By Design: 1964 Pontiac Grand Prix

1. Ineffective, badly placed, and only on one side. Mirrors are better now. 2. This inverse curve gives the Grand Prix roofline its character and status. 3. The concave backlight is enormous and gives a feeling of lightness to the upper structure. 4. Body-color taillight frames are elegantly simple. 5. Lamps are hidden in the transverse cove panel. 6. Thin strips of chrome add visual width to the "wide track" body. 7. Fake knockoff hubcaps were unfortunate . . . 8. . . . but the optional eight-bolt wheels were magnificent and unique to Pontiac. 9. The lateral windsplit derives from a surface break starting just behind the headlamp rims. 10. This "hip" rise is extremely subtle, but it's much better than a pure linear solution. 11. Elegantly slim A-pillar is good for visibility and style. Just don't roll the car. 12. Restrained chrome around wheel openings, slightly bolder sill trim, and massive bumpers combine to give an unmistakably American look to the ensemble. 13. Thin whitewall tires looked good and were enormous fun to draw. 14. Bill Mitchell's windsplits are everywhere on this car. Also note the integrated dart emblem. 15. Visorless lamps are nicely restrained compared with those of previous and succeeding model years. 16. Mitchell had a penchant for trinkets, as witness the chrome crosses over the parking lights. 17. Thin steering-wheel rims were a GM conceit but weren't terribly practical or comfortable. 18. Full-width theme of panel repeats effect of rear cove. 19. Cranks for vent and side windows. Remember those? 20. Gauges, gauges everywhere, yet not a thing to read...