This 400 4-Speed 1973 Pontiac Grand Am was the Right Car at the Wrong Time.

00:00 Start
00:04 Night Drive
00:37 Startup, front
01:12 Startup, driveaway, rear
01:34 Intro - Uncle Johnny, farting Tesla, Sister with COVID baby, Mecum
04:36 Start of car review, overview
10:42 Endura nose, styling
17:45 Exterior
22:54 Trunk, gas door
24:19 Underhood, mechanicals
30:30 Interior
35:53 Test Drive
For a year in review of 1973, check out this Cougar video:
• This Cougar XR7 Coupe ...
(More Colonnade reviews at links below)
About this car:
This 1973 Pontiac Grand Am was slated to be the future of the muscle car. Proof for that lies in that it was originally going to be the GTO, but marketing forces at Pontiac wanted to look toward the future, and way from the past. The real car guys at Pontiac wanted this car to have a more complete package - styling, luxury, power, and handling. And they almost pulled it off.
What threw the brakes on it was forces beyond their control - gas shortages, Federal mandates, economic downturns - things that led buyers away from the no compromises cars of the 1960s and early 1970s to machines more focused on economy or safety, not to mention the rise of European and Asian imports.
The Grand Am was an incredibly cool car that was over before it began, and it's interesting and even a bit melancholy to think about what might have been if it had all gone a bit differently.
Full review and test drive of Uncle Johnny's 1973 Pontiac Grand Am with a 400-4-Speed setup.
For more Colonnade reviews, check these out:
1977 Pontiac Grand Prix:
• This 1977 Pontiac Gran...
1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme:
• This 1977 Oldsmobile C...
1975 Buick Century Custom:
• This 1975 Buick Centur...
1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo:
• This 1977 Monte Carlo ...

[@fortyshooter1]

Pontiac tried it again in 1977 with the Pontiac Can Am which came with the T/A 6.6 400 and the Shaker hood scoop. I bought one of 1100 made in 1977.

[@louspinelli1745]

Uncle Johnny has the greatest taste! Pontiac has produced some of the most bold, in-your-face, no excuses, kick your ass cars. Keep them coming!

[@WhittyPics]

Pontiac was on the game back then.

[@jayski8987]

Thanks to John Z Delorean. I know he went to Chevrolet by the time the Grand Am was designed, but he took Pontiac to the next level.

[@henrydiaz720]

Yup. My Grandmother was a little old lady from Pasadena. Claremont, actually!🤣 Bought a firebird, like Rockford's when she was 75! She tore it up! I loved driving that car in the mountains of SoCal. California was great back in the early 70's.

[@frankrobinson5453]

73 Lemans, GTO, Grand Am were the most underrated at that time. I had a Lemans Sport Coupe I rebuilt in the early 80's. Loved it and wish it was still around. Totaled it when a drunk ran a red light. Was never so sad over a car.

[@billyhaney7836]

I had a 76 layman’s sports coupe nice cars miss it

[@soyounoat]

I am one of those kids (age 12 in 1973) that wanted one of these Grand Ams. I knew enough about cars to get what they were about. And by the time I got a license to drive 4 years later I saw very few of them. And they had faded rotting endura noses.

[@devildog5354]

My brother had a 73 just like this one (same color combination), but with the automatic. I always loved this generation Grand Am, one of the best domestic interiors of the time. Pontiac was still building some desirable cars in 73, including the Trans Am SD and the Firebird Formula...

[@dansmusic5749]

Don't forget the '73 Goat. in the right color that is one beautiful car. Check out Lou's "My Car Story" channel for a silver '73 GTO.

[@lulujrlaulom7905]

Marine that is one Ugly ride. lol Just saying.... Semper Fi

[@devildog5354]

@@lulujrlaulom7905 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some guys like Kate Beckinsale, some prefer Whoppi Goldburg (laughing)... Semper Fi

[@johnnymula2305]

I actually like these. Huge bonus points for the standard shift. For a couple grand. That V8 can have some serious power to match its looks.

[@petermanning5161]

Nice ride. Seller’s an ahole

[@jakespeed63]

Exactly! Yank the motor to detail and upgrade guts to modern power. Butler Performance are the Go-To guys to make your Pontiac scream.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

@@petermanning5161 Pay attention!...the car is not for sale, idiot!

[@markwoodley712]

Thanks to Bill and Uncle Johnny for another great find! This car has real personality, especially like the louvred rear windows, my mother-in-law owned one after her GTO was crashed. She was a character.

[@jmk527]

Nioce

[@jmk527]

DEEP throttle body?

