1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J Survivor in Liberty Blue & Ride on My Car Story with Lou Costabile 

I remember I was about 12 years old in 1972 and I saw one of these parked at an apartment complex and thought it was the most beautiful thing in the world

In 1970, my dad bought one of these that was a dealer car. It was also a J, and it had factory air conditioning. I remember those doorhandles, they were so cool, his was dark green with a light green vinyl top and a black interior.

Just beautiful It's the best year. First thing I'd do is put The. Factory AC got to have A/C.

Oh my! Gary is right, you just don't see these Grand Prixs anymore, but his is definitely worth the wait. My jaw dropped twice on this one. First at the color combo & again when I heard that's the original vinyl roof. Thanks, Lou!

These were GREAT Pontiacs... My brother in law had a Gold SJ with the 428 and I loved that car ! Thanks Lou !

Takes me back, I had a close neighbor who had a 69 Grand Prix. He really liked that car and I can see why. Good video Lou!

What the hell happened to current designers for losing that magic touch they once had. I have been wondering for a long time

That's a great classic !!! Love the vinyl roof and the white letter tires !! I never understood why they killed off Pontiac , a great treat seeing this terrific car !!! 👍👍

I have a 71,Bronze survivor GP,I am the second owner,have owned it since 87,what a car,it’s never been not road ready,73,000 miles,in great shape,go for early morning drives every nice day,now that I’m retired I drive it all the time. Time to take it out now,will be listening to Physical Graffiti in the cassette player.

FRIGGN AWESOME Car 🏆 🤩 it’s the same as mine but I have a Right Hand Drive here in Western Australia, I did not know the antenna was in the windscreen 👍🏻

I was just thinking about the early Grand Prix last night and this a.m., here we are!

Absolutely bluetiful 😋 Love those GPs that were fully optioned with buckets.

My ex had a 69' Grand Prix before we married..it was light green with a dark green vinyl top..it wasn't a J! She loved the car..but later sold it. They were one of the most stylish cars of that era..Thanks for bringing back some memories Lou!

the last of classic pontiacs thanx lou!

I bought a 1972 GP Model J in 1979 from a co-worker when I was 18. It was the best car I ever had and miss it dearly. Thanks again Lou for bringing back so many great memories!

Shes a beauty! Crazy how many thousands were made and maybe 25 survived in this condition. My uncle had a gold 69' SJ. I remember him taking my brother and I on a weekend fishing trip with it when I was little. Once again thanks for the memories.

Gary has one awesome Pontiac there Lou! I love the body rock 🪨🎸🤘 when he revved the engine. I ❤ that classic Pontiac growl as well

Hi, Lou! Personal luxury cars like the Ford Thunderbird, Buick Riviera and Olds Toronado were always highly desirable, but when Pontiac brought out a whole new Grand Prix for 1969 (it had previously been a full-size model), the prospect of owning this class of car was now more in reach for more people. Ditto the first Chevy Monte Carlo for 1970. The styling was fabulous with that long, long hood and that driver-oriented interior. The purpose of building the radio antenna into the windshield was apparently to give the car a cleaner look, but I have to wonder what people would say about being stuck with a useless radio if the windshield got broken. Still, this car was quite a success, and who can blame Gary for loving this one. It definitely grabs attention, just like it did back in the day! The right one for the channel, Lou, you said it! Thanks to you and Gary for sharing with us!

Beautiful!! Brings back soooooo many memories..My dad bought a 72 J model in 87,I was 13 yrs old.Oh how I enjoyed every second in that Pontiac. So the sad part of it is that I ended up getting the car as a Christmas gift in 91 and totaled it in the summer of 92. Out of all the cars I've ever owned that one I wish I still was in possession of..

Great car haven't seen one in years thanks for digging deep to bring us that one Lou.

Love this era with the lights in the rear bumper and the profile at the front.i have steppenwolf magic carpet ride playing in my head when i saw this car.

