What Pontiac would you buy?
 

If you had a budget of 40- 50k and wanted to buy a Pontiac to drive and enjoy for local shows, cruises, etc., and sell in 10 years in the same condition as bought, what would you buy? For investment purposes, I'm guessing you would break even or make a little when you sell.

I'm just starting to second guess having money for retirement in the bank and still not having a finished car at 60 yrs. old. I'm like screw it buy something enjoy it until I need to sell it.

Thoughts?

69 4 speed bird.Tom

A 68 GTO or 69 Firebird or 70 GP or 71 T/A or 72 T/A or 73 T/A or 74 T/A or 65 GTO, 2+2, or 66 Bonneville, or 67 Bonneville

Or a late 50's GMC truck with the Pontiac Engine. Whichever happens my way, Not picky. (Geez, my 1st upside down pict)

All great cars. I've been looking at the 71-74 TAs. Also love the 68-72 A body's.

Don't feel bad, you are not the only one in the same situation. Life and responsibilities get in the way, and before you know it, you are on the downhill slide. Any of the cars mentioned below are good candidates for sure but don't limit yourself to just Pontiacs. I have had Pontiacs, Olds, Buick, Chevy, and Mopar muscle cars. I have had a great time with all of them!
And to be totally honest.....my favorite of all my cars is my 2013 Camaro SS 1LE. Of course, the engine is highly modified and puts out close to 600 RWHP with the AC on. So don't count out the modern muscle as well. JMTC

I would tie myself in knots with options on that kinda budget.

A year ago I would have said a 61-62 Catalina, but I have since acquired a 62 Cat Safari and scratched that itch.

Ive always said once in my life I would own a black and gold 77-78 Trans Am. I saw Smokey and the Bandit in 1989 when I was 5. That movie and car started it all for me. 65 GTO or a 70-73 Firebird would also be high And honestly I would probably be looking for a car with character with that kinda budget. Sometimes that had been a former race car or something with unique paint.

This is probably going to be an unpopular answer on a forum that mostly considered pontiac dead in the early 80s, but I would consider some low production "newer" models that would likely go up more steeply in value.

For me that would be 1989 TTA, and the late production G8 GXPs.

The one Pontiac that has so far eluded me from my bucket list would be a '69 or '70 Grand Prix ...triple black or maybe blue , fully optioned would be my choice.

My problem is that my bucket list is longer than my arm & I already have 13, so....

God Bless
Bill
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...closed.614419/

Driver A or B body convertible. Would prefer AC and PW, manual would be a huge plus.

Nothing that will age out in that time. So earlier than 1967 Pontiacs really not that great to buy. They have been stagnant in value for years and going lower for the most part. And I love early 1960s Catalinas and 1964-1965 GTOs, but in anything under $50k today not seeing much love. Will only be worse in a decade as they are already not trending with todays under 40 buyer.

Later 2nd gen Trans Ams in that price point would be the most car you can get I feel that will remain relevant in a decade.

With cash on hand, I'd be looking every day morning afternoon and night. Eventually someone will be selling a car below market value. Strike it while the irons hot.

"61 full size Pontiac

I'd buy the same car all over again (74 TA) but even with the bias it's a fair investment.

I also agree the third gens will go thru the roof as the kids that wanted them in high school will be coming for them...

I'd say get the one YOU love the most. Forget about the "investment" aspect. All of these cars will tend to go up in value, so get the one that you'll enjoy the most. That's what they're for.

But, in that price range you could find a pretty nice 74-76 TA that would be a fun car.

65, 67, 70 GTO's.
67 or 68 400 Firebird.
My TA.
69 or 70 Gran Prix.
62 Catalina
64 Bonneville, I had one of those...

I'd get a Solstice and let the good time roll.

64-68 4 speed GTO.

'62 GP, AMX, OHC firebird, Got to be manual tho.

George

70-73 Trans Am
77-78 Trans Am
69-70 GTO

I would be afraid to spend a lot of money on an investment car that in 20-30 years they would make it too hard to drive and it would be worth very little. If I did though it would have to be a model that had good aftermarket support. That would limit it to early Camaros/ Fbirds, Chevelle/GTO or Mustang and possibly some Mopars. I am afraid late model cars/trucks will not have parts to keep them on the road in 20 years. They require too much electronics and there will be no NOS parts available.

I would be looking at a 4th gen TA. For your budget you could pick up a very nice low mileage example;

https://www.ebay.com/itm/145536983804?

For overall performance, I would think a 71-73 Formula 400 or Formula 455 would be a great car in your price range. I left out 1970 because of high compression and available fuel. I left out Trans Ams because I doubt a nice one could be found in your price range. The formulas are great looking and unique and much less expensive. Moving up in size, a 71-72 GTO can be found in that price range. Good handling and brakes and low compression. I personally have a liking for 58 Pontiacs. Can be bought in that price range but I imagine prices will be going down on them in 10 years. Handling and brakes are pretty horrible as well. But the styling and the beautiful optimistic interiors!! Two tone paint jobs, They are just beautiful.

Early 60s big cars are fading on value now except for SDs.JMHO,tom

close your eyes and imagine yourself driving down the interstate, or pulling into a Cruise Night.................. what car do you see yourself in?

Something like this:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...rd-trans-am-6/

Or this:

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1101954/1...aa_id=510183-0

71 Trans Am in blue .

If you can find a nice one for 50K, let me know, I'll buy it right now.

