The Grand Prix first appeared in the Pontiac line for the 1962 model year, as a performance-oriented replacement for the Ventura, which became a luxury trim level of the full-size Catalina. It was essentially a standard Catalina coupe with minimal outside chrome trim and a sportier interior (bucket seats and a center console). The performance-minded John DeLorean, head of Advanced Engineering at Pontiac, contributed to the development of both the Grand Prix and the GTO.