[@jmk527]

🙏 🤲

[@jmk527]

It's a Latin Greek travesty

[@jmk527]

Booth babes

[@dukesaunders680]

I have a 73 grand am. And I can say this was the best review of one I've seen. Thank you

[@illbebad]

I remember as a little kid, going with my Dad one evening to a Pontiac dealership (no salesmen to explain to that we just want to see the newest cars, not buy anything! ;) ) and I so remember seeing this car.....the front end looked so cool, unlike anything else. the soft nose just seemed the greatest thing ever! Back when there was a reason to check out the latest model cars, try to figure out what had changed from last year....oh how I miss those days.

[@o.g.geezer7058]

Drove a ‘75 through college. Aaa kick road beast. Head turner. Chick magnet. Would own again at a heart beat!

[@shadowblade9385]

Cracking up at the line about the Grand Ams being “driven by hefty ladies to the dollar store”. That’s just too perfect of a description!

[@charlieandhudsonspal1312]

I noticed that myself. I thought they were traded for food stamps

[@philricci2012]

After watching your review, I wonder what people see in modern cars. There just isn’t much interesting like this any more. Another fantastic review Bill!

[@henrydiaz720]

Except the Crown Vic! I have 2. Detective supervisor cars, not interceptors. All the heavy duty stuff, civilian interior. One has 170,000 miles, the new one has 80,000. It's just a baby! I love them.

[@trossk]

Safety features for starter. Fuel milage for another. Or would 10-15 mpg be better?

[@henrydiaz720]

@@trossk I give less than a shit about gas, except for the potatoheaded bidon gas shortage and skyrocketing prices. Safety features? It has all of them. You've never heard of a Crown Victoria with any safety issues or fatal defects. And it's 18 mpg for your information. And what do I care about mileage? I'm driving the best car out there today. And I love its comfort, power and longevity. 80M miles is just a baby. 170M is a teenager. Crown Vics last, with regular maintenance, an average of 300M miles. None of these prius POSs can boast that. Not without lying, anyways. And they suck. I don't ever want to drive or own one of those shit boxes.

[@trossk]

@@henrydiaz720 only way I would drive a prius would be to gut it and put in a engine for a early 70s Mercedes diesel and run the pipes straight up through the hood. And a crown Victoria? I'll pass on those. I have no urge to drive a old police car.

[@henrydiaz720]

@@trossk Well, they aren't all 'old cop cars' for one thing. And secondly, any car that will last for an average 200,000 miles should not be taken lightly. Non-American cars need not apply.

[@94Cobra123]

I guess the successor to this car was the 77 Can Am. Would love to see Bill find one of those. Great work as always.

[@pt008]

Then he could do a 78-79 Grand Am or 442. To me, those are among the top poster children for the Malaise Era.

[@timothythomas1737]

@@pt008 I used to have a 78 grand am and my best friend had a 79.

[@bobmckinsey6169]

Know a guy who had a 77 Can Am.

[@timothythomas1737]

@@bobmckinsey6169 know a guy who has one now!

[@timothythomas1737]

@@bobmckinsey6169 is the 403 Olds which I was told was California only but who knows. Because I'm In IN.

[@happydays8171]

I had a 73 Lemans, 400, dual exhaust, boat package w/extra springs, 373 posi. But this was a completely different looking car. I loved it. Work of art in design.

[@Pedroisanickname]

This is arguably one of the best looking Pontiacs of the maliase era and of the Colonnade platform. Just look at that tremendous hood arrow that leads to the Enduro nose, even the safety bumper is well disguised. The great lines continue throughout and this one is equipped right. I'd be proud to drive this American beauty in red, white and blue. Viva Pontiac! To hell with GM bean counters!

[@baileyride]

I absolutely enjoyed this video! Great find and thanks to Uncle Johnny, who has impeccable taste in automobiles. Bill keep up the great work, you often make my day better!

[@frankjennings4849]

This was the first car I owned after I was on my own. Mine was the dark metalic green with the tan interior, 400 w/2barrel with the automatic tranny. The odometer showed 42k and 3 yrs later had over 300k with no mechanical issues. I was clocked at 142mph by Texas DPS and talked my way out of it. Without a doubt the most fabulous ride I ever owned. Still miss that RTS ride.

[@paulparoma]

How do you talk your way out of a speeding ticket like that?

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@paulparoma Police can be a bit random at times.

[@paulparoma]

@@bradford_shaun_murray I suppose, if they can think straight, but that doesn't happen often. You were doing 142mph??? On what tires?

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@paulparoma frank jennings claimed 142mph not me :)

[@paulparoma]

@@bradford_shaun_murray That's right, sorry about that.:)

[@ajay-xjs]

I love your channel Bill, you're the most sane, normal, funny, irreverent, sarcastic KZbinr I've seen which is saying something from an Englishman!

