1963 · Pontiac · United States
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix: Production Doubles, and Four Ratings Get a Second Source
Production more than doubled to 72,959 at an unchanged price.
United States · researched through 2026-09-23
This record's own dek states that production more than doubled to 72,959 at an unchanged price, and this record's own overview repeats that figure against an unchanged $3,490, adding that the 1963 Grand Prix carried Bonneville equipment plus monochromatic Morrokide, a woodgrain steering wheel and dash trim, bucket seats, and a console with a vacuum gauge, with the 303-hp four-barrel 389 standard. This record's own overview also states that Motor Trend's March 1963 test car, a Grand Prix fitted with the 370-hp 421 HO and a four-speed, ran 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.1 seconds at 94 mph.1,2,3
This record's own engines section lists five power choices: the standard 389 four-barrel at 303 hp and 425 lb-ft, an optional 389 Tri-Power at 318 hp and 430 lb-ft, an optional 421 four-barrel at 353 hp and 455 lb-ft, an optional 421 Tri-Power at 370 hp and 455 lb-ft, and a 389 two-barrel economy engine, available only with Economy Hydra-Matic and a 2.56:1 axle, rated 230 hp and 386 lb-ft. This record's own conflicts section carries four separate rating disputes for the year: the 421 HO's torque, where the AMA factory sheet and Motor Trend agree at 460 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm against the Over-Drive compilation's 455 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm; the 421 four-barrel's own horsepower, where the compiler's narrative text names a 338-hp engine that its own engine tables do not list; the 389 Tri-Power's rating, 318 hp in the Over-Drive fact sheet against 313 hp in the AMA sheet; and the standard 389's torque, 425 lb-ft in the fact sheet against 430 lb-ft in the AMA sheet. In each case this record's own treatment note states both figures are shown rather than one being silently dropped.1,4,3
This record's own transmissions section lists a four-speed Synchromesh floor shift and a Super Hydra-Matic, each optional at $231.34. This record's own options section, again drawn from the full-size Pontiac line without item-by-item Grand Prix marking, itemizes aluminum hubs and drums from $122 to $138, a tachometer at $54, a Safe-T-Track differential at $42, air conditioning at $430, a Cordova top at $86, an instrument gauge cluster from $21 to $59, power brakes at $57, a power seat at $96, a power tilt bucket seat (left-hand) at $71, a remote control mirror at $12, sports wheel covers from $30 to $46, and Tri-Power induction from $116 to $174 depending on model and transmission.1
This record's own paint table lists fourteen colors by code and name, from Starlight Black and Cameo Ivory through Nocturne Blue, with no per-color production published. This record's own interiors section carries a single entry describing the standard monochromatic Morrokide, woodgrain steering wheel and dash trim, bucket seats, and the center console with its vacuum gauge, matching the equipment this record's own overview already names.1
This record's own specifications section gives a 120.0-inch wheelbase, 211.9-inch overall length, and 54.1-inch overall height for the Grand Prix, with a compiled shipping weight of 3,915 pounds against the AMA factory sheet's 3,930 pounds, a conflict this record's own conflicts section carries separately; the AMA sheet also gives a curb weight of 4,123 pounds for the standard-equipment Grand Prix coupe, body 2957, while Motor Trend's own 421 HO test car carried a manufacturer-stated curb weight of 4,190 pounds. This record's own specifications section further states the standard power team as the 389 four-barrel with heavy-duty three-speed and a 3.42:1 axle, 3.64 optional; axle ratios of 3.23 standard and 3.42 optional with Hydra-Matic 375; a 3.42:1 axle across all 421 HO transmissions; four-speed gearing of 2.20/1.64/1.30/1.00 for the 421 against a close-ratio 2.54/1.92/1.50/1.00 special order for the 389; seven rear axle ratios offered with 3.64 and 3.90 special order only; acrylic lacquer paint; and a concave one-piece rear window.1,2,3,4
This record's own performance section carries a single Motor Trend test of a 421 HO Grand Prix with four-speed, Saf-T-Track 3.42:1 axle, and aluminum wheels: 3.0 seconds to 30 mph, 4.6 to 45, 6.6 to 60, a 15.1-second quarter mile at 94 mph, and a 147-foot stop from 60 mph. This record's own prices section gives that same test car a basic price of $3,489 and an as-tested price of $4,675.19 including tax and license.3
This record's own identification section gives the Grand Prix as series 29, body 2957, a five-passenger two-door hardtop coupe, with bucket front seats explaining the five-passenger rating despite the sportier layout; it also carries the AMA sheet's own locations for the vehicle serial number, on the left front body pillar, and the engine number, stamped on the front of the right-hand cylinder bank, both drawn from the same factory specification sheet issued September 12, 1962.2,4
Fact sheet · 1963 · United States
The numbers
1963 Pontiac Grand Prix — Production more than doubled to 72,959 at an unchanged price.
Coverage: Partial — researched sections are shown; missing ones are not yet sourced. Researched through 2026-09-23.
