The Grand Prix: A Daily Driver

The Grand Prix line started as a performance package for the Catalina coupe, which rode on the full-size B-body GM platform. It was distinguished by a unique grille and taillights, bucket seat, center console transmission shifter, and more. The clean 1963-1964 models featured smooth, unique hardtops that featured curved rear windows and expanded on their performance engine options while adhering to luxury offerings for the interior.

The 1965 Grand Prix was all-new following the introduction of the new corporate 121-inch wheelbase B-body full-size platform. It had a heavier look and was two inches longer with a one-inch longer wheelbase than in previous years. Stacked headlights continued to define the Grand Prix in 1965. After learning how to drive in his father’s Irish Mist 1965 GP, Original Parts Group Customer Dennis Knobla always knew he wanted to purchase his own and finally did so in 2017.

Dennis looking for a daily driver bought his 1965 Grand Prix on eBay with 34,9890 miles on it in October 2017 from Indiana. Soon after, buying a CD-ROM 1965 Pontiac Shop Manual from Original Parts Group to learn the ins and outs of his Classic, Dennis also purchased a passenger side mirror, rear seat shelf, 8-pin headlight switch, door lock set, fuel pump to carburetor fuel line, and brake lines, all from OPGI.

Project underway, Dennis buffed the top of the car, not once but twice thanks to bird droppings. Re-hung both doors and replaced the door hinges, painted the front and rear bumpers, replaced the veneer wood on the dashboard with red tape, and recovered the dashboard top. Dennis made a custom exterior sunvisor, added a jet hood ornament, tinted the windows, and replaced the rear sheet shelf.

The windows, doors, and trunk received new weatherstripping. The valve covers were replaced with chrome covers, and the glass pack mufflers were replaced with a performance exhaust. While American Racing helped him out with some wheels, a friend rebuilt the carburetor. When complete and as long as the roads were dry, Dennis and his Mom would enjoy a daily drive together until the now memorable tradition ended when she passed away in 2020.

Today the Grand Prix has 60,689 miles on her, a new set of rubber floor mats, and she spends a lot of time at car shows being shown off by Dennis. He says, “OPGI helped me with ordering and returning, which happens when you’re not an old car guy mechanic, but I am learning. She’s my daily driver, which means more parts will be needed. Thanks, OPGI for having the parts I need for my 1965 Grand Prix.”

OPGI is proud to be a part of Dennis Knobla’s Restoration process. Visit OPGI.com to see how we can be a part of yours!