This 4-Speed 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix was a Masterpiece for John Delorean and GM
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- Опубликовано: 30 июн 2024
- 00:00 Start
00:07 Night drive
00:58 Early dawn walkaround
01:33 Startup, front
01:53 Startup, rear, idle, drive off
02:21 Introduction, weather, shop, awful people
05:40 Beginning of car review, overview
12:40 Exterior styling
16:44 In the trunk
18:17 Under the hood, mechanicals
22:09 Interior, seats, console, dash
29:50 Going for a drive
History, review, and test drive of a 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix. This 29K mile car is 1 of 52 equipped with a 4-speed, and I can't imagine many of those were ordered in Tropical Lime Metallic.
Vehicle is from Uncle Johnny's collection and not currently for sale. Review by Bill of Curious Cars
Videos mentioned in this review:
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1973 Pontiac Grand Am 4-Speed:
• This 400 4-Speed 1973 ...
1974 Pontiac Formula Firebird SD455 4-Speed:
• 1 of 58! This Ultra R...
1979 Pontiac Formula Firebird WS6 4-Speed:
• The Hottest Cars of th... 
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what a beautiful example. not only is it a 29k mile 1971 which is surprising by itself BUT ALSO 1 of only 52 4 speeds. this thing is basically a unicorn and i love it.
This was a great Grand Prix
I like the 66Grand Prix
The first generation
Me buddy will fall over when he sees this video. He ordered and bought one in ‘71, dark green, hard top, 455 SJ. Said he regretted not getting 4 speed. Ohio ordered, said local dealer said he could have it if ordered in Michigan. So he said.
How rare!!!
Thank you.
@jameskazd9951
Like Bill said...I'd love to meet the guy that ordered this very unusual and unique car.
People back then had a LOT of individual character, seems like that kind of distinct individuality has mostly disappeared today at least in the USA.
@@watershed44 No, the car companies killed individual character in cars. You get what we give you, not what you want. "Options Packages" killed cool cars.
@@seththomas9105 Gov't regulations have contributed to this as well, the overreaching regulations have removed big chunks of profit and the car companies have made up for it in the way you mention.
Thank God Bill did an upload today! I’ve already had enough of dealing with stupid people today. Bill brings me a sense of normalcy
You and me both brother! Too many "Dalton-Types" in my life these days...
Lololol
Amen
I hear you, I have to deal with pea brained, losers all day.
Is it just me or have people got more dumber and more useless
The world ”was certainly more optimistic”. Hard to argue with that statement. What a beautiful car! The front seats is truly a work of art!
There were nearly 4 billion people in the earth in 71, hard to say that the world was more optimistic, I seem to remember race riots and Vietnam and Civil rights marches. I guess the world view depends on who and where you are in the world at a specific time.
I had the pleasure of owning a '69 Grand Prix SJ with the 428 H.O. What an awesome car to drive. Women absolutely loved that car!
Could it be because these cars had such a long hood? I'll stop there.
The big heavy pontiacs were surprisingly no slouch in the drags. A friend had a ‘64 GP with a 400 out of a GTO that surprised a few mustangs. Fun times!
@@wedge4hire 🎯👍
The women loved the Grand Pricks 😂
@@Cash2112 👍🎯😜
That is a masterpiece! I can't believe how perfect it is. It wasn't a 4 speed stick, but the last time I saw a 71 Grand Prix in that condition was when I was a bag boy at a grocery store in 1985. A little old lady had a black 455 automatic version. I about crapped myself it was so sweet.
Thanks for showing this car. This is the nicest and most desirable 71 GP I have ever seen!! A true example of an athlete in a tuxedo as the old ads used to say. Also FYI there is an ashtray on each armrest in the rear seats for those that did smoke and sit in the back. Love the color combo and the drivetrain!!!
Yes, Bill missed the armrest ashtrays.
And Herb Tarlick had a Cordoba!
I had a 71 GP in High School in blue with a white top. It was such a great car. There wasn't many of these 71's built because of a Union strike in 71. Prince used the front end of a 71 on his Sign 'O' the Times album. I wish I would have never sold it! Ugh.
same here with a 72 J
Interesting point of trivia with the Prince album cover. 👍
Being about age 20 in 1971 and a car nut I am surprised to realize that bigger Pontiacs still had a four speed available. I thought they had all gone automatic only. Great car!
Thank you again Mr.Bill!
Did you guys have trannies back then? I’m 25 born in ‘97 and they’re everywhere now. Some of them look kinda good.
