1970 Pontiac Grand Prix 455
Submitted by Michael H. Epstein
Like many of my friends, I lust over the first car I ever owned. In 1970, when I turned 16, I didn't get my dream car because my parents thought it to be unsafe. I lusted for a 1970 GTO Judge convertible, but instead I received a 1970 Grand Prix (albeit a 455-cubic-inch 4-barrel).
Even with the 455, I thought it was an old man's car. But now, as I tentatively approach middle age, with my son constantly reminding me what an old man I am, I longed for another flawless optioned-out 1970 Grand Prix.
I searched for two years until I found the right one--a one-owner 39,000-mile 1970 Grand Prix SJ, loaded with rare options including real leather, power everything, and even a wood sport steering wheel. Its one owner was 78, so maybe it actually is an old man's car!
Right now I'm restoring it, and I'm anxious for it to be finished. It's due to be finished in about a month. It will stand among my small collection of German and English marques. The pictures here are of the car before the restoration.
Will I drive it? Not much--our 1994 Morgan has 2,200 miles on it. But it will be fun to look at and remind me of my long-lost youth. During that youth, I put 29,000 
miles on my first Grand Prix in the first year until I upgraded to a 1971 Corvette. I remember my father asking, "How the hell can you spend $150 a month on gas?" This, by the way, was when gas was about $0.38 a gallon.
I'm going to cherish this car.
--Michael H. Epstein
covered on May 18, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Another Forest Lane racer! I spent many a weekend night racing and socializing there in the early 70's. I tell my kids about it now and they don't believe me. Heh.
taylor on June 05, 2009 at 05:13 PM
this is a nice grand prix is it for sale by owner
Michael Arietta on June 09, 2009 at 06:49 AM
My dad had a 1970 SJ just like yours. I loved it and your article brings back wonderful memories. My dad traded it in for a 1980 Pontiac LeMans because the transmission went on the GP...I didn't talk to him for 3 months!! ;-]
Mike on July 14, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Mike;
Cool story. I have a 1970 GP "J" same color / combo as yours. Bought it from original owner (with my Dad's help and checkbook)in 1978 when I was 16. Picked up my wife for our first date in GP! Have all original paper and Protect-O-Plate. All stock, chrome under hood, my two boys (13 and 8) love the car.
She's treated as a family member...lots of great memories.
Best regards
Mike
Mark G on September 01, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Like it. I've owned a '71 Model J for nearly 10 years in the UK now and wouldn't part for it for anything...
Richard Slabbekoorn on September 08, 2009 at 01:58 PM
I have inherited a red 1977 Grand Prix from my Grandfather. I owned a 76 for 13 years in my youth, it was my baby!!! The body on this one is in decent shape, (fading paint) the rear bumper is falling off, and the mice have chewed holes in the seats and the interior roof material. It's been out side (covered for a few years and exposed for the rest) It hasn't been started in probably 8 years but it is not siezed up. Sombody please give me a clue as to the value (just somthing to go by) of this car.
Grant on May 04, 2010 at 12:35 PM
Michael,
That's a beautiful GP! I remember when it was for sale and was just a couple of hours away from me. I kick myself for not making the trip to see it. Glad you found it and gave it a good home.
jesse Kleffner on October 11, 2011 at 12:42 PM
im 18 years old ive got a 1973 pontiac im converting to a 1977 just because the grill is different and im going to niptuck the bumper. I recieved my car for free from my dad on the grounds if i got it running it was mine. what you can expect to get out of the car for resale can be from 2k up to 12k depending on modifications, condition, etc, etc. for those wondering how its coming ive gotten the interior all redone and cleaned out, red vynil interior complete with bucket seats, i had to replace the carpet and i found that a mid 80 impala fits the floor pan almost perfectly! i installed a sony explode stereo system the engine is not installed (400 2 barreli wish i had a 455 that it originally came with) yet because im still looking for a 350 turbo transmission bearing that goes around the pump. it was sitting out in a field for 20 years! and the interior i can still use it has slight cracks in it from the sun but overall i couldnt have asked for a better project car hardly any rust believe it or not couple dents nothng major, if you guys are interested in what it looks like feel free to ask. also im open for any advice,