[@daveleephoto]

Another Pontiac! Can't get enough of these fine cars. My Aunt owned a few of them, and they were always my favorite GM cars. Thanks!!

[@chefjacktheprofessionaldri6284]

Wanna review mine?

[@diablocls55]

@Brian Lee they should’ve killed Buick and GMC instead

[@BigWheel.]

@Brian Lee yeah, but who really missed hummer?

[@bonzainews]

My Grand Mother had a 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 4 door with a 400 and Automatic, it also had a 3.73 Posi traction rear. My older brother got it and absolutely beat the living hell out of it. He would leave Posi marks everywhere he went. It could lay some tire!

[@calvincooley1074]

Was it a auto on the floor? My step grands also had on with auto on floor. Thet have to be very rare.

[@bonzainews]

@@calvincooley1074 yes it had a silver paint, red interior seating, red carpets, bucket seats and a floor shifter that had a round Pontiac arrowhead button on the top of the shifter.

[@calvincooley1074]

@@bonzainews my grands car was this light babypoop green w/ same color interior and off white vinyl top.

[@b58hustler71]

I like how he uses shit and shitty in a way that is explicitly descriptive yet not vulgar. I never really thought about the Euro connection. It's an awesome car for 1973.

[@terribelbliss9646]

Thanks Bill that was fun. I remember reading about Pontiac getting caught and fined for the trick valve. I agree that it’s one of the best looking 73 vehicles of any of the American makes. 👍😉

[@trevorshubin]

Loving all of the 70's stuff - Bill makes me wish I was born in the 50's for sure so I could have seen all of these awesome cars rolling around in the wild.

[@fitfogey]

Same fam.

[@BIGLOVE4TRUTH]

Yeah, you missed out in that regard. From an OK boomer.

[@hotwheel6663]

Best decade ever the 70s

[@davidmccaffery7977]

For I the 70's we're the worst of times, and the best of times...😎

[@TSL73]

@@davidmccaffery7977 70s cars were not that great but the pick up trucks and SUVs then were pretty rad

[@brunobalestra]

Outstanding as ever! Best reviewer on KZbin

[@technologic21]

Its styling was from 1978-1980, yet it's a '73. Even the speedo gauges are ahead of its time, what a cool car!

[@jenniferbeyer6412]

This is a beautiful car. Been looking for one for years. Would love to find a 1974. Or a Can Am. My mother had a 1974 with a 455 engine.

[@poweraccountabilityleague6877]

I grew up with cars like this ... you know why we got rid of them and replaced them with 2 decades of shit? Because of the same type of catastrophists who have currently ruined everything that is fun and beautiful.

[@jenniferbeyer6412]

@@poweraccountabilityleague6877 I agree with you. I feel that a car should be beautiful and timeless of style. My all time favorite car is a Buick Riviera 1978 the black and silver anniversary LXXV. Mine had an Oldsmobile 403 engine. Mine had over 1 million miles. But my ASSHOLE father destroyed it. When I get some money I will buy one again. The new cars can not compete with it. And the engine was easy to work on. Not like all the electronic stuff on the new cars.

[@dougholtz]

I bought a new Can Am. Had the 400TA/turbo 400 trans. Wasn't fast, but looked good, like this Grand Am.

[@gtjgtj8334]

One of my favorite videos from you Bill!! Excellent job!!

[@mattattack5205]

Thank you Bill and Johnny! Respect the amount history you put into these reviews. It makes you the best.

[@drippinglass]

Damn! That is Kool! 😎👍 It should have been the 1973 GTO!

[@markdavey2107]

Love the in detail description and history of this Pontiac..u do great work to research all the info..my hats off to you ..great job ..most cant do what u display ..that is rare ..

[@johncarroll1403]

Bill, always... I mean always enjoy your presentations of some of the best, most interesting cars ever made. Thanks for what you do. I always look forward to my Saturday afternoons when I watch one or two of your excellent videos!!!

[@ericbucci6325]

Bill, love the review. I find it so enjoyable and entertaining!! What a cool car, love it with the 4 speed.

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

Hey Bill! This was an awesome and fascinating car to review, man. Truly. God bless Uncle Johnny for this one. :) JV Johnny

[@enriquelopez2550]

I love this car so much! I knew someone back in 1990 high school that had a Can Am (which was awesome too), but barely remembered that these existed until recently. A few weeks ago I stumbled upon a 4 door for sale on Craigslist that was in outstanding condition, which sent me down the rabbit hole of researching just how many were built. Fantastic review as always! Thanks and good luck at Mecum

[@don7680]

Bill, I really enjoy the history and info you present on the cars in your videos. It makes it so much more interesting than just going over the cars details, like the young gals are doing now on the Autohaus vids now. Nice job. Fun viewing.

