For years automakers have created specialty vehicles intended to generate interest and display traffic at new car expositions. I’ve always found Pontiac’s examples intriguing. Often painted in eye-catching metallic or pearlescent hues with boldly customized interiors, I find the names the division gave its show cars—which tend to parallel that of vehicle’s general theme—equally intriguing.
You might recall the ‘61 Tempest-based Monte Carlo, ‘64 GTO-based Flamme, and ‘67 Firebird-based Skydiver as some of the more popular examples found in Pontiac’s displays during the 1960s.
In a previous blog I wrote about the GTO Judge-based La Vinta and Grand Prix-based Cielo Del Sol, which were part of Pontiac’s official 1970 show fleet. While their names are seemingly lost to time, a pearlescent beige Grand Ville and tuxedo-themed Grand Prix SJ made the 1971 circuit. I’ve yet to find any photographs or details of them, however. Perhaps you have information about either or both that you can share.
This image of Valencia in Pontiac’s display at 1972’s Chicago Auto Show is part of my press photo collection. It was taken by one of the area’s local newspapers. While not Pontiac’s sportiest A-car that model year, Valencia is certainly a classy take on the new-for-1972 Luxury LeMans.
What piqued my recent interest in Pontiac show cars, you might ask? While looking for a different photograph in my collection, I happen across one of the 1972 Luxury LeMans-based Valencia. That then got me thinking about Pontiac’s 1972 show car lineup. Valencia was one of three two-door models that Pontiac customized for its display at such events as the Detroit, Chicago, and New York auto shows.
This photo from the Chicago Auto Show archives shows Valencia prominently displayed on a pedestal or turntable. Its pearlescent orange finish jumps out against the Cameo White exterior found on several other production Pontiacs in the display. While Valencia was reportedly equipped with a white Cordova (vinyl) top, its seen wearing a beige- or gold-colored roof treatment here.
Like its other 1972 show cars in which Pontiac took names from classic European cities, Valencia likely refers to that in Spain, whose name translates to “valor.” The vehicle was described as having a pearlescent orange exterior complemented by a white vinyl top, and white and gold interior complete with bench seating and fold down center arm rest.
Newspapers that covered America’s largest new-car auto shows often detail the customized models that found in the manufacturers’ display areas. Here, the March 1, 1972 edition of the Suburbanite Economist describes Valencia. This likely came directly from a 1972 Pontiac press release. Have you ever seen it?
I’m certain that Valencia was quite classy for its time. Unlike other Pontiac show cars of that era—particularly those that still exist today—Valencia seemingly faded into obscurity after completion of Its show tenure. Upon seeing the photo of it, I realized that many younger Pontiac hobbyists may be completely unaware that Valencia even existed. I felt compelled to introduce (or reintroduce) it to today’s Pontiac hobby.
So I ask, did you know of Valencia? And what’s your take on it today?
Share your comments below!