I had a 72 SJ in 1988. It had the 455 4bbl with auto. it was fun. I had no Tach. This beast is on a higher level especially with the 4 spd AND the Tach. I had to add... that exhaust note is awesome in stereo.
Always loved these old Grand Prixs and the same-generation Monte Carlos. Could never understand why they didn't get the recognition they deserved all people seem to care about are the Chevelles they never did a thing for me.
Lots of Chevelles.
I loved the Chevelles but really they were just Novas......
What do you see when you go to car shows? Camaros Chevelles Mustangs. It is nice to see something different. What a beautiful car.
Bill, you didn’t come in under 30 minutes and I’m glad of it! This car is an absolute gem! What a sound! The exhaust note is music to my ears. And the best part, was the momentary meltdown when you were attempting to find the words “Door sill trim.” Listen, enjoy getting older. It’s way fucking better than the alternative! Now we’ve got an Renault and a Lincoln Versailles to look forward to. sigh….
Oh joy 🙄
@Curious Cars
*Bill you are ABSOLUTELY correct about how things felt back in the early 1970s here in the USA!*
While I was just a young child at the time this car was sold, I was old enough to sense the goodness, and optimism back then here in America. How the mighty have fallen, I don't recognize the country I live in today at all. Looks and feels like the third world now. Thanks for sharing a piece of history that reminds us of better times!
Yep, now demonstrably 'Third World', collapsing infrastructure, potholes everywhere, lawlessness, and a globalist elite bent on decimating the middle class or what's left of it. So sad.
Used to get driven to school in this car (silver ) by my buddies mom. This video takes me right back to that time and yes Bill. It was a better time.
Took a road trip with my uncle from North Carolina to NYC in his 71 Grand Prix when I was a kid. I loved that car. Great memories.
I remember these from my childhood. 1971 was a simpler time in spite of the Vietnam war still going on. People questioned the War, but at least they knew what a woman was. BTW: I think I spotted the ashtray on the rear arm rests.
Yes you did!😊👍
I was born in 1970 and I wish I was born earlier…the best cars just like this one were built then. Very awesome. Thanks Bill for bringing it and showing what great cars were. 👍🏻
Wow that car is over 50 years old. Simply beautiful. Thanks Bill!!
The exhaust note is absolutely spot-on perfect Pontiac. Oooof...
Agreed! That exhaust note at idle is freakin' AWESOME!
I love it… Bill says at the 13-minute mark, “We’re going to jump right in to this car.” 🤣
Pretty short video as of late he’s pushing 50+ minutes 🤣
That is a very well preserved example. I remember these cars in my early teens. I thought it looked cool with those single headlights with that narrow grille. A neighbor across the street had one, and I had a model that was pre painted brown that gave you options to make it crazy but I built it looking stock. My favorite style Grand Prix!
same here lady down the st had a 71 4speed only one I ever seen til this one I told people and they Said they never was a 4 speed GP
Between this and the 427 Ford last week……..you are killing me. Two cars I want.
My second grade teacher had a new early 70’s Grand Prix. She was probably in her late 60’s (which at the time I thought was ancient) she was never married, and she was a tiny lady who always wore her hair in a bun. Her Grand Prix was silver with a black vinyl top and had the rally II wheels. I always thought it was funny seeing her drive this sporty car, which she could barely see over the steering wheel, with the loud exhaust, never going faster than 20 mph.
Bill when I was born in 1970. I came home from the hospital in my dads black 1969 Grand Prix it had the 428.
My dad had a lead foot he would race the entire neighborhood.👊🏾🤣
Great review, Bill. Gorgeous Pontiac. The big three was notorious for copycat design features. In '65 I bought a mint '60 Mercury Montclair 2-door hardtop that had driver command seating. Even the radio was to the left of the steering wheel & on the right the dash was dramatically recessed. Front seat (shotgun) passengers could kick their feet up & not touch the dash.
Greetings Bill! That Pontiac is a beauty! I'm so grateful to see another upload. It's what I needed after a torturing week.
Evening Bill, from a cold Wales. Oh, to feel the warmth of 88 degrees right now.
I'm jealous. The air is dead here.
“Valve caps to powder coating the frame”……..I’m f****** dying here. I thrive on Bill’s cynicism! 😂🤣
This car brings back memories of my 68 GP 428 4 speed . Not many people liked it but I thought it was a cool looking car. The only 68 I ever saw with a 4 speed should have kept it but a 70 Dodge Charger 500 with a 4 speed came up for sale. I'm a big fan of hide-away headlight cars. Thanks for posting I dig this GP!