[@jamesbondeson669]

My father had a 1973 Grand Am, a 4-door with the 455, bought new. That summer, he, my mother, and I took it across the country from Sacramento to Washington DC and then to Massachusetts where my uncle, my mother's brother, was living then. My father and I did the driving. It was really a great road car, comfortable, yet had excellent handling for that era, especially for GM cars. The round trip lasted 2 weeks as I recall. The car was light yellow with a natural brown interior. The front seats were excellent. The closest thing to that today in an American car, is probably the Cadillac CT5-V, or the Dodge Charger R/T or SRT 392. That Grand Am was one of GM's best.

[@Thedoug369]

Love it. My very first car was a 73 Grand Am. Bought it for $200 with 40 thousand miles and a caved in passenger door. Fixed it up and drove the shit out of it for a few years until the tranny went out. That huge back seat worked very well for a 17 year old kid! Wish I had kept her. Lots of good memories in that car. Btw, mine didn't have the hood scoop thingies. In my experience, most of em didn't.

[@marklark8805]

You are a proper time machine for us car lovers of the years gone by. Thank You.

[@davebowles1368]

Thanks Bill. These videos just keep getting better. I like how the videos start with driving at night and the sequence with the headlights. Fantastic car! I wonder if another factor was at work. It had a lot of competition from within Pontiac and GM. Century GS, Malibu SS, 442, LeMans Sport, and GTO.

[@badgerbuddy]

I've always loved these too! Thank you for the Edutainment, and thank Uncle Johnny for delivering another amazing car! on a side note, that lumbar support knob, and real wood dash are quite interesting and surprising too. Especially for a Pontiac!

[@dubelbaril3501]

Great vid! Recently inherited my dad’s 74 GA 400/4-speed that’s been in the garage since ‘86, this vid is inspiring me to get it running again. The interior of the car in the vid is exactly the same as my dad’s except my dad’s has the factory Hurst shifter.

[@patz2894]

Hi Bill, great job on your car reviews! I love your insights on the vehicles with unique history and your snarkey commentary. Your videos are fun and interesting, one of the best on KZbin. Keep up the great work, based on your commentary I think we are of the similar age. SPOT ON on the grand am and the 2021 corvette. I have driven both of these cars Thank you

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

23:44 the bubble wrap addition is a good idea, you don't have to be so mindful of avoiding hard cornering or acceleration when they're back there. Just makes things easier for everyone.

[@johnfrakes4746]

Love watching these reviews of old, 'real' cars! Many Thanks to You!

[@dayamborges6028]

Hi Bill- I find your videos very informative and entertaining to watch. I really enjoy them. I hope you continue to put out frequent car videos. Thank you

[@rogergoodman8665]

Wow! What an awesome car, I'm 50 & only remember seeing like 3 1st Gen Grand Ams my entire life. Ultra rare these days! Thank you Uncle Johnny, You have some very cool cars.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

Another solid video from you. You always put so much effort into your videos. Thank you !

[@montymatilda]

Once again, you bring us a real gem. Thanks Bill, you do great work for us. These were fantastic cars for the time. Love the Grand Prix as well.

[@francoisrivard893]

Great Video! Best KZbin Grand-Am video yet. That was my first car, my mom's ex. We loved that car, my mom still talks about it. Ours was a white 1975 automatic with the 455 / 4 barrel carb (7.4 Litre badge on the trunk) with power everything and tilt steering. I knew about the 4 speed and really / really! wished we had it but alas, you know: mom's car. It was really quick compared to my friends cars and most other cars in 1982 but was no muscle car at 4,200 lbs with 200 hp / about 330 torque caused by early catalytic converter crap and puny valves / lame cams trying to be fuel efficient. LOL. FYI: The trunk area was fully carpeted with a custom fitted carpet cover over the spare and jack as well.

[@markbehr88]

I love the Grand Ams. Your reviews are terrific. Thanks!

[@richardmurray8486]

I had a 1973 GTO. Blue 4 speed on the Floor, 400 c.I. 4 barrel carburetor. Very fast and cool !! I really enjoyed driving the car!

[@ronweed2030]

These were awesome IMHO. A bit too heavy, but I loved the quirky looks. Loved the beak and extended blade fender look with the simple strong grill design.

[@derrickclarke1621]

This one was hard to watch Bill...we had a 73 Pontiac Lemans which we absolutely loved!! It needed work but boy did we get the looks driving that beauty!!! This video brought back so many memories for us like the body style, the Hood scoops, the mirrors, even the wheels...wow!!! Thank you for an amazing trip down memory lane, keep up the great work - from two Canadians who love your stuff!!!!! D and L Clarke

[@sporkfindus4777]

What a beautiful car. Pontiac always seemed to be focused on producing drivers' cars. The seat adjustment really convinced me about the European style. As a European myself though, I see it first as a gorgeous American car. Excellent informative and entertaining review.