Every figure is labeled with how sure we are. Reported means a manufacturer, registry, or reference figure we cite but have not reconciled against factory records ourselves. Disputed means credible sources disagree and both are shown. Rows are separately scoped; don't add them together unless the note says they make up a total.
Key facts
Production
| What was counted | Count | Basis | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix 2-door hardtop coupe2,1,5 Grand Prix · 2-door hardtop coupe · not stated by source Standard Catalog lineage. | 72,959 | built, model-year | Reported |
Prices when new
| Model | Price | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix 2-door hardtop2 | $3,490 | factory price as compiled, 1963 model year |
| Motor Trend test car, basic price3 | $3,489 | basic price as printed by the magazine, 1963-03 |
| Motor Trend test car, as tested3 | $4,675.19 | price as tested, plus tax and license, 1963-03 |
Prices are the nominal dollars of the day, not adjusted for inflation.
Engines
| Engine | Factory rating | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| 389 4-bbl1 389 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.25:1 | 303 hp @ 4,600, 425 lb-ft @ 2,800 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | Grand Prix standard | Not yet sourced |
| 389 Tri-Power1 389 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 318 hp @ 4,600, 430 lb-ft @ 3,200 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | optional all lines | Not yet sourced |
| 421 4-bbl1 421 cu in · 4-barrel, 10.75:1 | 353 hp @ 5,000, 455 lb-ft @ 3,400 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | optional all lines | Not yet sourced |
| 421 Tri-Power1 421 cu in · three 2-barrels, 10.75:1 | 370 hp @ 5,200, 455 lb-ft @ 3,400 (SAE gross (period advertised rating)) | optional all lines | Not yet sourced |
| 389 2-bbl economy (Hydra-Matic only)4 389 cu in · 2-barrel, 8.6:1 | 230 hp @ 4,000, 386 lb-ft @ 2,000 (SAE gross (AMA published maximum bhp)) | Grand Prix (series 29) with Economy Hydra-Matic; 2.56:1 axle | Not yet sourced |
Ratings are the manufacturer's advertised figures under the standard shown (SAE gross before 1972, SAE net after). They are not dyno results, and gross and net ratings can't be compared directly.
Transmissions
| Transmission | Availability | Built |
|---|---|---|
| Four-speed Synchromesh, floor shift1 | optional, $231.34 | Not yet sourced |
| Super Hydra-Matic1 | optional, $231.34 | Not yet sourced |
Options and packages
| Code | Option | Price | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum hubs and drums (price range)1 | $122 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tachometer1 | $54 | Not yet sourced |
|
Safe-T-Track differential1 | $42 | Not yet sourced |
|
Air conditioning1 | $430 | Not yet sourced |
|
Cordova top1 | $86 | Not yet sourced |
|
Instrument gauge cluster1 | $21 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power brakes1 | $57 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power seat1 | $96 | Not yet sourced |
|
Power tilt bucket seat, left-hand1 | $71 | Not yet sourced |
|
Remote control mirror1 | $12 | Not yet sourced |
|
Sports wheel covers1 | $30 | Not yet sourced |
|
Tri-Power induction (389)1 | $116 | Not yet sourced |
Paint
| Code | Color | Built |
|---|---|---|
A |
Starlight Black1 | Not yet sourced |
C |
Cameo Ivory1 | Not yet sourced |
D |
Silvermist Gray1 | Not yet sourced |
F |
Yorktown Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
H |
Kimberley Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
J |
Silverleaf Green1 | Not yet sourced |
L |
Marimba Red1 | Not yet sourced |
P |
Aquamarine1 | Not yet sourced |
Q |
Marlin Aqua1 | Not yet sourced |
R |
Yuma Beige1 | Not yet sourced |
S |
Saddle Bronze1 | Not yet sourced |
T |
Caravan Gold1 | Not yet sourced |
V |
Grenadier Red1 | Not yet sourced |
W |
Nocturne Blue1 | Not yet sourced |
Color names are the factory's. We don't show color swatches, because a screen color is no guide for a restoration.
