Back in the late 1960s, Pontiac introduced the Grand Prix SJ to meet the growing demand for personal luxury cars with real performance credentials. Fitted with a potent 428 cubic-inch V8 and offered with a four-speed manual gearbox, the model combined muscle car strength with upscale comfort. Only a few hundred were produced with a manual transmission, making it a rare machine.
In a new episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the legendary presenter climbs behind the wheel of a well-preserved example. Nicknamed the «banker’s hot rod,» the car wears its original brown paint with a vinyl roof and comes equipped with period luxuries such as power windows, climate control air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and an AM/FM stereo.
A powerhouse under the bonnet
The 428 engine delivers 370 horsepower with an abundance of low-end torque, offering a very different character from today’s high-revving powerplants. The current owner, Scott Mancini, has been passionate about Pontiac Grand Prix models since childhood, thanks to his uncle’s influence. He discovered this survivor car on jack stands, untouched since 1989, with just 13,000 miles showing. Learning it had a four-speed manual sealed the decision to buy.
Classic style meets driver’s appeal
On the road, the Grand Prix SJ makes a strong impression. Its long bonnet and broad stance exude presence and luxury, while the manual gearbox adds genuine driver involvement. Smooth shifts, strong braking, and the V8’s muscular pull create a surprisingly capable and enjoyable experience, even more than 50 years after it left the factory.
Across 30 minutes, Leno and Mancini explore the car in detail, before heading out for a memorable drive that shows why the 1969 Grand Prix SJ remains such a fascinating blend of luxury and performance.
Kursiv also reports that Audi has presented its new Concept C sports car in Milan.
