Used 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix

1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 2 Door Hardtop The concept of the 8 lug wheel-where the brake drum also serves as the wheel center and the wheel is essentially a rim-wasn't totally original. However, here it had a critical function. Eliminating the steel wheel center opened up the finned aluminum brake drum to a free supply of moving air, allowing it to dissipate brake heat and minimize fade, a major shortcoming of drum brakes. That the wheels were so handsome was simply a nice bonus. Macmotorcitygarage.com  For consignment, a 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix 2 door hardtop showing 39,335 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a title exemption. And here they are, the desirable 8 lug wheels surrounded by red line tires on a red 2 door Pontiac. Aren't you glad you found this? Exterior A print ad exclaimed, the car the other '63's wish they looked like and there's no denying the immediate recognizability of the Pontiac, its sleek but boxy proportions and of course, the set up they called over and under headlights bookended a now iconic grille. Our example presents in Grenadier Red, the color it was born with, and the body includes some notable accenting including the Tri-Power emblem, painted Indian head profiles on the fenders, a gold beltline pinstripe, and a singular, fender mounted side mirror. But let's turn our attention to the glory that is the rear view with fender edges that hint at fins and between them, a ribbed detail that takes in the tail lights at the end. The 14-inch eight lug wheels do look robust and carry 225/75R15 tires all around. Imperfections on the outside include a big chip on a front fender, other random chips especially on panel edges, substantial inclusions and bubbling throughout, cracking paint, rust on rear fender, and scuffs in the chrome bumper.  Interior We're greeted with very clean and attractive door panels in pleated red grain vinyl, polished trim, and carpeted lowers. Low backed bucket seats occupy the front and a bench in the back, all in beautify red grain vinyl in a ribbed stitch pattern in just about flawless condition. Our eyes are drawn to the busy dashboard fronted by a plastic steering that includes clear acrylic and red plastic along with a touch of woodgrain that's repeated on the mid dash panel. Chrome surrounds the horizontal speedometer, rounded gauges, and the Pontiac tachometer while a Pontiac branded and updated AM/FM/Cassette with CD player is in place. The passenger gets a grab handle over the shelf like glove box and the center console holds a vacuum gauge and the Hurst shifter, all over red carpet, black mats with a stamped arrowhead, and below a white perforated headliner that has a tear or two. A brown vinyl mat covers the trunk floor completely and there is some typical surface rust on the metal below it.   Drivetrain Under the hood is a show worthy 421ci V8 with Tri-Power and Edelbrock Performer RPM heads, backed by a T10 4-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear axle with 3.08 gearing and Positraction. The car has headers, power steering and power brakes. The bay itself gleams with Pontiac blue paint and plenty of polished components.  UndercarriageYou will find very clean conditions underneath, as we did, and note the presence of dual exhaust off the headers, running through FlowMaster mufflers, and terminating at some widened chrome tips. Power drum brakes are front and rear and so are coil springs with a 4 link making the connection out back. Drive-Ability If someone blindfolded you and then removed it once you were in the car, you would swear you were in the Pontiac showroom and it's 1963 all over again. A turn of the key gets the Tri-Power flowing and the eight cans firing as we roll this Poncho onto the test loop. The 421 provides all kinds of power and the 4-speed moves this car out. It tracks straight and the pillarless greenhouse lets the air flow! Of note, the driver's power seat moves but does not have full range, the power wi