About the OEM Factory Air Conditioning System Originally Installed on the 1969 Grand Prix

Grand Prix background and what was new in 1969

The Grand Prix as a model

The Pontiac Grand Prix was first introduced in 1962 as Pontiac’s answer to the Ford Thunderbird, slotted as a luxury, performance, mid-size car, between the larger Bonneville and the smaller Tempest in the Pontiac lineup.

The 1969 Grand Prix in context

The 1969 Grand Prix was the first of the “G-body” based 2nd Generation (1969-1972). 2nd Gen Grand Prix’s featured a Duesenberg inspired long hood/short deck design, marketed aggressively by Pontiac as the longest hood in the industry.

69 vs 68 Front

The front of the 1969 Grand Prix was markedly different from the 1968. The full-width, horizontal, egg-crate cross hatching was gone with the split grille now framed entirely within the chrome framed beak. Horizontal dual headlights were framed in square bezels and the “V” sculpting in the hood became more prominent. The front parking lights were integrated into the fender for the first time.

69 vs 68 Side

The “wasp-waisted” rear panels were eliminated in the 1969 Grand Prix. Full-length side molding remained but it was lower than on the 1968.

69 vs 68 Rear

The previously down swept rear deck was squared off with tailfins, and the wrap-around, L-shaped taillights were replaced by horizontal ones albeit still integrated into the bumper.

69 vs 68 Other

The dash of the 1969 Grand Prix had an airplane inspired, curved cockpit design with instrument panels angling toward the driver. The 1969 Grand Prix also featured a heated rear glass window defroster and a radio antenna laminated into the windshield. The significant redesign was popular and sales took off, almost 4 times higher than 1968. The 1969 Grand Prix was available in two trims, J and SJ. The SJ offered more luxury and more standard power. The 1969 Grand Prix continued to feature the 400 V8 350hp engine introduced in 1967 and the biggest standard engine ever offered on a Grand Prix. The 1969 Grand Prix received Car Life Magazine’s Excellence in Engineering award.

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General Statistics & Specifications on the 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix

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Note: The “Std” body type, dimension, price, weight and engine is for the best selling base model. Production totals are for all models combined.