Man that sound! I used to sit behind those dual pipes in my '71 400 like it was a stereo. What a beautiful, original CLASSIC! Thanks for sharing!
The people in Suadi Arabia don't watch the Flintstones, but the people of Abu Dhabi do.
That exhaust note is EPIC!
Right there with you on this one, Bill. Thanks for taking me back to a much better time!
Bill- Interesting story- In 1970, I was living in Rochester, NY. I was close friends with the Pontiac dealer there. He was a close friend of DeLorean, as well. I asked if he could arrange for DeLorean to install a Cadillac Eldorado 500 in a Grand Prix. Lo and behold! Not only he consented, but he installed Hooker Headers, Isky cam, Edelbrock maniforld and double-pumper Holley carb.Did I mention that it was a four-on-the-floor??!! Bill, ask ANYBODY who lived in Rochester area in the early seventies about a black Grand Prix. i used to put Hemis and LS6s in the weeds!I'll bet my posi marks are still all over town there!!!!
Oh baby what a sweet ride! Rowing through the gears in that Poncho sounds great. She runs strong!
That factory exhaust sound! What an era!
My 71 Formula 400 in the same color sounded just like this and was incredible. Really is ridiculous today that most everyone just wants it loud and all sounding the same, back in the day cars had their own unique sound and love to see this preserved.
...not to mention the gear whine.
That interior is amazing. It's too bad they declined so much in later models.
Were you referring to the '73-'77 generation. or the ones after that?
I knew about Dirty Johnny's uncle from Norm McDonald but I'm happy to have Uncle Johnny feel like family too.
Gorgeous car, I have to say.
Any GM vehicles from the 60's to 80's that you can review are definitely gonna get a watch and like from me!!!
For sure this is one of your top videos, what a special car from a special time!
I love that color, it's the kind of color I'd bet money no factory would ever spray. But I like it. It's like smashed pea green. But I like green.
"fingers like dill pickles" made me laugh out loud ... and that's just one of the reasons why I like your videos , always informative !
Kudos to You Bill, not for just another great review, but for shifting left handed, holding the camera in your right hand and driving safely in traffic! I have a Revere silver ‘72 455SJ and always amazed at your historical knowledge. The earlier (before teak) 3M simulated wood grain used by Pontiac on ‘68 models I believe was called Carpathian Elm Burl, there’s a mouthful! And you’re right, even the door sill plate is gorgeous! Thanks Bill!
The first time I saw a 71 Grand Prix was when I was 10 years old, it was the same as this but was painted gold with white top, such a great looking car, Six years later I drove a 77 Grand Prix when i took Drivers Education at school. You can't get cars like these anymore. Such a shame
I own 1 of 53 426 hemi superbirds with 16 k , i think that's all they made 4 speed I bought it in 72 , never been wet in it's whole life :) never been washed always wiped clean .. one of my old toys :) From MA ..and it is 55 and sunny here today lol
Hey Bill ! My neighbor had a 72 Grand Prix growing up and it was pretty cool for a young kid to see. Rode in it a few times, sweet car. Another neighbor , a Canadian, had a 73 Buick Riviera boattail. Guy across the street from Germany had a VW squareback wagon. Pops had a 70 LTD. Guy up the street going through a midlife crisis had a 70 Corvette, used to drive me and his son for donuts on Saturday morning, yes two kids stuffed in there... Goodtimes.
Had a 1979 Buick Electra that was the same color combo! Classic GM 😄
I had a 77 SJ 400 four barrel/turbo 400 trans back in HS. I really liked it, the RTS suspension, put duals and headers on it. The interior was a lot like the grand am, bucket seats like the transam and the dash with all the gauges.
That exhaust note sounds like "I'm thirsty but I'll reward you if you feed me". I want this car.
Another fantastic walk around of a pure classic...they just don't make them like they used to is an understatement! Under the hood, just plain clean and simple the way it should be, but we are beyond the point of no return on that one. I think to humor us, a test drive and review, with Dalton in the right seat giving his commentary would provide pure entertainment at the expense of Bill having to drink more "floating in US airspace balloon protection whiskey"!
They just took one out over Alaska 🚀 🎈
I know...Bill is going to have to increase the safety whiskey on that one!
Another blessed piece by Bill from Uncle Johnny! Much thanks; We really appreciate it. Stay safe n'at! 🙏🥴
Ah Bill....one of my all time favorites. I just love, and I mean love, these old Grand Prix cars. Stellar! Thanks Bill. Wow these bring back memories. A friend had a 72, brown Prix that we cruised the tires off of. It wasn't a stick though, this thing is glorious.
