The Pontiac Grand Prix is a personal luxury car that was produced by Pontiac from 1962 to 2008. The 1979 model year was the fifth generation of the Grand Prix, and it was a significant departure from previous generations. It was larger and heavier than its predecessors, and it featured a more angular design. The 1979 Grand Prix was also available with a number of new features, including a digital instrument cluster and a turbocharged engine.
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a popular car, and it helped to solidify the Grand Prix’s reputation as a stylish and powerful personal luxury car. It was also a significant car in the history of Pontiac, as it was the last Grand Prix to be produced before the company’s financial troubles began in the early 1980s.
Today, the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix is a sought-after collector car. It is a reminder of a time when Pontiac was one of the leading manufacturers of performance cars, and it is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Grand Prix nameplate.
pontiac grand prix 1979
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a significant car for Pontiac, and it remains a popular collector car today. Here are eight key aspects of the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix:
- Personal luxury car: The Grand Prix was a personal luxury car, meaning it was designed to be stylish, comfortable, and powerful.
- Fifth generation: The 1979 Grand Prix was the fifth generation of the Grand Prix, and it was a significant departure from previous generations.
- Larger and heavier: The 1979 Grand Prix was larger and heavier than its predecessors.
- Angular design: The 1979 Grand Prix featured a more angular design than previous generations.
- Digital instrument cluster: The 1979 Grand Prix was available with a digital instrument cluster, which was a new feature for Pontiac.
- Turbocharged engine: The 1979 Grand Prix was available with a turbocharged engine, which was also a new feature for Pontiac.
- Popular car: The 1979 Grand Prix was a popular car, and it helped to solidify the Grand Prix’s reputation as a stylish and powerful personal luxury car.
- Sought-after collector car: Today, the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix is a sought-after collector car.
These eight key aspects highlight the importance of the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix in the history of Pontiac and the automotive industry. The 1979 Grand Prix was a significant car for Pontiac, and it remains a popular collector car today.
Personal luxury car
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a personal luxury car. This means that it was designed to be stylish, comfortable, and powerful. The Grand Prix was one of the first cars to be marketed as a personal luxury car, and it helped to define the category. Personal luxury cars are typically larger and more powerful than standard cars, and they often have more luxurious features, such as leather seats and power windows. The 1979 Grand Prix was no exception. It was a large, powerful car with a comfortable interior and a number of luxury features.
The Grand Prix’s personal luxury car status was important because it helped to distinguish it from other cars on the market. It was a car that was designed for people who wanted something more than a standard car, but who didn’t want to buy a full-size luxury car. The Grand Prix was the perfect compromise, and it was a popular choice for buyers who wanted a stylish, comfortable, and powerful car.
Today, the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix is still considered to be a classic personal luxury car. It is a reminder of a time when Pontiac was one of the leading manufacturers of performance cars, and it is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Grand Prix nameplate.
Fifth generation
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was the fifth generation of the Grand Prix, and it was a significant departure from previous generations. This was due to a number of factors, including:
- Size and weight: The 1979 Grand Prix was larger and heavier than its predecessors.
- Design: The 1979 Grand Prix featured a more angular design than previous generations.
- Features: The 1979 Grand Prix was available with a number of new features, including a digital instrument cluster and a turbocharged engine.
These changes made the 1979 Grand Prix a more modern and sophisticated car than its predecessors. It was also a more powerful car, thanks to the availability of the turbocharged engine. The 1979 Grand Prix was a significant departure from previous generations, and it helped to set the stage for the future of the Grand Prix nameplate.
Larger and heavier
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was larger and heavier than its predecessors due to a number of factors, including a larger engine, a more robust frame, and a more spacious interior. This increase in size and weight had a number of implications, both positive and negative.
- Improved performance: The larger engine and more robust frame gave the 1979 Grand Prix better performance than its predecessors. It was faster, more powerful, and could handle better.
- Increased comfort: The more spacious interior of the 1979 Grand Prix made it more comfortable for passengers. It had more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room than previous generations.
- Reduced fuel economy: The larger engine and heavier weight of the 1979 Grand Prix resulted in reduced fuel economy. It got fewer miles per gallon than its predecessors.
