T-Topped G-Body: 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix
























One of the coolest options that I hope will return to production one day are T-tops. Last used in the early 2000s, T-tops were the practical and economic way to enjoy the great outdoors while driving without the fuss and worries of the convertible. It would be really cool to see a new six-gen Camaro or Mustang (heck, even the Challenger would look cool) to feature T-tops from the factory, but until then, take the wildcard route and buy this needy 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix. Find it here on Craigslist in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with an asking price of $1,595.






















After a full redesign in 1978, Pontiac's G-body Grand Prix was given a major facelift in 1981. The sheetmetal was given a more aerodynamic design, the tail section was revised, and a new grille was fitted. This 1981 Grand Prix is a LJ model, and is one of 46,842 cars built for the year. Painted a two-tone blue, the grille is cracked, the landau roof needs replacing, the bumpers are wavy, and the paint is basically toast. T-tops are an unusual and welcome option, and I've grown to like the wire-wheel covers, though I would consider a swap to some Snowflake wheels. I would source a new grille, bumpers, and a new landau top, repaint the car in two-tone blue, and either retain the current rolling stock setup or source a set of Snowflakes wrapped in a set of sticky tires.






















Much like the outside of the car, the interior of this Grand Prix has seen better days. The door panels are shot, the seats are faded and have a few tears, the steering wheel has a generic aftermarket wheel wrap, the dash top is cracked, the console lid is torn, and the dash panel above the glove box is missing its strap or emblem. Air conditioning is a welcome sight, as is the original radio, carpet and console. I would source new door panels, a dash pad, console lid, dash strap or Grand Prix emblem, and upholstery. I would also clean the carpet, inspect the wheel and redo it if necessary, update the guts of the radio, convert the A/C to R134A, and clean and detail the rest of the interior.

 Though there are no pictures of this Grand Prix's drivetrain, the car is powered by the standard Buick 3.8L V6. Rated at 110 horsepower and 190 lbp-ft of torque, this Grand Prix desperately needs a V8 under its hood. Backed by an automatic transmission (most likely the TH-350 three-speed automatic), a transmission swap would be in the cards for me as well. I would source a Pontiac 350 or 400 to build up and back it up with a 700R4 four-speed automatic. Overall, this Grand Prix is going to need some mechanical and visual upgrades, but considering the options, if the price can be negotiated it might be worth the shot. What are your thoughts on this needy, T-top equipped Grand Prix?
Location: Doylestown, PA 18901, USA

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