Great Video Bill!!! Thanks for making my day! The GP is an amazing car indeed. and special low production 4-speed car - absolutely gorgeous! Love all old Pontiacs! I have a 1967 Firebird Convertible 326 I've had it since 1971 when my Dad purchased it. Keep up the GREAT VIDEOS!
This car should be MINE! My favorite choice for a review from Bill. This is a pinnacle for both style and function for the American automobile industry. Decades ago I owned a 1971 Monte Carlo, and I loved it. But I often wished it had been a '71 GP.
Another great find. And as usual. Great history lessons to be learned.
I never knew these had a manual option. Very cool!
Johnny must really trust you! Very nice ride!
Amazing car and the radio was never intended to play Spanish rap music. Gotta love it!
Thanks for another video upload of such a beautiful car, Bill.
Always great to see video uploads from you!
What a great sound! Standard transmission was the only way to go. Love the first gear whine.
Sounds like an M-21.
one of my all time favorite rides of all time
Great video! It does have ashtrays in the back. You can see the chrome lid on the rear arm rest molded on the side top left corner at 24:48. I know this because my first car was also a Pontiac "A" body, a '75 Grand Am (455 4bbl automatic, my mom's ex car). My cool uncle had a '69 SJ with the 455 too. It was oozing cool, I loved it. This is even cooler with the stick. I wish my Grand Am was a 4 speed too, my mom was cool but not that cool. Loved that trip down memory lane!
Thanks Johnny for sharing! Really nice purr . Bill I like to see what your shop looks like.
The epitome of a time capsule. What an amazingly clean example.
The guy who ordered this machine at the dealership, I would be proud to call a friend.
My dad bought his 1971 GP in 73, with a 400 small block, but that engine died so he put in a crate 350. What a beautiful car, he had it painted "Buckskin Gold" a 77 GM color. As a little kid that was one hell of a car to be able to be around. He also had the leather tilt rally steering wheel, and that really enhanced that car. And the speedo went up to 140, so you know it went at least 140 miles an hour, that's how that works. Thanks for this trip down memory lane, what a car, and dad wasn't too bad either.
That deep, factory, torquey rumble from the 400 quadrajet ! My '71 LeMans had a lot of that same growl too. Fun !
Another GREAT video of a GREAT car. Like I have always said for years now, Bill is the coolest cat on RUclips!
I agree!
Fantastic job Bill. I only wish you would post more videos. I laugh from start to finish. Love the cars also. Sorry I missed you last month when I was down in Naples. Will be back down in the end of this month.
Bill!!! Welcome back sir! I was just thinking to myself yesterday " the birds it must be, the birds must of finally got him" lol. Thank you for giving us a lift in this basically new GP. Hey you never know maybe the GP grew fond of the Spanish and rap music lol. P.S. i agree us over here in SOCAL got cheated out of another winter as well, oh it rained for a few days but then it's back to the same ol sweating to take a fart kind of weather oh well. Your videos help me through it so good that thank your kind sir!.
I had a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ navy blue white vinyl top tan leather. I traded in my 1978 white Trans Am Smokey and the bandit edition but everybody had black and gold I wanted white and gold 400 V8 it was a beast. Back in the day.👍🇺🇸🥃
Thanks Bill for Driving that great car ! Pontiac Builds Excicement !!
You're a legend bill , your sultry tones are getting me through some down time right now, and your content is just what I need , I think I've watched 15 videos this week, some on cars I don't really care for. 🤣 Keeping doing what your doing! And get well soon, thinking of you. Tom UK
You should check out a parody channel on Bill. “Birds, Goats & Automobiles” … hang in there! 💪
@@RustyZipper nah , I tried it, I couldn't stand it , you can't cut and edit bills timing and delivery. I just need unedited bill. Thanks though.
What an amazing and gorgeous car, Bill. WOW is right. From another time, indeed. And here to inspire and delight us. Thanks, brother. :) JV Johnny
Back in the day, I would look for three things in cars, What engine it has in it, Is it a four speed and does it have a factory tachometer. Your right that is the way they sounded back in the day, GREAT CAR,,
I had 2 of those colonoscopy’s and I let them admit me into the hospital just for the prep which is Hell we only have one toilet at home so the prep had to be under controlled medical environment to clean me out which was impossible both time clear liquids only but each time the doctor said he had to remove more matter in the process yet when they retuned me to my room I took a Hulk size dump my colonoscopy’s were both inconclusive the Doctor just shrugged & shook his head and that was that good luck Bill
Those cars look so good, even split pea green shines like a new penny :-)
Arnold Babar, err Bill good luck with Dr. Dolan ("Moon River"). It's not that bad, just bring a box of chocolates and roses.
