1985 Pontiac Grand Prix

The Grand Prix was part of the Pontiac lineup for many years, lasting from 1962 through 2002 for coupes and 1988 through 2008 for sedans. 1985 was part of the fourth generation of styling, introduced in 1978 and resting on a platform that was smaller than the one it replaced. Along with its circa-1 foot reduction, it weighed approximately 600 pounds less than the 1977 model. A V8 engine was not standard equipment, a first for the Grand Prix, instead - in efforts to comply with Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) mandates established following the early-1970s energy crisis - was powered by a Buick-built 231 CID V6. Two versions of the Pontiac 301 CID V8 were optional.

Pontiac produced 59,783 examples of its Grand Prix for 1985. Power came from an overhead valve V6 engine displacing 231 cubic-inches and developing 110 horsepower. It had a cast-iron block and head, four main bearings, hydraulic valve lifters, and a two-barrel Rochester carburetor. An optional 305 CID Chevy V8 was rated at 165 horsepower. The previous 5.7-liter Oldsmobile Diesel V8 was no longer available.

Trim levels were Standard, LE, and Brougham. The base two-door Grand Prix had a factory price of $9,570, the LE listed for $10,050, and the Brougham was $10,750. 30,365 examples of the base, 21,195 of the LE, and 8,223 of the Brougham were produced.

Styling changes for 1985 included a new checkerboard grille design and an optional two-tone paint scheme with a fading body stripe. The prior octagonal 'GP' logo returned to the taillights. This would be the final year for the flat rear deck panel in the interior, as new laws for 1986 mandated cars have a third brake light installed.

The 1985 Pontiac Grand Prix had front disc and rear drum brakes, an 18.1-gallon fuel tank, and a four-link rigid axle rear suspension with coil springs, lower trailing radius arms, and upper torque arms. The front suspension used coil springs and an anti-sway bar. Steering was by recirculating ball.

This generation of styling, receiving updates along the way, through 1987. In 1988, the fifth generation of styling was introduced and continued through 1996.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014