1968 Pontiac 428ho Brand Prix - Ultra Rare, Excellent Example Of First Gen G/p on 2040-cars

1968 Pontiac Grand Prix 428HO with A/C. One of the Rarest Examples of the Last Generation G/Ps

The first generation Grand Prix was a full-sized Pontiac hardtop coupe trimmed to standards above the top-line Bonneville. The Grand Prix featured a very distinctive grille and taillights, bucket seats, plus carpeting covering the floor and lower door panels. The center console-mounted transmission shifter included a storage compartment and matched the wood grain of the dash. The rear bench seat included a center fold-down armrest and a speaker grille for a rear speaker. Other deluxe trim included a padded instrument panel, deluxe steering wheel, courtesy lights, and more.

The last of the first generation Grand Prix sported revised sheetmetal with a more rounded rear end that set the trend for the next several years of GM styling. Also new to the G/P were concealed headlights with horizontal mounting, concealed windshield wipers and ventless front windows.  Inside, Strato bucket seats were covered with Morrokide vinyl, and the instrument panel and door panel trim were special.

Under the hood, the high performance 421 V8 grew into a new 428 cu in (7.0 liter) V8 with four-barrel carburetor with various internal improvements including bigger valves and improved breathing capabilities. There were two optional 428 cu in (7.0 l) V8 engines; this one has the rare HO option for the top available power rating of 390HP.

The 1968 Grand Prix received a new "beak-nose" grille and bumper with concealed headlights and revised rear deck/bumper with L-shaped taillights, plus side reflector markers. New safety improvements this year also were a dual master-cylinder braking system and an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column and shoulder harness seat belts (included on this car and mint original).

This was the final year for the Grand Prix to be based on the B-body full-sized car platform. Meaning: this is the last of the classic full-sized, wide-track Pontiacs. The 1969 GP would be all-new with an exclusive bodyshell but its chassis design was based on the smaller Pontiac A-body intermediates (Tempest, LeMans, and GTO). Once you've driven a full-sized muscle car, it will be a life-changing experience. The feeling of power coupled with the mass and ride quality cannot be rivalled with Pony cars (Camaro, Firebird) or intermediates (GTO, 442). In fact, the true definition of a "muscle car" is a full-sized chassis with a huge engine. If you're into high performance American power, you owe it to yourself to sample the full-sized experience. You may never go back. 

It’s always desirable to own the last example of any generation collector car, but this one is the best of the last. When is the last time anyone saw a loaded, factory-equipped 428HO Grand Prix?  (A/C was not available on the HO engines, so this owner had the dealer add it; all the original installation and warranty papers for the installation come with the car, as well as the Protect-o-Plate and other invaluable documents.) According the PHS records, only a few hundred G/Ps were delivered with the 428 engine, and even fewer with the HO package. As a result, this becomes one of the rarest of all Ponchos around.

A large part of this G/P’s appeal is that it is largely a largely unrestored car! It has been repainted but wears its original panels, interior, seats, door panels, headliner, dash pad, etc. and looks fantastic. The engine compartment is detailed and correct; the trunk even has its original side boards!

The highly optioned equipment includes power steering with deluxe steering wheel, power brakes, AM/FM stereo radio and rear speaker selector, Keystone mag wheels, power windows, under hood detachable light and more. The condition is excellent. It runs and drives beautifully, and should take a trophy at your next show. It is certainly Best in Class, but in reality, it is in a class by itself.

For more information or to discuss an offer or partial exchange, please call Michael at 631 553 5300.