Pick of the Day: 1972 Pontiac Grand Ville Convertible

The Bonneville was at the top of the Pontiac hierarchy ever since it became a mainstream model in 1958. Yet, in 1971, Pontiac decided to insert a model above the Bonneville. Why ruin the equity of a long-standing model? Our Pick of the Day is one of those curious cars, a 1972 Grand Ville convertible. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Click the link to view the listing)

When the Bonneville first hit the streets in 1957, it was a limited-edition convertible equipped with fuel injection, which was quite a technical feature for the time. For 1958, Pontiac introduced a mainstreamed Bonneville model, available as a hardtop and convertible. With the introduction of the Wide-Track Pontiacs for 1959, the Bonneville expanded into a complete series that included a four-door hardtop plus a station wagon.

While the Catalina was always the strongest seller, the Bonneville had the strongest image and consistently outsold the mid-range Star Chief (later, Star Chief Executive and Executive). So why compromise the Bonneville’s name in the market? That’s what a lot of people have asked themselves many years later. Truth be told, Pontiac discontinued the Executive after 1970, so it needed a new mid-range series. Rather than creating a name that would resonate with Pontiac, the powers-that-be both created the Catalina Brougham and pushed the Bonneville down a notch with the Grand Ville. Now, Pontiac’s strongest full-size name was nudged into the shadows.

Then, in 1976, realizing its gaffe, Pontiac retired the Grand Ville name and replaced it with the Bonneville Brougham. Another gaffe would follow in 1982 when Pontiac moved the Bonneville to the mid-size G-body . . . but that’s another story for another time.

This 75,634-mile Springfield Green 1972 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible is one of 2,213 built and is equipped with a white power top. This generation of full-size Pontiacs were introduced for the 1971 model year but, for 1972, Pontiac shed the neo-classical styling and reverted to more conventional look, bearing a passing resemblance to the Grand Prix. Interior features include a green power front bench seat with center arm rest. Other options include Rally II wheels, cornering lights, air conditioning, remote driver-side mirror, power windows, Realistic AM/FM/cassette (original AM/FM Stereo is included), and matching top boot. Power comes from a 455 four-barrel with single exhaust.

According to the seller, this Grand Ville has had the same owner for 24 years. For $21,900, how many more years do you think you can enjoy this classic American-style convertible?