Modern & Imports / 1980–Today
1988 Pontiac Grand Prix SE (Daytona 500 Pace Car Edition)
No. 163 of 207
The first front-wheel drive W-body Grand Prix coupes were built in October 1987, and released on January 12, 1988, for the 1988 model year. This generation Grand Prix was built in Kansas City, Kansas. The Grand Prix was introduced as base, LE and SE coupes. A five-speed manual or four-speed automatic were the transmissions offered.
SE models upgraded with power front seats with multiple lumbar, side bolsters, side wing adjustments, an AM/FM Cassette stereo, and a trip computer and compass located in the center of the dash. Some models of this generation have the rare feature of a split front bench seat with a column shifter. Another unique feature only found on the Grand Prix is the combination lock for the glove box, rather than a key. The Grand Prix was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1988.
The 1988 Daytona 500 marked the 17th year in a row that a Pontiac was chosen to set the pace, but the first time a front-wheel-drive car was so honored. The '88 Grand Prix followed a spate of Pontiac Trans Ams. The pace car is based on that year's top-spec Grand Prix, the SE. In place of the standard car's 2.8-liter V-6, the actual pace car used a modified 3. 1-liter V-6, which was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
Besides the debut of the W-body Grand Prix pace car, the 1988 race is also notable for its final lap: Bobby Allison held off his son, Davey Allison, to take the checkered flag, with the father-son duo enjoying a 1-2 finish.
Cost about $15,000-17,000 in 1988 (equal to $40,000-46,000 in 2025)
173 ci (2.8L) OHV 60° V6 Engine, 8.8:1 Compression, Multi-Port Fuel Injection
Bore: 3.5 in (88.9 mm) Stroke: 2.99 in (76.2 mm)
130 hp @4,500 rpm, 170 lb-ft @3,600 rpm, Maximum rpm: About 6,000 rpm
4 speed automatic transaxle, 3.33:1 axle ratio
3,300 lb (1,497 kg) curb weight
Performance (Estimated):
0-60 mph: 11.4 seconds
1/4 mile: 18.2 seconds @78 mph
Top speed: 126 mph (202 kph)
Features:
Partially digital dash with compass (speedometer, odometer, fuel gauges are digital, tachometer, voltage, oil pressure, and temperature gauges are analog)
Lighting and trip/odometer controls on the left side of the dash
Windshield wiper controls on the right side of the dash
Cruise control
Door ajar (open) warning light on dash
Tape player (with storage for 2 tapes, 3 if one is in the player)
Push button digital radio with mini screen
Push button A/C system
Power windows and locks
Locking glove box, with user settable 3-digit combination
Overhead storage, with map lights
Adjustable rear map lights
Driver's mirror is adjustable from the inside (cable operated)
6-way power adjustable front seats (with some controls on the center console)
Bucket front and rear seats, with a center console/armrest and coin tray between each pair of seats
Center pass-through to the rear trunk for longer items
*This car is not an actual pace car, and was not actually used at Daytona.
Rick DeBruhl Commentary - "The Pontiac Grand Prix!"
Modern & Imports / 1980–Today
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