30-Years-Owned 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J Running Project

Description

The 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix J carried forward the bold styling and performance legacy introduced with the second-generation Grand Prix in 1969. Designed under the direction of John DeLorean, the Grand Prix combined muscle car power with personal luxury, featuring a long hood, short deck profile and a sharply pointed grille that echoed classic Duesenberg cues.

Built on a stretched version of GM’s A-body platform, the Grand Prix offered a unique driving experience with its 118-inch wheelbase and rear-wheel-drive layout. The Model J was the standard trim level, typically equipped with a 400 cubic inch V8, though buyers could opt for larger engines. This example, originally green, has been refinished in Polar White over it’s original Pepper Green Metallic vinyl interior.

This Grand Prix J belonged to a dedicated Pontiac enthusiast and member of the Pontiac Oakland Club International. He purchased the car in 1994 and kept until his passing in October 2024. The car had been sitting for several years, but with fresh fluids, a new battery, and new BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires, it now runs and drives, though it will require mechanical attention to be roadworthy. 

Highlights 

• Powered by a 400 cubic-inch V8 engine rated at 350-horsepower paired with a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic transmission 

• Repainted in Polar White (originally green) over Dark Green Metallic vinyl interior 

• Fresh oil, topped-off transmission and brake fluids 

• Five new 245-60R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires 

• New battery 

• The chassis number (276570Z129280) decodes as: 

  • 2 – GM Division: Pontiac 

  • 76 – Series/Model: Pontiac Grand Prix 

  • 57 – Body Style: two-door hardtop coupe 

  • 0 – Model Year: 1970 

  • Z – Assembly Plant: Fremont, California 

  • 129280 – Sequential Production Number 

Features 

• PMD hubcaps (one was missing, but seller found an extra currently not installed) 

• Believed to be all original interior 

• Vinyl roof 

Known Imperfections 

• Water leak at bottom edge of rear window, possible rust/corrosion on rear window edge 

• Undercarriage shows fluid leaks

• Driver and passenger windows do not operate smoothly, rear windows inoperable, windows do not seal completely 

• Paint defect near lower passenger side of rear window 

• Corrosion at bottom of passenger side A-pillar 

• Bumps in vinyl roof below rear window 

• Factory radio inoperable 

• One horn button is missing 

• Scrape on left side of rear bumper 

• Two paint bubbles on hood 

• Brake fluid leak and soft brakes 

• Scratches and wear on wheels 

• Some tears in front seat cloth 

• Splits in rear seat vinyl 

• Burron on the shifter sticks 

• Throttle needs adjustment

• Transmission fluid leak 

• Cracks in dashboard 

• Some paint chips throughout

• Warped rear deck 

• Engine oil leak 

Included 

• Offered with estate documentation 

• Pontiac brochures 

• Owner’s manual 

• Service manual 

• Two sets of keys 

• Spare tire 

Ownership History

This Grand Prix J was purchased by the consignor’s brother in 1994 and kept garaged in Arizona. The seller is the personal representative of the estate and notes:  “My brother was a lifelong Pontiac enthusiast and member of the Pontiac Oakland Club International. While I don’t know the full history of the car, I believe it is mostly original. It had been sitting for some time, but we got it running with minor work. I’m happy to answer questions and help review photos to identify any non-original parts.”