[@grand73am]

Yes, other than some interior details that were shared with some Euro cars, that American cars didn't usually have at the time, like the reclining bucket seat backs and the real woodgrain dash inlays, it bears no resemblance to a European car stylistically, mechanically, or size-wise. I agree with your assessment that it's a gorgeous American car! 🙂.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

I'm making my ringtone Bill's intro: "Good morning! This is Bill..." So upbeat, happy. And his voice.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Alarm clock for a good start.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars Maybe his coughing fits for ringtones.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

@@rudolphguarnacci197 "damn birds again, damn birds again" what's that hun? Sorry my boss is calling gotta pick up.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars Never ending combo of Billisms

[@philipp9481]

I really like how you split the video into different "info"-sections! Also the starts from the front and the rear! Really cool! Especially the timemarkers in the video description! 👍 Thans for that!

[@tbetz86]

Im glad to see these cars getting some attention. I was always told by my dad that this was his favorite car that my mom wrecked on him. I looked for 8+ years in my adult hood to find a good one to suprise him with one day. Made it run and drive and look kinda like his old high school car and gave it to him 4 years ago on his birthday. Now the car is getting a full restoration into what he always wanted to turn his original car into. Parts are a little hard to come by though. Ended up buying 3 1977 can ams and a parts lot for parts. But then decided we could make 2 complete Can Ams. Long story short 1 strange car that I heard about when I was younger turned into saving a few of these old orphans.

[@UndisputedMRecabo]

That's awesome man, when you're raised by a dad that makes you want to, and then do something like you did for him speaks volumes about the kind of guy he is, and the kind of son he raised! Awesome man! 👍👍

[@hiitsstillme]

Another uber-rare and great car, Bill. Thanks again for the memories!

[@Thekarlskorner]

Great car and interesting video. I always thought Pontiac had the best sounding exhaust note in those days. I remember starting a new '74 Firebird Formula four speed at my local Pontiac dealer back then. That sound prompted me to order a new SD 455 Formula then and there. I placed a $500.00 down payment which just barely covered the SD 455 engine option price. Unfortunately, the engine was discontinued, so I never got the car. I remember seeing these on the street, and thought they were awesome. Very futuristic in looks and design. Great car even today.

[@buddymorrissey]

I grew up in a Pontiac family, and that SD455 Firebird was my dream car in high school, but never happened for me either. Remember the articles showing the SD455 GrandAm that was never to be? You're right, those Firebirds still look beautiful today. The closest thing to those for me are the 6.4 Hemi Challengers- big two doors with lots of guts and road-hugging weight.

[@MrJoebiz24]

Once again, a KZbin algorithm (if properly termed) recommended this. Spot on. Great car, great layman's review. Great, subtle humor. I'm subbed.

[@charger19691]

You know a true car aficionado when Bill shuts the car down and then re-starts it to make sure his audience all experiences the vehicle firing to life. That’s a true “Car Guy”, Right up there with the likes of Jay Leno. You’re a class act Bill. Thank you for sharing this amazing and rare Grand Am.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Bill, I really liked these Grand Ams when they came out, I think there was a lot of competition that did it in. The Tesla you reviewed? The best thing about that tin can is that it farted!! 👍👍😁

[@MisterMikeTexas]

I haven't seen that video yet! I'll have to pull it up. But, EV's make me sad.

[@fitfogey]

They are lifeless. I like cars that need me. Needs me to push in the clutch, shift into the next gear, pay sharp attention to the road, etc. The latest EVs don’t need me to do anything but remain numb.

[@dgmcbride]

Bill I can almost smell the pre-catalytic converter exhaust from here. lol Thanks for another great video!

[@urbanurchin5930]

Uncle Johnny has the best collection ! You showed us the 1977 Grand Prix a few months ago and now, this, fantastic Grand Am ! When Uncle Johnny decides he is tired of "loving" these fantastic machines - I will be waiting, with a fistful of cash and re-live a magical time in my teenage years. Thanks for the review.......

[@scottwozniak3988]

Great Car. Always wanted one. My dad had a 1973 Grand Prix SJ with the 455. I still remember getting on to the expressway and hearing the tires chirp when it hit second...bone stock! It was great!

[@IamZardoz]

They did make a great looking GTO in 73, looked very similar with a more conventional nose. Check out the 77 CanAm.

[@EliteAmmunition]

I had a bunch of GTO's including a 69. The 1973 GTO and GrandAm had the best suspensions, brakes, build quality was the best of all muscle cars. To this day I regret getting of my 73 GTO.

