Originally Posted by dbc
Wouldn't pegging this as a mid-range model be a little optimistic? My Grand Prix from the early 80's is similar, with a lugged, nothing special steel frame, and mostly alloy components. It was occupying the bottom end of the LBS fleet. Not that I want to throw mud at the name - it certainly weighs less than my modern hybrid, and I got some excellent use out of it.
The bike looks in nice shape, except for the rubber that was already noticed. You may not want to drop a whole lot of money on it. Replace the rubber with what you can find for cheap, check the bearings, and you should be good to go. Have fun riding!
I've found that the Grand Prix really varies in level from year to year, don't know why. I have a 1984 Gran prix that was bottom of the high end at the time. Double butted, lugged cro-moly frame, that is fully chromed under the paint, forged dropouts, decent suntour for the time (ARX), 700c alloy rims, sealed bearings, aero brakes. I bought it new and find it to be a real sweet ride. the fixies are often trying to buy it from me for the frame.
pretty grainy photo