About the OEM Factory Air Conditioning System Originally Installed on the 1971 Grand Prix

Grand Prix background and what was new in 1971

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 1971 Grand Prix in context

The 1971 Grand Prix was the third 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. The front changed a bit but otherwise the 1971 Grand Prix was very similar to the 1970.

71 vs 70 Front

The horizontal dual headlights of the 1970 were replaced with single headlights albeit still in a square, chrome bezel. A script “Grand Prix” appeared next to the driver side headlight. The split grille was enlarged with stronger vertical bars but without its prominent chrome frame and the top bumper strut ran across the front of it. One feature that did not change was that the front parking lights were still integrated into the front fender. Also, the sculpted “V” on the hood continued to be prominent.

71 vs 70 Rear

The rear deck changed significantly on the 1971 Grand Prix, now featuring a large, “V” boat tail scuplting ending in a beak in the bumper, although the overall long hood, short deck styling continued.

71 vs 70 Other

Length increased two inches from the 1970 Grand Prix. Unleaded fuel and emission reduction issues led to a less powerful standard engine than on the 1970. Sales were hurt by the recession and the 67 day UAW strike in the fall of 1970.

Have comments?

Email us

General Statistics & Specifications on the 1971 Pontiac Grand Prix

Have comments? Email us

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