[@SuperJoes70]

Thank You Bill Great way to start out 2022 need more videos like this !!!

[@HCScoville]

Thanks Bill!!! I haven't seen one of those since my uncle's one that he bought new in the 70's. He also had one of the original GTO''s with the yellow fog lights in white. The Grand Am he had looked exactly like that 😀

[@2001rams]

These 73-75 Grand Am's have been overlooked for a long time (as well as the 73-77 Grand Prix). Can't beat those interiors. Pontiac is still my favorite make, still owning a 74 Trans Am and 07 Solstice GXP. Among the 16 Pontiacs I have had, one was a 77 Can Am. If that car would have been in better condition overall I would have kept it forever. I had more comments on that car than on any other of the 50 cars I have owned the past 52 years.

[@curbozerboomer1773]

1973 was the real beginning of the Great De-tuning....I think that is why car savvy people avoid those years...My 1972 Electra 225 had a huge 455V8....in 69-70, it put out 375hp....by 72, it made just over 300....those engines really became lame during the next few years.

[@abramsmm1]

I had a 76 Grand Prix SJ w/factory Hurst package, 400-4bbl auto. Great memories.

[@mrsam6751]

Beautiful lines and something you’ll never see in the new modern age of autos. Great video!

[@donaldmccloud3067]

Our neighbor had a green '73 Grand Am. I was just 11 years old but I loved hearing him start that thing up every morning! Thanks Bill!

[@youtold7727]

I remember back in 83’ watching this show where some guy was telling us what was hot or in for that year. He showed a custom Mercedes without a chrome bumper, the front end was custom to be same color as the car. Heck Pontiac did that at least a decade earlier.

[@nygelmiller5293]

Beautiful car, inside, and out! Today's manufacturers please take note!

[@70sleftover]

The Pontiac LeMans were my favorite of those '73-'77 GM midsize. Love the slope down of the tail - that's what sold me on them as a kid. The Grand Am versions were so modern, almost futuristic, and distinctly Pontiac - but a rare sight. I swear white was the standard color for this sporty model. Our township police used white midsize Pontiacs as patrol cars back in the mid '70s - no full-size LTDs or Chevy Impalas for them. Maybe that's because we happened to have a Pontiac dealership in the middle of town who "gave them a good deal?" Better handling than the big ones?

[@MarinCipollina]

My next door neighbor had a 1973 PONTIAC GRAND AM he bought new, but with the 7.5 liter 455 V-8 and automatic transmission. It was also white. I rode in it several times as a child.

[@Glock27gunner]

Very under appreciated cars. Great commentary and thanks for taking us for a ride.

[@Bullseye120]

Bill, thanks to you and Uncle Johnny for the review of this car. I think I have never even seen one of these until now. I am familiar with the Can Am that came later, and the later model front drive Grand Am models. Thanks for the enlightenment.

[@mikee2923]

Probably would have sold a lot more had Pontiac been permitted to drop the SD455 in these. Would have made them instant classics. The SD455 was supposed to be available in these, the GTO and Grand Prix in 73. The Grand Prix, Grand Am, Can Am and Firebird Formula and Trans Am are my favorite cars of all time. Also 73 is my favorite year for the GTO. The fact that Malaise era cars are slow can be easily rectified with the availability of aftermarket parts. Especially concerning GM, the Colonnade cars were the last cars that had any kind of style. After that they were all basically crap boxes. I like the styling of all 75 and back Colonnade cars with the round headlights. Olds Cutlass was also nice.

[@fourhillsfarm]

I do recall seeing a four door, four speed 455 grand-am in 1976 or 1977. Had to be a rare car.

[@mikee2923]

@@fourhillsfarm Someone may have dropped in the 455 or converted it to a 4 speed. As far as I can recall, the 455 was only available with the turbo 400 automatic in the Grand Am. From 73-76 I think the only Pontiac that could be had with a 455 and 4 speed manual was a Trans Am or a Formula 455.

[@dougsmith9571]

So much better looking than other GM coupea from the mid 70s. Car magazines liked the way it handled . Sort of a grown up GTO. If it weren't for the gas crisis it would have sold in big numbers . Same 400 as in the early 70s GTOs, just detuned . Great post!

[@bewilderment9268]

I didn't have a Grand Am, but l did have a 74 Lemans Sport Coupe. This was in 1984 or 85. I was cleaning under the hood shortly after buying the car. I uncovered a small factory sticker on the core support. It read, "Notice: this engine is designed to be run on 98 or better octane". A light came on in my head. This is a high performance Pontiac 350. At that time there was still a gas station that sold 105 and 110 octane. I loaded up with 1/2 tank of 105 and that motor woke up. What a runner for a big heavy car. Bucket seats, console shift, aftermarket non leaking sunroof. Shoulda never sold it. What a ride.

