WHAT IS IT?
This is an example of what the Americans did so well, and what buyers lapped up until sporty, Japanese personal luxury coupes like the Celica Supra began to spoil the party. The A-Body coupe (twinned with the Buick Regal, Olds Cutlass, and Chevy Monte Carlo) was successfully downsized for 1978, cutting out nearly 600 lbs. The cars remained spacious, cushy, and comfortable with available V8 power, such as it was in the Malaise Era. While there were “sporty” variants of some A-Body cars (primarily with blacked out trim and sticker packages), this example with its chrome trim, velour cushions, and vinyl roof is how most of them came back in the day.
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
GM quality during this particular period wasn’t exactly at its pinnacle, but this example looks incredibly well-preserved. The normally fragile metallic paint looks like it was just sprayed last week. The pillowy tufted velour seats look as though they’ve had grandma’s plastic covers on them, and the engine compartment and underside are beyond reproach. With over 60,000 miles on it, this one is living proof that not all BOOTP contenders have to come from Southern California or have freakishly low miles on them.
this example with its chrome trim, velour cushions and vinyl roof is how most of them came back in the day.
THE VERDICT
(delivered by juror Rob Sass)
This 1985 Grand Prix is the best one on the planet. In fact, it might be the only one left on the planet after Cash for Clunkers.
The paint and vinyl 1/2 roof look amazing. The interior with its pillow blue velour seats are not smashed down, making me think the owner had to weigh no more than 110 lbs. or they never would have survived. Even the undercarriage is excellent. Remember, these cars were assembled in an era where quality was anything but “Job One.”
The fact that this car even exists in this condition is nothing short of a miracle, especially in Quebec, one of the saltiest places on Earth. It has my vote as the best one on the planet.
Best on the Planet April 23, 2025 – Present
When I was in high school in the Midwest in the 1980s, this is exactly the kind of stuff kids and teachers drove to school. They might have looked this good when they were sitting on the showroom floor of Royal Pontiac, but after just a few salty winters, that luster was gone. I was around back then, and I don’t remember ever seeing one this nice. I’ll go with the best for this one, or since it’s in Quebec, le meilleur du monde!
This car proves that every stereotype of car salesman are true… CLEARLY to have convinced anyone to purchase this car new they must have used every coercive technique and even thrown in the “LustreShield” to close the deal. Sorry, to me this generation of GM represents apathy at its zenith moment. How could the company who just 20 years prior given us a the Riviera have built this? Who signed off the the seat design which was a mashup of LazyBoy and inner casket lining? It might be the best 85 Grand Prix, but do you even want it?