I've had my '65 and '67 GTO's for over 40 years, driving them the whole time. So, many miles and memories. Currently working on a '66 GTO that I picked up 3 months ago....my first 'new' GTO in over 30 years. It, like the '67, is a ragtop. The '65 and '66 are 4 speed cars. That said, since childhood, I've ALWAYS loved the '61-'62 Pontiacs. So a nice '61 Catalina/Ventura/Bonneville or a '62 Grand Prix, black with red interior and 4 speed, would be just fine. But for 50k, probably not happening. Plus, I have too many cars as is. All of them run and drive, though, as that's the rule of the house. Have seen too many 'restoration' projects sit in pieces in a garage for a lifetime and never make any memories for the owner.

1969 Grand Prix SJ. Triple black with 428 HO and 4 spd.

I had a 1969 GP model J in triple blue. Body was Warwick blue. It is the only car I wish I never sold.

65 GTO. OR 63 GP 4spd like my college ride.

I have a long list of cars, but I will settle for a 69 Judge Convertible. LOL thanks, Marc

I would buy my Matador 69 Judge back. I had to sell it under b.s. circumstances. :(

That's a fantastic car, but I don't think anyone is buying a 69 428 HO 4-speed GP in local show condition in his price range. However, a 69-70 GP, 400 auto or a non-HO 428 might fit his budget. They are great driving and handling cars even without a 4-speed. A stick would be very cool though. Fuel would be an issue with original engines those years.

This, but I'll modify (because of your budget) to a Solstice GXP Coupe 5spd.

Very limited production (1152 made in 2009 and a 114 in 2010. That is total Solstice Coupe production (1260) and only 850 were GXP's with the 260HP 2.0L turbo.

We bought our daughter an '09 Brazen Orange Coupe for her 50th birthday last February. It's a base coupe with the 177HP base motor.

The nice thing with this for her is if it needs work, any good independent repair shop or any GM dealer can work on it.

With your budget, you can look for a super clean, very low mileage car.

Or simply spend less and enjoy.

That’s a great color, I want Carousel Red, but I have seen a Matador Jude Convertible and would not mind that too…

A 94 TA convertible 25th anniversary
You can find them with ultra low mileage that have been babied and pampered and garaged for 30-35k.
About what they cost new.
Beautiful cars with amazing interior.
I don't like the factory wheels , but some vintage Honeycombs should fit them.

89 Turbo Trans Am 20th anniversary.
I think 30-40k will still buy a nice low mileage one.
They are QUICK
Somewhere between 89-91 I was at a muscle car festival at either Darlington drag strip or Rockingham drag strip .
Young kid driving his Dads 89 TTA made it all the way to the finals in the race event.
He would have won , but he redlighted on the final run.

40-50k won't buy the cars I really love the most in show condition.

I would be including for consideration any pre-'75 400-455 F-body, any pre-'73 GTO and several mid to early '60s B-bodies... honorable mention, '61 Ventura tri-power bubbletop.

"Later 2nd gen Trans Ams in that price point would be the most car you can get I feel that will remain relevant in a decade"

It looks like several members agreed with this. Makes sense from an investment standpoint. It's all about demand.

Lately leaning this way. I know the handling is no where near that of the later models, but still a comfortable ride in my opinion.

94 TA Vert 25th with 326 miles (three hundred and twenty six)
Just sold at B-J Arizona for 30k on Wednesday

78 TA W72 Gold Edition with 4 spd and 41 options with 47,000 miles sold for 46k on Tuesday

Who cares about value, buy what brings you happiness and enjoyment. You won't be taking the car or your money with you to the grave.

Very large assortment of 2nd Gen TA's going through the B-J auction in Arizona
https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Even...024/01-28-2024

Wow, the responses are exactly what I was hoping they would be. Tons of knowledge and insight offered. Thanks.

I'm on bring a trailer, hemmings auction, and various other sites daily. I have been watching them long enough to know a good deal when I see one. I'm thinking I should consider 68-70 GTO'S and 71-75 Formula's/TA's and get the best one for the money. I'm flexible on options, colors, wheels etc.. I would try to get a 4 speed tho. I prefer mostly stock appearance.

If I could have more than one, I do like the Grand Prixs or 69 Catalina.

In my opinion, a 65-66 2+2 is a great option. They drive well, have plenty of room and are a great looking car to boot.

James Q

In the end get the car YOU want and don't worry about what it is worth in 10 years. You only live once. Most of these older (1967 and earlier) cars as much as we may love them are just not going to have buyers for them in a decade - big cars, Catalinas Grand Prix etc. Even GTO's have not kept up with inflation and the car market in general the past decade. Not going to get better in another decade.

I'd look for a 78-81 Trans Am, with a 455 and a driver quality paint job and just drive it and enjoy it as much as possible.. The remainder of the budget would sit in my bankaccount for when I need it for retirement or another Pontiac.

I was watching a couple past barrett jackson auctions held end of 23' today. Looked like 40k will still get you a pretty nice car. Base GTO, firebird / formula/ TAs. I don't want to be afraid to drive one that's too nice.

"Nothing that will age out in that time. So earlier than 1967 Pontiacs really not that great to buy. They have been stagnant in value for years and going lower for the most part. And I love early 1960s Catalinas and 1964-1965 GTOs, but in anything under $50k today not seeing much love. Will only be worse in a decade as they are already not trending with todays under 40 buyer.

Later 2nd gen Trans Ams in that price point would be the most car you can get I feel that will remain relevant in a decade"

Sad, but true. I wonder what will happen to all the cool early to mid 60's large body cars?

2009 G8 GXP. FAST with 6 speed, great handles great, comfortable on long trips, and is becoming a cult/collectable car as the last high performance Pontiac.

If I was to get another Pontiac it would be a 66 2+2 with the 421, 4 speed, bucket seats, console, plus the 8 lug wheels. And I might have found one.

Another ‘72 GP, but with a 455 this time.