[@jimmydraganides153]

I know I'm 10 months late but I've loved this car since I was a little kid. It's so rare and it's probably my favorite car in the world. One day I hope to be lucky enough to own one. Believe it or not it was Mickey Thompsons funny car in the 1970's. Thank you so much I so appreciate the memories.

[@billrichter8871]

Would have love to seen it with the planned SD455 and no 5mph bumpers, a superb car!

[@ForeverDownByLaw]

By far the most interesting of the GM siblings of the time. So cool.

[@seven4185]

Gorgeous car Bill. One of my favorite videos that you have done 💚👍👍👍

[@dosgos]

Enjoyable video for 2021! I appreciated your Euro perspective on the car and think you were spot on.

[@Stockport9b]

Great episode. Thx Bill. My 1st car was a lime green 73 Pontiac Lemans 4 door. 350 cu inch. Think I paid Cdn $3k for it. Good reliable car

[@TheDejael]

Gorgeous classic Pontiac! The 1973-75 Grand Am First Gen was designed by Jack Humbert for John DeLorean on the A-body in 1971 on the LeMans platform. I recall when these cars were introduced there were the enthusiasts like me who also love the last real GTO, the 1973 model. The detractors compared its styling and design to the 1953-55 Studebaker. Which actually is a good thing. Pontiac had some definite European sports luxury car influence as from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. This influence persisted in the Grand Am and Grand Prix models into the 1990s, and made Pontiac far more distinctive than other GM brands using the same body shell from 1973-77. The last gasp of this Humbert-DeLorean collaboration was the beautifully styled 1977 LeMans Can Am. Great design. Like a full-size Firebird, but grossly underpowered due to 1970s CARB regulations which also prohibited the sale of 4-speed stick shift cars especially in California. Then the Malaise era began at Pontiac on the 1978 models and Pontiac's classic era had come to an end except for Firebird which at least carried the classic 2nd-Gen design styling into 1981, with underpowered eviscerated V8 engines.

[@grand73am]

Actually, Charlie Gatewood was the designer for the 73 Grand Am in collaboration with Bill Porter, head of Pontiac styling studio at the time. Also, the 77 Can Am was Jim Wangers' idea and design, refined with the help of Pontiac designer Ben Harrison. Jack Humbert's last designs were the 68 GTO and 70 1/2 Firebird, so he didn't design the 73 Grand Am or the Can Am. I haven't found any mention of Delorean being involved with the Grand Am. Delorean left GM in 1973, so wasn't there for the Can Am.

[@TheDejael]

@@grand73am Hi there! Thanks for your informative comment. I have seen 1968 sketches by Jack Humbert for the proposed 1973-77 A-body Pontiacs, LeMans, GTO, and Grand Am, with his chief designer Charlie Gatewood taking over in 1971-72 on these designs. Also appreciate your mention of the great Jim Wangers on the design of the 1977 Can Am, a tribute to both DeLorean and Humbert who had left PMD by then. Bill Porter was an important person at PMD Design Studio then also, who had worked with both DeLorean and Humbert in the early 1960s Pontiacs beginning with the 1961 models.

[@wagonmaster1974]

"We build excitement...Pontiac!" Cool car - thanks for taking the time to make the video!

[@brittseverence7221]

I had a 1973 Grand Am with 455 Cid and 4-barrel carb. It was I the pale factory yellow and brown vinyl covered roof. This beautiful fantail had two super long doors and sharp rear side window gills. What a car. Quiet, mercedes euros ride, massive front and rear anti sway bars, nimble, and very fast. There were some cost cutting features, like fake wood dash and plastic covered honeycomb wheels, but overall it was a quality piece of engineering. They even put tubes in the radial tires for an extra euro touch. The hydramatic Trans was nicely matched and strong. Bought it with seven thousand miles on it for $3500 in 1975. Drove from Maine to Montana in complete comfort...cruising open west roads at 125-130 mph without hesitation and for long autobahn-like stretches. Better than a cramped Firebird, this 7.4 litter V8 car would blow by slow drivers like a fast train. Even today, you never see such a monster size engine. Power surged in extreme. My Dad advised it was a driver's car, and to respect its capability. Sold it back to the original owner after my family grew. I have owned many American and euro cars, and the Grand Am remains the most exciting.

[@retrocorner5737]

Love this car. Imagine if muscle cars continued.

[@mzaccagnini7179]

I love that it has a 4speed. That makes a great car like this even better.

