1975 Pontiac Grand Am Is a Different Kind of Performance Car

This immaculate 1975 Pontiac Grand Am coupe recently for sale on eBay presents a rare opportunity to own a seldom-seen model.

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European Competition

In the 1970s, the increasing popularity of well-handling European sport coupes and sedans pushed US manufacturers to compete for those buyers. It was a new way of thinking for Detroit. Through much of the ’60s, they had limited most of their high-performance offerings to muscle cars that went fast in a straight line.

One of the most noteworthy of this new breed was the Pontiac Grand Am. It had a big 6.6-liter V-8, a suspension designed for cornering grip to match its acceleration, and seating for five adults. To compete with the imports, it was available as a four-door sedan in addition to a two-door coupe, unusual for a domestic performance car at the time.

Radial Tuned Suspension

The Pontiac Grand Am was one of the first GM vehicles to boast a standard “Radial Tuned Suspension.” Most new domestic cars still rode on bias-ply tires. To further the European image, the Grand Am wore a badge with its engine size in liters, not cubic inches.

The first-generation Pontiac Grand Am’s most distinguishing feature was a urethane nose cone that would pop back into shape after a minor bump. GM engineers created the piece to meet new federal requirements for bumpers that could withstand a low-speed collision without damage.

The Grand Am approach was nothing if not distinctive. It certainly masked the more robust structure underneath better than most bumpers of the era.

Striking Combination

The Grand Am for sale on eBay is finished in a striking and period-appropriate combination of gloss black with contrasting gold stripes. Original gold Pontiac snowflake wheels wearing new raised white letter BFGoodrich tires complement the look.

Built at the end of first-generation Pontiac Grand Am production, this car shows 43,000 miles. The seller describes it as completely rust-free. It was recently treated to numerous upgrades in preparation for sale, including:

• Rebuilt drivetrain
• Rebuilt suspension
• New upholstery, carpet, and headliner

Under the hood, the original 400-cubic-inch V-8 engine is equipped with exhaust headers and a stainless steel dual exhaust system. The engine is backed by a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission.

Driver’s Car

Inside, the driver’s car image continues with standard bucket seats, a console with floor shift, and a sport steering wheel. The dash, console, instruments, and controls are all angled toward the driver. Large, round dials directly in front of the driver house a speedometer and tachometer. Smaller gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, and voltage flank them.

The new interior in this low-mileage coupe makes it look much like it did the day it rolled off the assembly line. In another nod to its European competitors, period ads touted the Grand Am’s use of real wood on the dash and console. Pontiac called it “Genuine African Crossfire Mahogany.” Optional features include power windows, locks, and an air conditioner.

This Pontiac Grand Am is reasonably priced, especially when compared to a Pontiac GTO or Firebird of similar vintage. Plus, it is a much more unusual find with a better story.