- More difficult to maneuver: The larger size and weight of the 1979 Grand Prix made it more difficult to maneuver than its predecessors. It was harder to park and handle in tight spaces.
Overall, the increase in size and weight of the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix had a number of implications, both positive and negative. It improved performance and comfort, but it also reduced fuel economy and made the car more difficult to maneuver. These factors should be considered when evaluating the 1979 Grand Prix.
Angular design
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix featured a more angular design than previous generations, which was a significant departure from the more rounded designs of the past. This angular design was part of a larger trend in automotive design in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as automakers moved away from the more curvaceous designs of the 1960s and early 1970s. The angular design of the 1979 Grand Prix gave it a more modern and aggressive look, and it helped to distinguish it from other cars on the market.
The angular design of the 1979 Grand Prix was also a reflection of the car’s performance capabilities. The car was larger and more powerful than its predecessors, and the angular design helped to convey this sense of power and performance. The car’s angular lines also helped to improve its aerodynamics, which made it more efficient and faster.
The angular design of the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a significant departure from previous generations, but it was also a reflection of the car’s performance capabilities and the changing trends in automotive design. The angular design helped to give the car a more modern and aggressive look, and it also helped to improve its performance and efficiency.
Digital instrument cluster
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a significant car for Pontiac, and the introduction of the digital instrument cluster was a major part of that. The digital instrument cluster was a new and innovative feature for Pontiac, and it helped to set the Grand Prix apart from other cars on the market.
The digital instrument cluster was a major advancement in automotive technology. It replaced the traditional analog gauges with a digital display that was more accurate and easier to read. The digital instrument cluster also allowed for the display of more information, such as fuel economy, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. This information was valuable to drivers, as it allowed them to better monitor their car’s performance.
The introduction of the digital instrument cluster in the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a major step forward for Pontiac. It helped to position Pontiac as a leader in automotive innovation, and it set the stage for the future of automotive technology.
The digital instrument cluster is now a common feature in cars today. It is a testament to the foresight of Pontiac that they were one of the first automakers to introduce this technology. The digital instrument cluster is a valuable feature that makes driving safer and more enjoyable.
Turbocharged engine
The introduction of the turbocharged engine in the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a significant event in the history of Pontiac. It was the first time that Pontiac had offered a turbocharged engine in a production car, and it helped to set the Grand Prix apart from other cars on the market.
The turbocharged engine gave the Grand Prix a significant boost in power and performance. The turbocharger helped to increase the engine’s power output by up to 30%, and it also improved the car’s acceleration and top speed. The turbocharged Grand Prix was one of the fastest cars on the market, and it could easily outrun many of its competitors.
The turbocharged engine was also a major marketing success for Pontiac. It helped to create a performance image for the Grand Prix, and it attracted a new generation of buyers to the Pontiac brand. The turbocharged Grand Prix was a popular car with enthusiasts, and it helped to solidify Pontiac’s reputation as a builder of performance cars.
The introduction of the turbocharged engine in the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a major turning point for Pontiac. It helped to establish the Grand Prix as a performance car, and it attracted a new generation of buyers to the Pontiac brand. The turbocharged Grand Prix was a significant car in the history of Pontiac, and it remains a popular collector car today.
Popular car
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix was a popular car for a number of reasons. It was stylish, powerful, and luxurious. The Grand Prix was also relatively affordable, which made it a good value for the money. As a result of its popularity, the Grand Prix helped to solidify Pontiac’s reputation as a builder of stylish and powerful personal luxury cars.
The popularity of the 1979 Grand Prix can be attributed to a number of factors. First, the car was very stylish. It had a sleek, aerodynamic design that was very appealing to buyers. Second, the Grand Prix was very powerful. It was available with a number of different engine options, including a turbocharged V8 engine that produced over 200 horsepower. Third, the Grand Prix was very luxurious. It had a comfortable interior with plenty of features, such as air conditioning, power windows, and a power sunroof.
The combination of style, power, and luxury made the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix a very popular car. It was a car that appealed to a wide range of buyers, and it helped to solidify Pontiac’s reputation as a builder of stylish and powerful personal luxury cars.
