Prior to the 1969 Grand Prix model, an interior with a driver-centric layout was something that was pretty much foreign to American vehicles. Instead of a flat dash that had components like the radio dials and climate control knobs facing straight back, the dashboard and center console wrapped around the driver more like an aircraft cockpit. This luxurious change to the interior dashboard was modeled after brands like Cadillac and Packard, all while maintaining the high performance of newer Pontiac models.
This driver-centric design is partly what helped make these models become one of the coolest looking Pontiac models ever made, and it’s seen widely today in new vehicles. This “cockpit” setup offers a more ergonomic experience with all the vehicle’s major controls within easy reach of the driver. It has a way of making the car’s operator feel like they are really in charge of the vehicle. Plus, it’s also potentially safer, as the driver can see the controls in their peripheral vision without glancing away from the road.