This one took me way back too! In 1974 A guy I worked with told me he had a 1969 Pontiac in his garage and asked me if I wanted it! He said it didn't run and was somewhat beat up. So I got the address and went to check it out and it was in the worst part of town in a rickety garage that was beginning to collapse on it! The owner told me that I could have the car for $50.00 because there were parts missing and it needed a lot of work! I quickly paid him, put the old ragged tires and wheels on it that were laying in the garage, Dragged it out to where I could put a tow bar on it and got it out of there before I got mugged! When I got it home and got a good look at it I saw the ''SJ'' nameplate I knew it was time to run the numbers on the block! I already knew it was special by the factory ''headers'' it had on it! I checked the date code, and the code on the front of the block and it was a 390 horse 428! The more I looked the car over I realized it was ordered as a Drag car! It had no options on it whatsoever! No power steering, no power or disc brakes, No air conditioner, radio delete, and the car sat up about 3 inches higher than a normal Grand Prix! Plus it had a factory installed load leveler in back that had a switch with arms that ran from the body to the rear differential and it would kick on a compressor to pump up the air bags so the car couldn't wheel hop coming of of the line! I took all of the dents out of it and repainted it the original ''Liberty blue''! It did have the vinyl top option but it was blue to match the body and interior! That car was a beast! I took the car to Weidner Pontiac here in my home town, Mansfield Ohio and showed it to Pete Weidner and asked him if he had ordered the car for himself to race or a friend to race because he was always ordering in some wicked Pontiacs to race at several of the tracks surrounding Mansfield Ohio! He claimed to have not ordered it but judging from the grin on his face I knew he did! I stumbled blindly into that car and with the low purchase price when I had the car totally done, Painted and all I only had $400 into it! The most expensive part of the project was the new dual exhaust system that I got through NAPA and it cost me $150! Some guy kept trying to buy it and I kept turning down his offers until he offered double the high book price of it! That was just too much to turn down when I was 20 years old and starting a family!

The 69 Grand Prix is my all time favorite car since I was a kid, my dad had 2 back in the 90’s and I grew up getting on that front bumper while he worked on it, in 2015 I bought my very own from the original owner, has all the paper work from factory even the protecto plate, it was bought from bake Sweeney Pontiac in Cincinnati Oh, antique gold with black interior, slap shifter ultra rare rear shoulder belts, I just drove it Sunday to stretch her legs, just got the engine rebuilt, she’s still undergoing a full restoration.

That's a beautiful Grand Prix. And talk about a car from another era: a Pontiac personal luxury car. Both gone from the market. Pontiac was certainly channeling their inner Duesenberg with the Model J. Thanks to Lou and Gary for sharing this stunning survivor.

Gotta love a car that's been around n withstood the tests of time n still goin strong, a survivor for sure n it's def a loved one. I love that blue too. It's still got the 8 track... classic! 😊

Seeing this car brings back so many memories, you have no idea. I was born in Pontiac Michigan, both of my parents worked at Pontiac Motors as well as my sister and I for one summer. We all drove Pontiacs for years. So many similarities with this car and our green 1970 Lemans with a black vinyl top. I would dearly love to have this beautiful car. Thanks for sharing.

In my opinion, that is one absolutely gorgeous car that wasn't like anything else on the road at the time, makes you wish you could go back in time & see that in the middle of a showroom all by itself or even with a Bonneville convertible in black

Pontiac Grand Prix for 1969: Yes, that is still a beautiful car after more than fifty years. John DeLorean set the American auto industry on its ear with this car. It was nothing like the Grand Prix's of 1962 to '68, when they were little more than dressed-up Bonnevilles. The '69 GP had a styling that was all its own. And that instrument panel was stylish too; very futuristic looking for its time. It was like a command center for the driver, who faced all the gauges and controls as he or she drove, leaving the poor front seat passenger with nothing to look at except the glove box door. This was a real driver's car! Pontiac made nearly 112,500 Grand Prix cars for 1969 - a big increase over the bloated '68! The 1969 Grand Prix is, IMO, one of the greatest looking Pontiacs ever. But Pontiac had something else ready for '70: the second-generation Firebird! I'll save that story for another time. Thanks again, Lou! (5/18/2021)

So glad you found one of these, Lou! '69 and '70 Grand Prixs are in my favorites list!

Old Chief Pontiac, would have been proud. 🪶

A true beauty....a true classic!

Dear Lou, my name is John Friend. I have been really enjoying your story's with muscle car people for many year's now! It is time for me to give a very special thank you to every one ,that you go and do your interview's with. mainly to yourself as a great orcastrater as best? This has been also helping me to stay focused on the completion of my 1/25 scale model collection! i hope that you see this,and some how one day you can reply so I know you redd this letter/ comment ? keep up the stellar work,and hope your well ?

What a sharp GP! The color combo is striking, the best. The BOP(Buick, Olds, Pontiac) car show he mentioned is the best, eventually they added a modified class, but the show is 90% stock. I have attended, participated & one time judged. It's a springtime treat.

We owned two Grand Prix`s over the years loved them both, 1987 V8 305 coupe and a 2003 V6 3.8 4 door great cars.