The popularity of the 1979 Grand Prix also had a number of practical implications. For example, the car’s popularity helped to increase the value of Pontiac dealerships. It also helped to create a demand for Pontiac parts and accessories. In addition, the popularity of the Grand Prix helped to boost the Pontiac brand as a whole. The Grand Prix was a very important car for Pontiac, and its popularity helped to shape the company’s future.
Sought-after collector car
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix is a sought-after collector car for a number of reasons. First, it is a relatively rare car. Only 68,000 Grand Prixs were produced in 1979, and many of these cars have been lost to time. As a result, finding a 1979 Grand Prix in good condition can be difficult.
Second, the 1979 Grand Prix is a significant car in the history of Pontiac. It was the first Grand Prix to be offered with a turbocharged engine, and it was also the last Grand Prix to be produced before Pontiac’s financial troubles began in the early 1980s. As a result, the 1979 Grand Prix is seen as a symbol of Pontiac’s golden age.
Third, the 1979 Grand Prix is a beautiful car. It has a sleek, aerodynamic design that is still stylish today. The Grand Prix also has a comfortable interior with plenty of features, such as air conditioning, power windows, and a power sunroof.
The combination of rarity, historical significance, and beauty makes the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix a sought-after collector car. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for a well-preserved example of this classic car.
The fact that the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix is a sought-after collector car has a number of practical implications. For example, it means that the value of these cars is likely to continue to increase in the future. It also means that there is a strong market for parts and accessories for the 1979 Grand Prix.
Overall, the fact that the 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix is a sought-after collector car is a testament to the car’s quality, style, and historical significance.
FAQs about the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979
The Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 is a classic car that is still popular today. Here are some frequently asked questions about this iconic vehicle:
Question 1: What are the key features of the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979?
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix is a personal luxury car that was known for its style, power, and comfort. It was available with a variety of features, including a digital instrument cluster, a turbocharged engine, and a power sunroof.
Question 2: How many Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 were produced?
Only 68,000 Grand Prixs were produced in 1979, making it a relatively rare car.
Question 3: What is the value of a Pontiac Grand Prix 1979?
The value of a Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and options. However, well-preserved examples can sell for over $20,000.
Question 4: What are the most common problems with the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979?
Some of the most common problems with the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 include carburetor problems, transmission problems, and electrical problems.
Question 5: How can I find parts for a Pontiac Grand Prix 1979?
There are a number of ways to find parts for a Pontiac Grand Prix 1979. You can check online retailers, salvage yards, and car shows. You can also contact Pontiac clubs and forums for help.
Question 6: What are the best modifications for a Pontiac Grand Prix 1979?
There are a number of popular modifications for the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979. These include performance upgrades, such as engine modifications and suspension upgrades. You can also add cosmetic upgrades, such as custom wheels and body kits.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979. If you are considering buying one of these classic cars, be sure to do your research and find a reputable seller.
The Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 is a beautiful and powerful car that is still popular today. With its unique style and impressive performance, the Grand Prix is a true classic.
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Tips About the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979
The Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 is a classic car that is still popular today. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Grand Prix:
Tip 1: Maintain your car regularly. Like any car, the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 needs regular maintenance to keep it running properly. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.Tip 2: Use the right fuel. The Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 requires unleaded fuel with a minimum octane rating of 91. Using the wrong fuel can damage your engine.Tip 3: Drive carefully. The Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 is a powerful car, so it is important to drive carefully. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid driving too fast or recklessly.Tip 4: Find a good mechanic. If you need to have work done on your Pontiac Grand Prix 1979, it is important to find a good mechanic. A good mechanic will be able to diagnose and repair your car correctly.Tip 5: Join a car club. There are a number of car clubs dedicated to the Pontiac Grand Prix 1979. Joining a car club is a great way to meet other Grand Prix owners and learn more about your car.Tip 6: Have fun! The Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 is a classic car that is meant to be enjoyed. So get out there and drive it!
Conclusion
The Pontiac Grand Prix 1979 is a classic car that is still popular today. It is a stylish, powerful, and comfortable car that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. The Grand Prix is also a relatively rare car, making it a valuable collector’s item.
If you are considering buying a Pontiac Grand Prix 1979, be sure to do your research and find a reputable seller. These cars are becoming increasingly rare, and prices are only going up. With its unique style and impressive performance, the Grand Prix is a true classic that is sure to appreciate in value over time.