Interiors
| Code | Trim | Built |
|---|---|---|
|
Monochromatic Morrokide, woodgrain steering wheel and dash trim, bucket seats, center console with vacuum gauge1 | Not yet sourced |
Specifications
| Measure | Value | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase1 | 120 in | Grand Prix |
| Overall length1 | 211.9 in | Grand Prix |
| Overall height1 | 54.1 in | Grand Prix |
| Shipping weight2 | 3,915 lb | Grand Prix |
| Curb weight3 | 4,190 lb | Motor Trend test car (manufacturer specification) |
| Overall width1 | 78.7 in | 1963 full-size Pontiac (all series) |
| Front tread1 | 64 in | 1963 full-size Pontiac |
| Rear tread1 | 64 in | 1963 full-size Pontiac |
| Standard tires1 | 8.00 x 14 | passenger cars; 8.50 x 14 optional |
| Four-speed ratios (421 CID)1 | 2.20 / 1.64 / 1.30 / 1.00, reverse 2.26 :1 | 421 four-speed; 389 four-speed 2.54 / 1.92 / 1.50 / 1.00 (close ratio special order for 389) |
| Rear axle ratios offered1 | seven ratios; 3.64 and 3.90 special order only | 1963 full-size Pontiac |
| Curb weight (AMA)4 | 4,123 lb | Grand Prix 2957, standard equipment |
| Shipping weight (AMA, licensing weight)4 | 3,930 lb | Grand Prix 2957 |
| Standard power team4 | 389 4-bbl 303 hp with heavy-duty 3-speed synchromesh, axle 3.42 (3.64 optional); four-speed optional | Grand Prix series 29 |
| Axle ratios with Hydra-Matic 3754 | 3.23 (standard), 3.42 :1 | Grand Prix 389 4-bbl 303 hp with Hydra-Matic 375 |
| Axle ratio with 421 HO engines4 | 3.42 :1 | 421 HO four-barrel and 3-2 barrel, all transmissions |
| Paint finish4 | Acrylic lacquer | 1963 Pontiac, including Grand Prix |
| Rear window4 | Concave, one piece | Grand Prix 2957 |
Period road tests
| Test | Car tested | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Trend, 1963-0330-30 mph | Grand Prix 2-door hardtop, 421 HO (370 hp), four-speed, Saf-T-Track 3.42:1, aluminum wheelsas reported by the magazine | 3 s |
| Motor Trend, 1963-0330-45 mph | Grand Prix 2-door hardtop, 421 HO (370 hp), four-speed, Saf-T-Track 3.42:1, aluminum wheelsas reported by the magazine | 4.6 s |
| Motor Trend, 1963-0330-60 mph | Grand Prix 2-door hardtop, 421 HO (370 hp), four-speed, Saf-T-Track 3.42:1, aluminum wheelsas reported by the magazine | 6.6 s |
| Motor Trend, 1963-033standing quarter mile, elapsed time | Grand Prix 2-door hardtop, 421 HO (370 hp), four-speed, Saf-T-Track 3.42:1, aluminum wheelsas reported by the magazine | 15.1 s |
| Motor Trend, 1963-033standing quarter mile, speed | Grand Prix 2-door hardtop, 421 HO (370 hp), four-speed, Saf-T-Track 3.42:1, aluminum wheelsas reported by the magazine | 94 mph |
| Motor Trend, 1963-033stopping distance from 60 mph | Grand Prix 2-door hardtop, 421 HO (370 hp), four-speed, Saf-T-Track 3.42:1, aluminum wheelsas reported by the magazine | 147 ft |
A road test result belongs to the one car that was tested, with its engine, gearing, tires, and conditions. It is not a figure for every car of the year.
Identification
- Series and body
- Series 29, body 2957, 2-door hardtop coupe, 5-passenger.2
- Serial and engine number locations
- Vehicle serial number on the left front body pillar; engine number on the front of the right-hand cylinder bank.4
- Body style and seating
- Grand Prix body 2957, 2-door hardtop coupe; passenger capacity 5 because bucket front seats are standard.4
Where the sources disagree
1963 421 370 hp torque rating
Show both. The factory AMA sheet (issued 1962-09-12) agrees with Motor Trend at 460 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm, so that figure leads; the Over-Drive compilation's 455 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm matches the AMA figure for the four-barrel 421 HO and is probably carried over from that row.
