1970's Pontiac convertibles

andre1969

...if I were to pick just one Grand Prix from the '70's to own, it would probably be the '76! The '69-72 generation never really grabbed me stylistically, although I'll admit they had the coolest interiors. The '73-75 were okay, but I just think the quad headlights looked really good on the '76. But then for '77, when they put the turn signals between the headlights, it just looked...well, vulgar! Then the downsized '78-80, while much more sensible, just didn't have quite the style. They still had that turn signal-between-the-headlights thing going on, and I just never did like the "6-headlight" effect.

As for convertibles, wasn't '67 the only year the Grand Prix was offered as a 'vert? I believe that was also the first year of the hidden headlights on the GP.

Y'know, speaking of the '71-75-generation Pontiac convertible, going just on style, I think Parm picked a good choice with the '75. The '71-74's tried, unsuccessfully, to copy the Grand Prix style, and try for a neo-classic/personal luxury look, but the '75, with its wider grille and square quad headlights, looks just "right".

But then again, keep in mind that I own a '79 New Yorker that I treasure almost as much as my '57 DeSoto and '67 Catalina 'vert, so I'm not exactly the mainstream, when it comes to old cars ;-)

jrosasmc

You still have the DeSoto, Andre?

andre1969

...that's another one I intend to take to my grave with me!

pappanopj1

This message is for billp8. I read that your dad had a 1970 Catalina. I'm currently interested in buying this car, so I would apreciate any insights you have. I would appreciate answers to the basic questions, like did you like the car, was it fast, did it sound good, any recurring problems, etc. Look forward to hearing from you.

billp8

...well, he sold that car in 1979 (but I have a pretty good memory). Here's what I remember: Dad sold the car because of rust (although, at that time, very few people in our Western PA family could keep a car going 9 years). Rust was mainly around the rocker panels, with the biggest part just behind the front wheels. Car had the basic 350 V8, which was strong right to the end, as was the transmission. Honestly, after a few delivery "teething problems," the car was quite reliable. Suspension held up well, as did steering and brakes. Dad did have a water pump installed, along with the usual tires, belts, and hoses. I liked driving that car, until we added a 1976 LeMans Coupe, also with the 350 V8. The 1970 engine was stronger, of course, but the LeMans was a bit smaller, with MUCH better brakes (although, to be fair, the 1970 Catalina had manual drum brakes). I think the Catalina was about a half-foot shorter than the 1970 Bonneville and Executive, so it wasn't as "large" as it could have been. The Catalina did have a great exhaust note. Also, full-size Pontiacs of that era had a reputation as being fairly good-handling big cars (as did, I believe, Chryslers). It really was a shame about the rust, because the basic body was very solid, and the interior held up well. Are you getting a convertible. A few years back, a dealer in my hometown had a pale blue 1970 Bonnevilee convert, with white top and interior, plus Rally wheels. That car looked like fun! Good luck--