1977 Pontiac Grand Prix

The Grand Prix model was part of Pontiac from 1962 through 2008, as a coupe from 1962 through 2002, and as a sedan from 1988 through 2008. 1977 was the final year of the third generation of styling that had been introduced in 1973 on all A-bodied GM cars. While the late 1960s automobiles were renowned for their high horsepower engines installed in smaller-bodied cars, the 1970s brought a trend towards fuel economy, luxury, and safety in the wake of new federal regulations and the oil crisis of 1973. The new styling of G.M.'s A-bodied cars reflected these changes, becoming larger and heavier and incorporating federally mandated 5 mph crash bumpers, and the emission control systems stripped away power from the large V8s.

The Grand Prix received a vertical-bar V-nose grille flanked by single headlamps, the 5 mph bumper, a pillared 'Colonnade' hardtop with frameless door glass, and a fixed opera window. In the back was a revised boattail-styled trim with square-taillights above the bumper.

The interior received Strato bucket seats with higher seatbacks and integrated headrests in Morrokide or cloth trims. Recliners and adjustable lumbar support were optional. The wraparound cockpit theme of the previous model continued into 1973 with new African Crossfire Mahogany facing on the dashboard, door panels, and console.

The standard 400 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor offered 230 horsepower and was backed by a Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. An optional four-barrel 455 CID V8 was standard with the 'SJ' option that added radial-ply tires, a rally gauge cluster, and radial tuned suspension with sway bars and Pliacell shock absorbers. Standard equipment included power brakes and power steering.

The grille was revised in 1974, 1975, 1976 and a federally mandated interlock system was offered only on 1974 and a few early 1975 models. The system required the driver and front-seat passenger to secure their seat belts prior to the start of the car. A new luxury LJ model became the new top trim level in 1975, added to the base Model J and the SJ. The LJ added velour interior and pinstriping.

A special edition Grand Prix was introduced for 1976 in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. These models were given removable Hurst T-tops, special 'Anniversary Gold' paint with a white opera roof and white side protection, and color-keyed Rally II wheels.

1976 Pontiac Grand Prix sales increased by 226-percent to 228,091 units making this the best in Grand Prix's history.

The 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix was given updated to the front header and bumper, repositioned parking lamps now located between the quad headlamps, and a narrower grille that extended into the lower portion of the bumper. This was the final year for this generation of styling, soon to be replaced in 1978 with a smaller Grand Prix as General Motors moved to smaller and lighter platforms in hopes of improving fuel economy.

Trim levels included the base, sporty SL, and the luxury LJ. The base was powered by Pontiac's new 301 cubic-inch V8 with 135 horsepower. Optional engines included the 350 cubic-inch V8 (standard on the LJ) with five main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, a four-barrel Rochester carburetor, and delivering 160 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The SJ came with the 400 cubic-inch V8 (optional in the base and LJ) rated at 180 horsepower. It was hoped that its lightweight characteristics of the 301 CID V8 would negate the low horsepower, however, this was not the case and proved inadequate for the 4,000-pound vehicle. The 301 also suffered from a 'knocking' / pre-ignition problem that was later determined to be caused by the combustion chamber shape.

Since the Pontiac-built engines did not comply with California emissions standards, all Pontiacs destined for California were equipped with Oldsmobile-built engines including the 350 CID 'Rocket V8' for J and LJ, and the 403 CID Rocker V8 on the SJ. A few California-destined Grand Prixs were reportedly powered by Chevrolet-built 350 V8s.

Standard equipment included wheel opening and rocker panel molding, roof drip and window moldings, quad rectangular headlamps, and GR78x15 blackwall steel-belted tires. Power brakes and power steering was also standard, along with a three-speed automatic transmission, a clock, and a heater and defroster. The LJ luxury trim level added a remote-controlled driver's mirror, deluxe wheel covers, and velour seat upholstery. The SJ came with Rally II wheels wrapped with GR70x15 tires, the 6.6-liter V8, accent striping, Rally RTS handling package, rally gauges, and bucket seats with a console.

The base Grand Prix hardtop coupe listed for $5,100 and 168,247 examples were built. 66,741 examples of the LJ were built at a base price of $5,470. The SJ had the same price as the LJ and 53,442 examples were built. The combined total exceeded 270,000 units for 1977, the final year of this body style, and an all-time production high.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020