This was the first year for the Grand Prix (Personally, I think it should be spelled Grand Pree. Or, just pronounce it Grand Pricks, but then what would we call Bill Gates?). It was only avalible as a two-door hardtop, but was touted as a "Two-door sport coupe". It was basicly just a Pontiac Catalina with different exterior trim and grill, with a sporty interior: Bucket seats and a center console.
The 1961 Modle year saw a new, clean, more sedate type of car, which carried over into the '62 modle year. The Grand Prix is a crisp, clean, let-the-lines-speak-for-themselves. Chrome was used in moderation, and a mark of the 50's was gone--whitewall tires that began at the inner rim and extended from 2-3 inches.
Factory Price: $3,424.50
Overall Length: 211.6"
Wheelbase: 120"
Width: 78.6"
Height: 54.5"
Weight: 4,000 lbs
Engine:
Compression:
Bore x Stroke:
Carburetor:
Horsepower:
OHV 389 V-8
10.75
4.00" x 3.75"
Three 2 barrels
348 @ 4800 rpm
OHV 389 V-8
10.75:1
4.00" x 3.75"
Single 4 barrel
333 @ 4800 rpm
OHV 389 V-8
10.25:1
4.00" x 3.75"
Single 4 barrel
303 @ 4600 rpm
OHV 389 V-8
10.25:1
4.00" x 3.75"
Three 2 barrels
318 @ 4600 rpm
Rear Axle Ratio; 3.23:1 (Standerd)
3.42:1 (optional)
3.64:1 (optioanl)
3.9:1 (optional)
4.89:1 (optional)
Transmission: 3-Speed manual
4-speed manual (optional)
2-speed automatic (optional)