1963 421 four-barrel rating within the Over-Drive fact sheet
- 421 four-barrel 338 hp; 353 hp with Tri-Power; 370 hp HO with Tri-Power1
- 421 four-barrel HO 353 hp at 5,000 rpm; 421 Tri-Power HO 370 hp at 5,200 rpm (no 338 hp engine listed)1
- 421 HO 4-barrel 353 hp at 5,000 rpm, 455 lb-ft at 3,400; 421 HO 3-2 barrel 370 hp at 5,200 rpm, 460 lb-ft at 3,800 (factory sheet)4
The compiler's narrative and engine tabs disagree. The factory AMA power-team page (p. 3, issued 1962-09-12) lists only two 421 street engines, the 421 HO four-barrel at 353 hp at 5,000 rpm and the 421 HO 3-2 barrel at 370 hp at 5,200 rpm, and no 338 hp engine; the engines table follows the AMA sheet.
1963 389 Tri-Power rating
Show both. The factory AMA sheet is the primary document, but it may have been revised after 1962-09-12; the engines table keeps the compiled 318 hp row with this conflict attached.
1963 Grand Prix shipping weight
Show both; the AMA figure is the factory licensing weight as issued 1962-09-12, the compiled table's source is unstated.
Identification
Read a 1963 Pontiac VIN
The VIN decoder runs in your browser and never sends the VIN anywhere. How the factory numbered this year's cars:
Same model year
Also in 1963
- Buick Riviera Buick's first Riviera, a four-seat personal-luxury hardtop limited to 40,000 cars, with a 401 Nailhead standard and a 340-hp 425 added in December 1962.
- Buick Wildcat The Wildcat became its own series, adding a convertible and four-door hardtop; 35,725 built.
- Chevrolet Chevy II and Nova First Nova Super Sport year in the source production table. Enthusiast-compiled production: 372,626 cars; Super Sport 42,432.
- Chevrolet Impala SS Super Sport (RPO Z03) peaks toward the 1960s high: 153,271 built, plus the Z11 427 drag package.
- Chrysler 300 letter series Hardtop-only and trimmed exclusively in Claret Red leather, the 300J carried a 390 hp short-ram 413 as its only engine; 400 were built, the smallest letter-car run.
- Dodge Dart 330/440, Polara and Max Wedge The Max Wedge grew to 426 cu in, rated at 415 or 425 hp, and a Ramchargers Dodge driven by Herman Moser won Stock at the 1963 NHRA Nationals; Ramcharger production remains unsourced.
- Ford Fairlane Hardtops and wagons joined the Fairlane line; reference-site counts give 28,268 bucket-seat Fairlane 500 Sport Coupes, beside 97,444 Fairlanes and 246,443 Fairlane 500s.
- Ford Falcon Sprint The mid-year 1963 1/2 Sprint put the Fairlane's 164 hp 260 V8 into the compact Falcon for the first time, as a hardtop and a convertible.
- Ford Galaxie The 406 opened the year and was replaced mid-year by the 427, in Q-code (410 hp, one four-barrel) and R-code (425 hp, two four-barrels) form, while a fastback Sports Hardtop was offered in the Galaxie 500 and 500 XL series.
- Ford Thunderbird The Sports Roadster's second and last year: only 455 were built.
- Mercury Marauder and S-55 The S-55 line grew to four bodies, and the mid-year fastback Marauder hardtop arrived with 390, 406 and 427 V8s available.
- Oldsmobile Starfire A squared-off roof with a concave rear window; production fell 38 percent to 25,890.
- Plymouth Savoy, Fury and Max Wedge The Super Stock engine grew to 426 cu in at 415 or 425 hp, a Stage II revision followed, and Chrysler's own four-speed arrived in May 1963; Super Stock production remains unsourced.
- Pontiac Catalina 2+2 and Super Duty Three Super Duty 421 ratings up to 410 hp, then GM's racing withdrawal ended them early in the model year.
- Pontiac Tempest and LeMans A V8 for the Tempest, and about a dozen Super Duty Tempests built for racing before Pontiac's January 1963 withdrawal.
- Studebaker Avanti Studebaker's fiberglass four-seat coupe went on sale with a 289 V8 and an optional $210 Paxton supercharger. It was billed on the strength of a 1962 run of Bonneville records, and 3,834 were built as 1963 models.
- Studebaker Hawk The GT Hawk could now be ordered with the Avanti's R1 and supercharged R2 engines, and a spring 1963 package created the Super Hawk. Old Cars Weekly counts 396 R1 cars among 4,009 domestic GT Hawks.
- Studebaker Lark and Super Lark Studebaker offered the Avanti's R1 and supercharged R2 engines in the compact Lark and added a Super Lark package in April. No source read gives an R2 Lark count; the estimates run from about 200 to a few hundred.