Beautiful color combination on that GP. Those door handles are really cool!!! So cool that you had just met the owner at a car show, goes to show ya that real car guys and girls love to show off their four wheeled babies!!!! Good one Lou!!!

Thanks Lu. Nice car! A buddies brother had one of these and he borrowed it a few nights back in the early 80s. 400 4 barrel, raised letters on the tires. It was a sweet ride. Perfect cruiser. Great memories!

OMG! I had the same exact car when I was in college! Same colors and engine. Loved that car.

The wrap around dash reminds me of the semi trucks I drove over my carreer as a long over the Road Trucker, who knew maybe the truck maker took a hint from Pontiac ! we all admired seeing these great grandprix;s passing as or us passing them they was a joy to see on the highway n commanded our respect, in days of performance n luxury came to mind we knew this car was as great to cruise as the oldsmobiles which I love n the Caddillacs, my friend owned one and I always thought of it as a high class top end muscle car that had power n and comfort style and respect going down the road, I love the White and Blue color on this car !

That's a fine unique Poncho that isn't seen often.

One of our Neighbors had a new 1969 Grand Prix. I use to drool walking past this car I believe it was dark green with Green Top. Long noses on Pontiacs was nothing new LoL. Thanks for SHaring!

That was a very nice old Pontiac. I loved that body style back in the day. I was just 11 years old when this was produced. I love Pontiac's anyway as they have always been my very favorite GM product. Very nice color combination too. The owner was just fun and awesome as well. Just a overall wonderful video Lou and thanks for sharing!

Goodday Lou, What a great video. The car that forced Chevrolet to make the Monte Carlo, but the Grand Prix J is the original personal muscle car. Another great video as always. Your number 1 Fan in Australia Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤

Just one word about the Pontiac WOW!!! And as always a great presentation by Lou. Thanks and keep them coming Lou 👍👍

One of my all time favorite cars!, love this. I have an original MPC 1970 Grand Prix kit to build at some point. Thanks Lou Gary

Hey big bro Lou!! Your channel is such an inspirational joy, man. Love this big blue Pontiac. So much character. The details of the door handles, door pulls and dashboard, the script of "Grand Prix" center back, the sound from that unapologetic V8-classic American style and I love it. Model J, huh? How about Model JV, big bro? lol! My floppy DC sneakers would be off in seconds and my tubesocked stocking perpetual JV baseball jock feet would be twitching outta that side rear window quite easily as I dream about the ladies while you 2 guys are grinning up front lol! Awesome Lou-thanks big bro! :) JV Johnny

Lou. You are the best. Always loved these. I had a 77 SJ with 32 factory options. Tried to buy it back and the new owner said no. Keep bringing us the great videos.

My all time favorite car. I wanted one so badly back in the early 70’s, but this was about the time of the 1973 Arab Oil Embargo and a 9-10mpg car was not the way to go. I loved how low it is because at 5’6” I could look over the roof which is something I can’t say for the 4x4 trucks of today. I am lucky if I can stand next to it and see over the hood!

Great survivor. I like the survivors way more than an over done restoration. I'm also a sucker for the colonnade style. I think I spelled that right. ;) Great example of a very well cared for car that you just don't see any more. Thank you for sharing Lou. Take care.

My brother had one almost same color, and unfortunately he drove it like he stole it. It's the first car I ever rode in that I went to 140 mph in. His was registered for 150. Beautiful Car. Lots of memories riding in it and listening to KISS ALIVE 2 AND ELO.

Really nice! A cousin of mine had one of these in the early '80's that he bought from his brother-in-law. It was originally a dark blue but he stripped it and primered it and put a set of extra wide Cragar slots on it. It was still pretty cool.

Another beautiful Grand Prix. That deep rumble is really cool.

Wow. What a beautiful car. I have always liked the styling of the Grand Prixs

Ease on down the road "in style", thnx LC

I always thought they had the coolest door handles. I guy I went to college had a very rusty triple green SJ with the 428. He claimed it was a promo car, as it had full power and almost every other option available. Even as worn out as it was, it had plenty of scoot left in it. Neat to see such a nice example still out there!

Class and muscle, love this Grand Prix! Thanks Lou.

Nice survivor! I've always admired the Pontiacs and this beauty doesn't disappoint. GREAT VIDEO LOU.

Great Lou, I bought a new '69.. A nice road car and chick magnet. The 400 would move it pretty good.

One of my favorite colors that pontiac offered that year. Given the opportunity I would love to own one of these with a 428 and 4 speed.

Had an SJ in 69. Real chick magnet. Beautiful ride Gary !!

