Today, many people know of the 1986-87 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe, thanks to the role it played in vintage NASCAR. Were it not for this prominent, lime-lit stage, the limited-run Aerocoupe might have faded straight into obscurity, hardly drawing a second glance.
Instead, that fate was reserved for the Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe’s sister: the 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2. Part of the issue may have been that decidedly un-sexy Kindergarten-math-lesson tacked onto the end of the name (though it does have some heritage; “2+2” was used in the 60s to denote a trim option for the Pontiac Catalina).
Regardless, 1986 was the only year of production for the Grand Prix 2+2, and a clean, prime example just turned up on Craigslist in the area of Chattanooga, Tennessee. That would make this car a “Chattanooga 2+2,” which should by all means be embroidered on every floor mat and head rest in the car. Just over 1,200 2+2s were produced for its single year of production, making it a very rare specimen. According to the Craigslist post, the interior is “perfect” with no tears, and the car rides on some very attractive 16-inch Torque wheels.
No, the 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2 may not be as well-remembered as its Monte Carlo counterpart, but it’s unmistakable as the same GM Aerocoupe design nonetheless. And the fact that it wears Pontiac, not Chevrolet, badging? That right there is a conversation starter, not to mention a transferable ticket to the “cool club.”
Comments
Spent a lot of time in one of these as a good friend had one growing up. Was ahead turner for sure.
This is a classic case of a true low volume car but one that is still easily found and affordable since it was never really popular. The car was built to help the stock cars and nothing else. Most were sold in 86 but some call them 87’s too as many were still on dealer lots the next year unsold.
The car had a non 305 HO as GM would not give them the better engine. And if I recall the only option was a sun roof and it stickered near or at $18,000.
Now before you write this one off. True it could remain a lost car to history that few will ever care or think of. But the history is similar to the Superbird’s and Daytona’s. They too were built just for racing. They too were expensive and unloved as some dealers to up to 3 years to sell off what was built. They went under the radar for many years until folks considered them cool and put them in demand. Today the unloved car is now very expensive.
I think if the history catches up with this car as Petty Racing did most of the work to modify the car to their needs. This was not a GM design as Petty did most of the work. With the low production numbers it may show some value in the future.
The sad things that may hurt it is it really had no power and the handling was ehhh. But it is a true low volume car built to race.
As for racing Richard Petty still says today it was one of the worst cars he raced as it just had no down force.
I know where a 1986 Grand Prix 2+2 sits, all original with 50,000 miles, and could probably be purchased.
Just curious as to where that might be?
Cheers
Looking to buy one , anyone know of one for sale ?
YES I HAVE ONE FOR SALE.
You still have it for sale?
I have one forsale, 60000 miles email wfeltz@hotmail
what colors did they come in?
The difference between these and Superbirds/Daytonas/Spoilers/Talladegas is that you could get a decent motor in all of them and you couldn’t do that in a Monte SS or an Aerocoupe. There wasn’t even a COPO available.
If this vehicle had really been more than a Mercury Marauder, it might have sold. It wasn’t, so it didn’t. It’s a very good base for an engine swap…but I could say the same about a Mirada.
I do have a 1986 aerocoupe Grand Prix 2 + 2 that I’m willing to sell at a reasonable price all the body parts interior parts Dash in good shape give me a call