[@andrewoneill583]

Without a doubt, this is my favorite video you have done. I absolutely love this car. You nailed it in a big time way...What if...Yes what if factory performance cars were allowed to follow their course. The Pontiac Grand Am is it. Awesome, keep the vids coming.

[@thomasfisher1732]

Great car!! I learned to drive on my Mom's '76 Bonneville with the 400. Great motor. She kept it till '89 then got a '82 Buick Regal. Also a real gem. A friends Grandfather had an '81 Grand Prix two tone copper and black. Needless to say I've been a GM guy my whole life. Love your vids.

[@davefinfrock3324]

The missed opportunity that was the '73 GTO. It should have had the SD455 which would have made it a legend. Instead, it's a footnote with a station wagon engine. The '77 Can Am was an attempt to resurrect better days, but it's production run was cut short due to the failure of the spoiler tooling. I had the opportunity to buy a Can Am back in around '86, but the car was a little questionable and I really needed reliable transportation and not a project with a nebulous future. The Trans Am would pick up the slack with the T/A 6.6 cars, but the lack of a muscle car style intermediate was never remedied in Pontiac's lineup until the '04 GTO.

[@briansd2772]

Agreed on the SD455. Pontiac top brass wouldn't agree to build more engines and then there was that issue of the SD connecting rod shortage.

[@audieconrad8995]

This was definitely one of the best of GM's Collonades. Pontiac was still punching some hp/ft.lb. even in '73.

[@theonionman]

My parents had a blue '73 Le Mans when I was five years old.I loved that body style even at that age. It was great to look over the hood of this car as it brought back some memories. They even had white lace applied to the hood. Thank you for sharing!!!🏁

[@stevepaza]

My uncle had the same one in 1983 in Iran. In all Iran there were 12 cars like this. The brother of Shah brought them to Iran. I Was a 6 years old child at this time,and still i love it. Now i live in germany and one day i will buy one. Thanks for this nice childhood memory🙏🙏🌹🌹🇺🇸🇩🇪

[@Paul-sf7vl]

Still don't know why this car was not the 73 GTO. It's so much better than the 73 GTO. I'm a Pontiac guy (have a 72 GTO that I've had for 23 years, that I will be selling), and have studied these cars quite a bit, but still learn things from your reviews, excellent!

[@unowen-nh9ov]

It almost is, but when new they served different purposes, GTO was muscle car, while this came in sedan because it was meant to compete with Europeans. By '73 muscle cars were neutered & GTO was closer to LeMans while Grand Am was on its way out.

[@grand73am]

He did mention in the video that GTO sales had been slumping pretty badly for 71 (about 10,500) and 72 (only about 5800). So, Pontiac figured the GTO had run its course, and muscle cars had fallen out of favor with buyers. So, they decided that a new model and name would sell better. And it worked the first year anyway, since that was before the oil embargo/gas crisis of late 1973, during the early 74 model year. There were 43,000 Grand Ams sold for 1973. And add in the 4800 GTO's they sold, and the total sales were a big improvement over the 2 previous years of GTO, and even more than the 40,000 GTO's sold in 1970.

[@audriusbaranauskas6227]

These days you must have a certain amount of space between the engine and the hood for pedestrian safety, so they can land comfortably on the hood. Back then you just put a sharp beak on the front so you would slice them in half.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Ah, how i long for those days of yore.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

The beak is plastic & deformable, Pontiac Endura was meant for use as bumper.

[@Jim-wr9iz]

Thanks for doing this video. Thanks for taking your time to show just how epic and ahead of its time it was. Through almost all of the video I was holding back my tears. This was my favorite car as a young man. Who am I kidding? This is my GOAT car and I'm 59 next week. I had the Cameo White exterior as well. Just an FYI, not all GAs had NACA ducts. Mine did not nor does its doppelganger in the Lingenfelter Collection. My dad bought my sister one as well. It was green and subsequently repainted green & gold. We were a two 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 2D Cpe Collonade household for a while. We had the ATs, so no tachs. I did have a set of five honeycomb wheels. Hers had rallyes. Neither had NACAs. Only car I've ever driven over 100 mph. 110, felt like it could've attained 135. But you're not supposed to abuse your wife your kids or your dream car, so 110 it'll have to remain. Stop putting your offspring in the trunk btw... my post is as long as your video. Thanks for the angst and the quality vid. You gained a sub after one view. Cheers!

[@turnsout5061]

Found your channel a few days ago and I've probably watched 30 videos in that time. Awesome stuff man. You're entertaining, you have a seemingly endless supply of cherry classics at your fingertips, with a wealth of great background context on the cars, and the dedication and inclination to put together videos on them and get them up on youtube. This is just all great shit. I'm a car guy with a deep love of the same cars that seem to be in your wheelhouse. Good shit.