Pick Of The Day: 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Convertible

When you look into the personal luxury realm, you’ll notice that the cars in it primarily were coupes. However, our Pick of the Day was one of the few personal luxury convertibles available during the 1960s. This 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix convertible is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in St. Louis.

What’s the first personal luxury car? Consensus suggests the 1958 Ford Thunderbird, though some arguments could be made that two-seat T-birds played the same role; the 1955 Studebaker President Speedster (and the subsequent Golden Hawk) also played that role. Though the Thunderbird set the template, most others didn’t offer a convertible like the T-Bird did though 1966.

Ironically, during the first model year the Thunderbird was not available as a drop-top, Pontiac introduced the Grand Prix convertible. To be fair, the Grand Prix was not quite in the Thunderbird’s realm, as it brought the personal luxury world to a more affordable price point, leading to several me-too responses including the 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar I and 1965 Dodge Monaco (later to become the Monaco 500, at least in America). Neither of those were available as a convertible.

Why did Pontiac introduce a Grand Prix convertible for 1967 when there already was a Catalina and Bonneville convertible? Beats me, but the Grand Prix sat between the two in price. However, the Grand Prix featured different styling from the mainstream full-sizers, and for 1967, the Grand Prix reveled in even more distinction.

Though the inaugural 1962 Grand Prix featured trim that distinguished it from other models when seen with discerning eyes, the following model year brought greater contrast that was a trademark of the model and made it an influential star in the market. Conventional full-size 1967 Pontiacs continued to use vertical headlights, with the Catalina, Executive, and Bonneville featuring a unique lower grille; the Grand Prix featured horizontal headlights hidden behind the grille, with unique parking lights mounted on the tops of the fenders where headlights would ordinarily go for mainstream models. It was quite a breathtaking switcheroo. The downside was that the Grand Prix had been gaining weight and bulk for several years, so the relevance of the model was becoming lost. This is why the downsized 1969 Grand Prix reimagined what a personal luxury car could be.

A decent number of 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix convertibles were built in 1967: 5,856. However, very few were built with the top engine available, the 428 High Output. Rated at 376 horsepower, the HO included 10:75 compression, special camshaft, valvetrain, and exhaust manifolds, low-restriction air cleaner, chrome rocker covers and oil filler cap, dual exhausts, and declutching fan. Though a floor-mounted three-speed manual was standard, this example features a console-shifted automatic. “Luxury and convenience options are equally comprehensive, highlighted by Custom Air Conditioning, Custom Gauge Cluster with electric clock, power windows with power vent glass, power door locks, remote trunk release, power driver’s seat, tilt steering column with Sports Steering Wheel, cruise control, and remote outside mirror,” says the seller. “Entertainment and comfort are enhanced by an AM/FM Stereo radio with power antenna, all tinted glass, passenger vanity mirror, custom seat belts, and interior floor mats.”

This Cameo White and white over Parchment GP comes with PHS documentation, broadcast sheet, and traceable history dating back to 1973. As one of 559 Grand Prixs (including hardtops) built with the 428 HO per the GM Heritage Center, this Poncho demonstrates that Pontiac designers had a good thing going — if only for a year. For $84,900, would you agree?

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com