What distinguishes the Grand Prix SJ from other 1969 Grand Prix models?

The SJ was the top trim: stiffer suspension, more standard features and the largest V8 options (including the 428). It often included upscale interior trim, unique exterior details like the halo vinyl roof, and performance‑oriented parts that set it apart from lower Grand Prix trims.

How rare is a four‑speed manual in a 1969 Grand Prix SJ?

Very rare. Most SJs left the factory with the Turbo‑Hydramatic automatic. A small number—on the order of several hundred—were fitted with Pontiac Motor Division four‑speed manuals and Hurst linkage, making manual SJs highly sought after by collectors.

Are the 9,000 miles on this SJ authentic and how is provenance verified?

Yes: the owner and documentation support the odometer reading. Authenticity is reinforced by the Fisher Body cowl tag riveted to the firewall, the original window sticker and coherent build codes (09C = third week of September 1968), which match the car's Liberty Blue paint and blue bucket interior.

How does the 428‑equipped Grand Prix SJ perform and feel to drive?

With the 428 V8 the SJ delivers strong low‑end torque and a deep Pontiac exhaust note. When fitted with a four‑speed, shifts are direct and engaging; suspension and steering are notably tight on unrestored low‑mile examples, delivering a driving experience close to how the car felt new.

1969 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ 428: Canadian Collector’s Four‑Speed Survivor with Only 9,000 Miles

5 Minutes

Pontiac’s SJ Crown Jewel

Two letters meant a lot in Pontiac’s late‑1960s lineup: SJ. Billed as Sports J, the SJ was the Grand Prix’s top trim for 1969, fitted with firmer suspension, upgraded standard equipment and Pontiac’s largest V8 engines. Some fans even see the “J” as a subtle nod to John Z. DeLorean, who steered the Grand Prix into its bold second generation.

History and Market Positioning

Pontiac launched the Grand Prix in 1962 as a refined two‑door coupe that blended European styling cues with Detroit V8 power. Positioned between the Catalina and the more luxurious Bonneville, the Grand Prix quickly gained a reputation as a “gentleman’s performance car.” By 1969, under DeLorean’s direction, the Grand Prix evolved into a personal luxury coupe on its own G‑body platform—long hood, short deck and sculpted lines that set it apart across GM’s showroom floors. The redesign succeeded: 1969 sales topped 112,000 units, and the Grand Prix’s proportions later inspired Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo.

Vehicle Spotlight: A Rare Canadian Survivor

This particular example, showcased in Lou Costabile’s My Car Story and owned by Canadian collector Steve Plunkett, is a near‑factory example finished in Liberty Blue with a matching blue interior and just 9,000 original miles. Found via a flyer at a car show, the car’s ultra‑low mileage and remarkable originality convinced Steve to add it to his collection, where it remains one of his most prized survivors.

Exterior and Design Details

The Grand Prix’s pointed grille, framed by chrome “butterflies,” projects forward like an arrowhead. A dealer‑option hood tach sits prominently above the grille. The vinyl “halo top” is a defining styling cue: instead of wrapping to the trim line, the body color encircles the vinyl, creating a floating‑roof illusion that elevates the car’s upscale appearance. At the rear, squared taillamps and a short trunk lid reinforce the long‑hood/short‑deck profile.

Interior and Driver Focus

Inside, the SJ emphasizes the driver: a wraparound dash tilts gauges and controls toward the wheel, flanked by bucket seats, a center console and a sporty three‑spoke steering wheel. The original owner swapped the automatic for a Pontiac Motor Division four‑speed with Hurst linkage, giving this Grand Prix the rare manual transmission option that only a small number of buyers chose—think about 676 units in that configuration.

Specifications and Performance

Photo: YouTube/Lou Costabile

Engines: 400 cu in V8 (approx. 350 hp, 445 lb‑ft) or 428 cu in V8 in 370 hp and 390 hp ratings; the 390‑hp version reportedly produced ~465 lb‑ft of torque.
Transmission: Turbo‑Hydramatic automatic was standard; select SJs were ordered with a rare four‑speed manual.
Wheels/Tires: Rally II wheels with redline radial tires maintain the period correct look.

Under the deep shroud of the extended nose sits the big 428 V8 with chrome valve covers and factory details intact. The alternator on this car features large vents for enhanced cooling—an unusual high‑performance piece that was rebuilt when the car was revived. On the road the car feels remarkably fresh: tight steering, composed suspension and crisp four‑speed shifts helped by an old‑school Molly Slip additive that reduces manual transmission friction.

Authenticity, Build Data and Rarity

Paperwork and tags validate the car’s provenance. The Fisher Body cowl tag is still riveted to the firewall and matches the window sticker: built in Pontiac, Michigan, with Liberty Blue paint and blue bucket‑seat interior. The “09C” code indicates a third‑week September 1968 build—an early 1969‑model production car. With fewer than 10,000 miles and original equipment like the hood tach, halo top and Rally II wheels, this Grand Prix SJ is a true rolling time capsule.

Comparison and Legacy

The 1969 Grand Prix SJ sits between mainstream muscle cars and full luxury coupes—combining performance hardware with personal luxury appointments. Its styling influenced the Monte Carlo, and the SJ remains highly desirable for collectors who value unrestored survivors with original mileage. In short, this Liberty Blue SJ is more than a showpiece: it’s Pontiac’s personal luxury revolution preserved in motion.

Daniel Rivers

"Hey there, I’m Daniel. From vintage engines to electric revolutions — I live and breathe cars. Buckle up for honest reviews and in-depth comparisons."

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