Pick Of The Day: 1973 Pontiac Grand Am

Detroit has a habit of cannibalizing a model in the interest of exploiting another one. Why not exploit both? That’s a question that could be asked in regard to our Pick of the Day, a 1973 Pontiac Grand Am Colonnade Coupe. It’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Elkhart, Indiana.

The Pontiac GTO was weathering the grim forecast quite well in 1972, as the optional 455 HO was as fast as anything coming out of Detroit. That was the year the government officially mandated low-compression engines. It also was the year that Pontiac was to debut its redesigned A-bodies, but that ended up being delayed to the 1973 model year. This happened to coincide with the new federal front bumper mandate, which ruined the styling that Pontiac had planned. As a result, Pontiac’s A-bodies ended up looking awkward (like most 1973 cars in America).

But not the Grand Am, a new mid-size model that was available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. As part of General Motors’ “Colonnade” approach to design (which happened to anticipate future safety concerns based on its greenhouse design), the Grand Am was touted as having the “feel of a Grand Prix … the response of a GTO … the qualities you’ve admired in the desirable imports.” This three-pronged approach included such features as complete gauge cluster, front and rear sway bars, variable-ratio power steering, power front disc brakes, and 15-inch wheels with radial tires. It sounds like it would have been a perfect formula for the 1970s, and for a brief moment, that was true.

Standard was a 400 two-barrel V-8 with three-speed TH400 automatic; optional was a 400 four-barrel available with the automatic or four-speed manual, 455 four-barrel with automatic, and the Super Duty 455, available with automatic or stick. As it turned out, due to time and availability constraints, the Super Duty was cancelled for everything save the Firebird, so the Grand Am was left with three engines.

The major distinguishing feature of the Grand Am was the Endura front end. This had been a proprietary trademark for the GTO from 1968-70, then as an optional nose (option T41) for 1971-72 LeManses, which cannibalized the GTO’s image. For the 1973 redesign, the GTO lost its Endura nose (more cannibalization!), leaving it for the Grand Am. GTO sales cratered not only due to the lack of horsepower, but also due to the lack of looking like a GTO. If anything, the Grand Am would have made the perfect transition for the GTO, from a straight-line performance car to one that could handle and be driven with composure.

But even in the Grand Am’s case, its success left Pontiac wanting: 43,137 was decent, even if it didn’t meet Pontiac’s projection, but sales fell to 17,083 for 1974 and things were even worse for 1975. Not only does this 1973 Pontiac Grand Am Colonnade Coupe demonstrate how Pontiac was able to meet new bumper regulations with grace, but it also features the nose stripes that run across and back to the C-pillars. Initially, they were only available in red/white/blue for any paint color, but a running change added brown/orange/cream and lime/yellow/black stripes for certain paints. “Believed to be 55,000 original miles,” says the seller. “Excellent, factory correct White exterior [with] factory original Oxblood Red vinyl interior.” Power comes from the standard 400 two-barrel V-8 with added dual exhaust. Other features include air conditioning, AM/FM radio, remote driver-side mirror, power driver’s seat, tilt steering column, cruise control, NASA hood, and Rally II wheels.

Yes, it was Pontiac’s fault to allow the GTO to be cannibalized at least twice, and then the Grand Am found itself in ironic irrelevance. However, in today’s world, the Grand Am has acquired more relevance and value. For $29,995, you can decide whether now’s the time to invest in a Grand Am, but be forewarned: It loves GTO flesh.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com