Great looking car Lou. You never see these cars around where I go to car shows at. I was fortunate enough to see a silver one once that had a factory 4 speed manual and never seen another one

I’d take this GP all-day every day over that Camaro he mentioned. My 72 Pontiac Luxury LeMans also had its original white top and it too was in fantastic condition. The white top definitely draws the eye!

My Grandfather had a 69 GP black with white vinyl top . He traded it In on a 75 GP LJ which my parents now own.... We take it to a few shows each year...

Gorgeous car! One of my best friends is a big Pontiac guy. He had a 1970 Grand Prix Model J in Turquoise. It rode like a Cadillac and that 400 had tons of torque. They may not be as popular as a GTO, but people always noticed the GP when we'd be out riding around in it. People either wanted to know what it was or talked about how they should be more popular. Everybody seemed to love the car. It wasn't just one type of person either. All kinds of people would talk to us about the GP. Maybe we should all ride around in an old Grand Prix because that car seemed to unite everyone we met!

I had a70 j model i drove the car for years they are so dependable love it thanks

Always liked the pontiac grand prix also came with an optional 4 speed , very rare .

Sweet 👊👍🏻

What a beauty! You're always in the right spot at the right time. Thanks Lou!

Thanks for sharing and making this video. My favorite car!

Another awesome car Lou, love it !

Thank you Lou and Gary, super nice GP.

Another fantastic gorgeous car! Thanks for that video, Lou.

Great video Lou

My uncle had one of these when he lived in Chicago. Unfortunately, it rusted out like nearly everything else out that way. I thought I'd send it to him as soon as I caught this!

I like the dealer installed air conditioner by thermo king very cool I remember the ac system on most GMs were from frigid aire till replaced the brand with Harrison they don't make cars like they used to thank you lou for another awesome video

What a beautiful Grand Prix. These GM personal luxury cars were always a favorite of mine, but our family always had family 4 door sedans for obvious reasons. I forgot about those door handles as I always thought those were ahead of their time. Our neighbor had an ‘SJ’ in dark silver with a black top & interior. What a fun presentation! Thanks Lou & Gary!

TRUE. LOU. AWARD WINNER.

A friend of mine had an SJ Grand Prix. It turned 15:55 @ 91 MPH at the drag strip. Not bad for a worn out 4500 pound car at the time. I miss the Quadrajet hum of yesteryear.

Wow ! What a great survivor car.! Those older Grand Prix's were so hot ! The color of this one looks good. Had a friend that had a 69 SJ,black on black w/ the 428 ! It was fast as well as cool ! Loved this episode as well. Thanks Lou & Gary for keeping it as original as possible !

Great episode Lou! The aftermarket A/C kit is mind blowing- I thought those were a 1950's thing.

Great car ! My sister had one. Almost as fast as my 69 gto ! Fun to drive !

Lou - it's great to see a classic like this in original condition. The Grand Prix were a special breed - stylish variations of the standard Pontiacs. Is there a chance you can hunt down a '68 Grand Prix? They weren't so popular, but still very sculpted and interesting. The rear taillights were bent in three dimensions.

Thanks Lou.

Awesome survivor! A buck for every "thumbs👍up" you'd get on a cross-country road trip would pay for the gas ⛽ for the trip!

Nice one. I been in a light blue 69 gp with 390 428 it was a total beast

Very nice!

That's an awesome Grand Prix!

Hi, I am a subscriber to your channel and I enjoy the cars you come across, I'd love to see a video on any Bonneville or even the Grand Ville convertibles, those would be fabulous, namely the Broughams, those were absolutely stunning!!

Beautiful

Love this car

Sounds as good as it looks. 😎

Nice 👍🏻 like to see his other cars 😊

What a beauty! Thanks Lou and Gary! I shouldn't admit this publicly, but I do have a "fetish" for cars with white interiors!

World's longest radiator hose. So many of these were drab brown or olive with black roofs.

It's a shame that American car manufacturers can't build something with tha style and aesthetics of these beautiful machines but with upgraded technology like better fuel economy and safety features. Thanks for the vid gents. 👍

Very nice 😀

The car to have at the Single's Club. Spend Friday afternoon shining it up. Later that day pull on a Givenchy tomato pattern silk shirt with Sansibelt slacks and tear up the dance floor like wild and crazy guys. We were jerks we were clueless and we were young.

350 hp nice but 390 HO much nicer 428 police special will leave 30 ft posi patch when hits 2nd gear & thats why i bought it , and will again if i can find it

Love Liberty Blue

That 400 has a nice bark too!

Very nice gp😊