1965 Pontiac Grand Prix - Reader Ride

By: Peter Fitzallen - Words & Photos

Date: 25.06.2023

You just have to love the flamboyant sixties styling

You just have to love the flamboyant sixties styling

Peter was looking for the perfect project and reckons he found it

I was in Toronto looking for something to read on the long flight home and I picked up a book that was a collection of US car ads from the 40s through 70s. I was in the market for my ‘last toy car’ and had decided on a US model but not what sort.

The ‘stacked headlight’ Pontiacs always appealed because they were very stylish. As I perused that book up popped the car I wanted – a Pontiac Grand Prix.

Only a couple of weeks later I was scanning the web for cars and there it was: a 1965 Pontiac Grand Prix for sale in Melbourne. I knew I was buying that car even before I clicked on it! It was inspected and then shipped to my place.

She was a basket case but a complete and running vehicle. I spent the next two years stripping it, getting the rust repaired, getting the mechanicals sorted and I rebuilt the engine myself. She only needed one minor repair for a safety certificate and then I had it registered.

The car is not fully restored and that was never the intention. It has been brought back to life and is now a capable, safe cruiser that people love to see on the road. I like that its original faded paint and, whilst I own it, that’s how it’s going to stay. I like that its original faded paint and, whilst I own it, that’s how it’s going to stay. It has been mechanically rebuilt but looks like I drove it out of a barn.

Pontiac was GM’s performance division and the 389 has ample power. Mine is stock except for full balancing, a TriPower grind cam and exhaust headers. There is a factory-fitted Turbo 400 transmission, while drum brakes all around means I drive it sensibly.

There are a number of Pontiac specific suppliers in the US that were invaluable as parts resources and they made the car’s rebirthing much easier than it could have been.

The only modifications are the aforementioned engine changes, the period correct Torq Thrust wheels, lowered springs and where the factory twin exhaust exits through the rear bumper. I made those cutouts myself because I think it’s worth showing off genuine twin pipes.

I also removed the factory power steering and changed it to manual. Personally, I prefer the ‘purity’ of manual steering and I love looking at that engine without air or steer hanging off it and complicating the engine bay.

Bringing that Pontiac back to life was a major undertaking but I am so glad I did it. I learnt a lot, spent a lot but the car always gets admiring looks and compliments, even from people who wouldn’t know a Corvette from a Corolla!

Ed’s note: Peter lives near Speewah, on the Atherton Tablelands, Qld.

From Unique Cars #478, May 2023

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