Many thanks again to Uncle Johnny for letting us take in this amazing GP, it's perfect!
I've been skipping this video because I'd thought it would be boring... Boy... Was I wrong. What a beauty! Those seats are absolutely gorgeous.
Under 35 minutes! This might be the shortest video ever
He's never lacking top quality cars either!!!
Even has a Tach. Always loved the interior of that car, especially in Black. Always enjoy your take on weather. Noooooooo, I see a couple ash trays in backseats.
Things like brand new. Incredible. Thank God for Bill. Really enjoy the videos.
Hard to go wrong with a Pontiac Grand Prix from 69 to about 77. 76 is my personal fave. Kudos to Bill and uncle Johnny! Bill, the cool cat reviewing uncle Johnny’s cool cars! Combination kinda hard to beat.
yes.....'76 is my favorite also. I have been on the look out for one for several years. It is tough because I have certain criteria for what I am looking for.
I need power windows - center console - 400 c.i. engine mated with 400 transmission. I found one with every thing I wanted, on the internet a couple of
years ago - I think it was in South Dakota - I never jumped on it and now I regret my hesitation. I am always looking....maybe someday I'll find one.
@@urbanurchin5930 we had a 76 very similar to that. In fact, we had the 50th anniversary edition model. My dad bought it when it was four years old and had 42,000 miles on it. One of the prettiest cars I’ve ever seen. That is until my stupid drunken brother. Got a hold of it one night and totaled it. He survived, but the car did not. Many people cry that day, over the car!
Good luck in your search, sir, I hope we both find one someday!
Had a 69 back in the 80's best cockpit ever done you felt like you were in a rocket ship!
Plus, the hidden radio antenna!
John Delorean was a fascinating guy, read his book "On A Clear Day You Can See General Motors", his story- even before creating the DMC car- is so interesting.
That color is perfect! Absolutely perfect! Wow!
Yep
This is the clean my last comment my dad was a Pontiac man. 😉🇺🇲
Last and I will shut up this is A car I just wish I could own so freakin nice
The first car I ever drove was my Mom's 1972 Grand Prix Model J purchased brand new at Nardy Pontiac in Smithtown, NY in Springfield Green, with a white top and interior, very similar to this beauty!! Thanks for the memory Bill!!
This is a beautiful car. It does have an ashtray in the back. You overlooked it on the video but it does. It’s on the passenger side, in the back, right under the back window crank. Love this! Keep bringing them!😘
Beautiful GP. The early 70's Datsuns had a very similar dark lime color available. Manufacturers are so 'plain' when it comes to color choice nowadays. Thanks Bill.
Three colors: silver, white, black
I think I saw an ashtray in the rear seat armrest.
Magnificent car, what a treat Bill, thank you! It's awesome to see and what a tremendous soundtrack the classic Pontiac delivers 👍
A great and knowledgeable vedio about this car and the company 👌.
You should consider becoming a reverse snowbird. Leasing places out of season from actual snowbirds would be cheaper
This is one of the nicest cars that you've reviewed. Same door handles as on my Tesla Model 3 🤣
Love your reviews mate, all the best from Australia.
Uncle Billy!!!!! Cool car! Thanks for sharing and have a Great Weekend sir
Bill, for the love of your health and safety, please get a head band camera mount when you're going to row your own...
It’s not his first tempt with fate. To be fair Heaven wouldn’t allow him in and Hell would be too pleasant compared to his current way of living. 🤣 he’s stuck here to torture us!
@@RustyZipper Wherever our friend Bill ends up, you can be sure whiskey therapy will be a big player in the goings on.
That hood has more steel in it than a modern Toyota.
Yet...the Toyota will save your ass in a serious collision, thanks to modern safety features.
was thinking the green hood was going to eat up that blue Corolla like PacMan hahah
the GP's frame rail alone will be your safety restraint system 👍
@@curbozerboomer1773 Meh, better to die on a car crash than of cancer or some other horrible disease. Been suffering for months and doctors can't find out what's wrong....so the safety of a car is not on my priority list.
Wow!! What a cool set of wheels. Beautiful and rare. Such a good and joyful review Bill l, as always
Thanks Bill, yes we love the sporty personal luxury cars and that is close to the top of the list. How many people have never ridden in a factory V-8 4spd car .
Central California watching
An amazing luxury coupe.