.  10 bolts and 2.56 gears are on this rear configuration.  All well maintained, and looking fab.

Undercarriage
Slight surface rust covers the usual suspects and dances with a mix of grayish black undercoating with some patine and road dirt present but nothing remarkable.  Independent coil spring suspension up front, and leaf springs with air shocks are on the rear, all in ship shape and working beautifully.  Power disc brakes upfront and power drums are saved for the rear.  Single exhaust is on for the exhale and all is looking just fine, like dandelion wine.

Drive-Ability
Talk about a smooth cruiser, this car can compete with the best of the smooth riders.  As with all the weight, and length, it turns well, lumbers a bit, but it is a large car.  Nice acceleration, plenty of power to pull into moving traffic, and brakes are very grabby, (in a good way).  A few frowns crept up during my drive, and thankfully my crack decoder and partner in crime was in the office the day of my drive as the power controls for the top have been disconnected and the top must be raised and lowered manually.  This is a 2 person job.  Also I noted the radio would cut in and out, the rear power windows are out of track, and while complete, the AC drive belt has been removed, so no cold air for me.

Big big Detroit iron, possibly at its largest as the gas crisis was on its way out like a jailhouse on wheels, and this size and the full size drop top was going to go by the wayside the very next year.  Lovingly cared for, a 2-owner car with the right look, the right drivetrain and the last of its kind.  Load up your gear, Rt 66 is calling.

2R67S5P242730

2-Pontiac
R-Grand Ville Brougham
67-Convertible
S-455ci V8
5-1975
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
242730-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 75 2BR67-1975 Grand Ville Convertible
BDY PON657703-Pontiac Body #
TR 63Y-Saddle Vinyl
PNT 11R-Cameo White, Sandalwood Top
06A-1st Week June Build
A65-Split Bench, Fold Down Armrest

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.