1963 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop

It was master architect Louis Sullivan who preached that "form ever follows function," and form seldom followed function more beautifully than in Pontiac's aluminum hub and drum wheel option, more popularly known as the "8-lug" wheel.  Designed to provide better braking through cooling, the crisp radiating fins of these cast-aluminum wheels perfectly set off the broad-shouldered looks of big Pontiacs during the marque's Wide-Track days.  The idea behind the 8-lug was to use the superior heat conductivity of aluminum to reduce brake fade.  The finned aluminum hub and drum were cast around an iron liner, which provided a durable surface for the brake shoes to press against.  A steel rim was attached to the hub, held at eight points around its perimeter by lugs and decorative chromed nuts.  The rim was dressed up with a chrome-plated stainless-steel trim ring and a center cap, also chrome-plated stainless completed the wheel.  Aside from its advanced engineering, the 8-lug wheel represents the first modern example of an American manufacturer offering a custom wheel as a factory option.  The 8-lug wheels were offered on all full-size Pontiacs midway through the 1960 model year, and were available until the 1969 model year, when disc brakes became available.  They bolted up to the standard-equipment axles with no modifications, and even used the same brake shoes as their iron-drum siblings.  The original drums, known as the short-fin design, were used in 1960 through 1962; the front drums changed in 1962 when tapered bearings replaced ball bearings.  The fins were lengthened in 1963, requiring a change in the rim design.  In 1964, the drums were painted black, with the top edge of each fin remaining unfinished aluminum.  Finally, in 1965, the drums were widened by a quarter-inch, as were the iron drums that were standard equipment.  The trim rings were altered once, in 1963, and the design of the center cap changed four times.

For consignment, the first generation second year of the Grand Prix that could be considered a sleeper car.  Big and bold, lots of long panels of steel, European style driving lights in the grille, and a slightly finned rear with taillights and trim that runs the gamut from rear quarter to quarter.  Deep wide sporty bucket seats, all in near perfect shape for this car, and oh! …some muscle under the long hood.  The beneficiary of a frame on restoration, this highly optioned, (count them 18 added options), car has been upgraded to Tri-Power, wears correct 8-lug wheels, is PHS documented, has Wonder Touch power steering and brakes, Soft Ray glass, a power driver's seat, Magic cruise control, and a Safe-T-Track differential.  Big luxury in a big muscle package before the general public even knew about the term "muscle car".  The admen of the day quipped "If you don't want to be looked at wherever you go, don't go in this!" and this writer is inclined to concur...

Exterior
With the trim tag carrying the SPEC designator for the paint, we have stumbled into a special order paint car and the body is bathed in a respray of an Ember Red hue for this car.  We see a deep end of the pool finish with laser straight steel slabs sporting no rust and mirror polished trim and bumpers.  From the dual stacked headlights up front which flank a dual grille, we can start to see the beginnings of the iconic Pontiac beak just in the formation stage.  The front bumper emulates this design below and is in excellent condition.  On the long slab sides a rocker trim spear cuts through the center of the car and maintains good alignment on the panels as it meets up with the pencil thin stainless wheel arch moldings.   A long hood and trunk are on each end, and in back tail lights float above a corresponding bumper with optional reverse lights that wraps upward to meet the small rakish fins at the tail end of the rear quarters and make the edges look almost like pure chrome, save for the red taillights embedded within.  This ribbed trim spear runs horizontally across the trunk and sports GP badging.  A long expansive roof covers the passengers and works with the polished stainless glass surrounds and B-pillar trim to create the aura of motion while standing still.   Restored and like new 8-lug wheels in 14-inch format wheels with their chromed and polished trim rings and and center vanes emulate a hurricane icon to add to the static motion design.  Thin whitewall in 205/75R14 format from the 22nd week of 2021 wrap these wheels and add the perfect touch of class to the wheels.

Interior
Opening the doors and we are met by a red vinyl trimmed passenger compartment.  The door panels are in showroom new shape as are the handles and cranks set within a field of vertically ribbed vinyl that interplays with smooth red vinyl and red carpeting on the lowers.  The wide red Morrokide vinyl buckets in front , also like new, are clean and tear free and have some nice surrounding chrome edging and yet another option makes an appearance...a power driver's seat.  A metal trimmed center console is seen in the center and houses the Seattle space needle gearshift, a lockable storage compartment and a Pontiac manifold vacuum gauge.  The dash is pure original GM design with an inverted V covered with lots of shiny trim, wood appliqué, and red paint.  Laden with chrome, including the factory left side Pontiac tachometer, things are factory fresh and very clean overall.  Dash central holds a slew of chrome knobs along with the optional AM/FM push button radio with its optional rear speaker and manual antenna.  A hidden gem and true rarity is the optional cruise control knob residing just to the right of the red painted steering column.  Floating all this greatness is a beautiful red carpet with factory arrowhead rubber mats and a whitey tighty headliner is above and shows nicely.  The rear bench is like new and has a fold down center armrest that is wide enough to be shared by both rear passengers, or put up to accommodate a third passenger.

Drivetrain
The factory 16K coded 389ci V8 decked out in sky blue sits in a clean engine bay.  In stock form this mill pumped out 303hp but now with the addition of a 1964 Tri-Power set up the pony count is boosted to 313hp.  Capping off the block are casting number 543797 cylinder heads and a trio of chrome air cleaners are on for a little extra dress up.  Bolted to the back of this mill is a correct PG tag coded Roto Hydramatic-375 3-speed automatic transmission and a 3.23 gear Safe-T-Track rear axle handling turning both of the rear tires.

Undercarriage
A light surface rust is seen throughout with a dusting of black covering the majority of the undercarriage.  Even with the light surface rust, everything remains solid with no invasive rust creating any structural problems.  Independent coil springs are on front, and a 4 link with coil springs are on the rear.  Power drum brakes are all around.  Factory style dual exhaust is noted for the throaty exhale.

Drive-Ability
A turn of the key and we were in the warmup phase where idling was very smooth from the start.  Throwing it into gear we were off and were entertained by a smooth ride, nice acceleration, and good handling.  It was an overall pleasurable experience with all functions operating as they should.   As a matter of fact, the only fault to be noted is from the consignor and he states that the front and rear glass should be resealed as there is water intrusion during heavy rains.

A true highlight in the inventory of our ever changing Hallowed Halls.  If you are even a lukewarm fan of the Grand Prix this example is a must see when visiting with a handful of factory options, upgraded to Tri-Power, a better than new interior, and one of the nicest paint jobs in our halls.  A well buttoned up restoration worth its weight in muscle car gold…although it's Ember Red!

963P87790

9-Pontiac Grand Prix
63-1963
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
87790-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

STYLE 63 2957-1963 Grand Prix 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BODY PO7951-Pontiac Body #
TRIM 86 8-Red Vinyl
PAINT SPEC-Special Order Paint Color
ACC 1E-Tinted Glass All
         1T-Power Bucket Seat
         5A-Unknown

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.