Calling all '69 GP 428HO 4-Speed Owners!!!

[428ho4spd]

Thought I would try this to start a registry for these rare 1969 GP's. Of the 112,486 Grand Prix's built in 1969, just 116 were optioned with the 390 horse 428HO engine and 4-speed manual transmission. Further breakdown of the 4-speed manual option were 94 wide ratio (M20) GP's and 22 close ratio (M21 with 3.90 rear gear) GP's. An even rarer 3-speed manual version was also produced with the 428HO engine with a total of only 3!!! If you have or know of one of these rare GP's, please reply!

[69GrandPrixJ]

[Larry]

Many years ago up in Wisconsin, a very well known GTO guy (Jack Urban) decided to "get into Grand Prixs'-- the 4-speed 1969s to be exact.

I think at that time (about 1980-'81) he had only found one of them. I remember another one he found that he said "he couldn't pass up." It wasn't a 4-speed, but it was a bright red one with Opera windows in the rear pillars. They were like those in the Mark Lincolns at the time, and looked really cool. More pimp than tough, but cool nonetheless.

Good luck gathering information on these rare GPs. We would be happy to create a special place for your information if you wish. If you get photos, we can make you a special Photo Album category also.

[69GrandPrixJ]

[Larry]

Are you looking for a further breakdown, because the above post states:

"just 116 were optioned with the 390 horse 428HO engine and 4-speed manual transmission. Further breakdown of the 4-speed manual option were 94 wide ratio (M20) GP's and 22 close ratio (M21 with 3.90 rear gear) GP's"

I'm guessing you were the head stud duck in grade school with your own '69 GP. I sure hope you weren't old enough to drive it though! Kidding; but would love hear the story behind this.

[69GrandPrixJ]

[Larry]

I'm glad to hear you weren't old enough to drive in grade school.

I had 4.11 gears in a '66 Fairlane GT I had while in the Air Force. Used to drive it from Wright-Paterson (Dayton, OH) to Milwaukee (435 miles). It was like driving a cement mixer down the road. Even with cheap gas, it was a drag on the wallet for a young GI.

I took them out and replaced with something in the 3.35 area. One night a buddy and I were pulling out of a little gas station where we used to go. It sat on a horrible curve of a blind corner. Just as we pulled out, a car shot around the corner at us. I instinctively floored it, naturally in first gear. We just sat there smoking the tires... damn near got broadsided. That was when I decided to part with the 4.11s.

Hope we can gather some more GP info.

[69GrandPrixJ]

[428ho4spd]

[428ho4spd]

[grandprix4sp]

Just renewed my membership and saw the post. Recently finished a 6 year restoration on my 69 Model J. My dad ordered the car new from Borg Pontiac in Downers Grove, IL. Doesn't have many options other than 428HO and the M20 4 speed, no a/c and no power steering.

[Larry]

No options other than "428HO and the M20 4 speed"? Heck, those are the two best options a GP could have!

Sounds like quite a labor of love. So lucky to have something your Father had bought new. I envy such stories.

Please check our Photo Gallery and be invited to post as many photos as you like of your GP so everyone can enjoy it too. Remember that you can invite your friends and family to access them also; you don't have to be a member to view them.

When you catch your breath after that long restoration, we would love to have you share your story in our On-Line Magazine as one of our monthly features. I would even offer you one of our "Pontiac Rules" T-shirts since you have one of Pontiac's best muscle engines. Check the ad in the lower right of our home page. Don't forget to remind me of the offer; I sometimes forget.

Thanks for renewing your PontiacRegistry.com membership.