1963 POntiac grand prix
The 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix
is a classic American automobile that was part of the General Motors (GM) Pontiac division’s full-size line. The Grand Prix was first introduced in 1962 as a personal luxury car, and the 1963 model marked the second year of its production. It featured a unique combination of performance, luxury, and styling that set it apart from other vehicles in the market at the time.
The history of the 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix can be traced back to the vision of Pontiac’s Chief Engineer, John Z. DeLorean, who wanted to create a high-performance, luxury automobile that would appeal to a wide audience. The Grand Prix was designed to compete with other personal luxury cars of the era, such as the Ford Thunderbird and the Buick Riviera.
The 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix was built on the GM B-body platform and shared many components with other full-size Pontiac models, such as the Catalina and Bonneville. However, the Grand Prix had its own distinctive styling elements that set it apart. Some of these elements included a unique grille design, hidden headlights, and a lower, wider stance.
Under the hood, the 1963 Grand Prix offered a range of powerful V8 engines. The standard engine was a 389 cubic inch (6.4-liter) V8, which produced 303 horsepower. Buyers could also opt for the optional Tri-Power version of the same engine, which had three two-barrel carburetors and produced 318 or 348 horsepower, depending on the configuration. The top-of-the-line engine option was a 421 cubic inch (6.9-liter) V8, available in both four-barrel and Tri-Power versions, with horsepower ratings ranging from 353 to 370.
The Grand Prix came with a standard three-speed manual transmission, but a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic (Roto Hydramatic) transmission could be added as optional equipment. The 1963 model also featured upgraded suspension components, larger brakes, and wider tires, which contributed to its reputation for excellent handling and performance.
Inside, the 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix offered a luxurious interior with bucket seats, a center console, and a floor shifter. The dashboard featured a unique array of gauges and controls, designed to give the driver a cockpit-like experience. The car was available with numerous options, such as power windows, power steering, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio.
The 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix was well-received by both critics and consumers. Its combination of performance, luxury, and style helped establish the Grand Prix as a popular and successful model for Pontiac. The Grand Prix continued in production until 2008, with various updates and redesigns throughout the years.