With its distinctive twin headlamp front end and ‘coke bottle’ side profile, the third generation of the Pontiac Le Mans was one of the most stylish cars of its era – especially in power-top convertible form.
For the final year of manufacture – 1972 – just 3,500 convertibles were made out of a total production of 169,993 Le Mans models. All of the 1972 convertibles were Sport models and featured Strato bucket seats and interior trim from the Luxury models.
This example was imported to the UK in early 2021, in restored condition. Originally an Oklahoma car, it was born with a 455 engine and was originally Lucerne Blue. The car was subject to a no-expense-spared rotisserie restoration in Missouri between 2005 and 2006, during which the colour was changed and a rebuilt Pontiac 400 engine was installed. The motor has been over bored by 0.30, so is about 6.75 litres in capacity. It has a stainless steel exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers, giving it a wonderful, fruity burble.
The car is currently part of a private collection of American cars, which the vendor is reducing to free up space. It’s an absolutely stunning thing, presented in collector-standard condition and quality throughout. ZcjnS30GuWfRuslmFKwckAdDbp37hem8thHl5p7W.jpg1.2 MB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT June 2024 – but also tax and ULEZ-exempt
Two sets of keys
Large folder containing invoices, receipts and historical paperwork
Original Pontiac bill of sale for $4,851
Import paperwork and former US Certificate of Title
Inside, the Le Mans is immaculate. The ivory leatherette seats come with matching door cards and carpets, while GTO floor mats and a wood-rimmed three-spoke Grant steering wheel complete the effect.
The dash features delightfully period wood-effect trim, with newly installed digital Dakota backlit instruments installed by the vendor when he imported the car. There’s also a discreet modern stereo install with iPod capability. XeZ4BDlirVRKeyGlvrL76r17ib9GU0uBPVkHAkVo.jpg578.15 KB
THE EXTERIOR
Restored in the USA in mid-2000s
Flawless on top and underneath
Electric power roof
American Racing chrome alloys
Finished in bold red, the Le Mans was restored on a Rotisserie-style spit in the mid-2000s by an enthusiast in Missouri, and has been kept in near concours condition ever since.
As the photos clearly demonstrate, the Pontiac is as good underneath as it is on top - and by that we mean it’s completely immaculate. The floor and chassis are superb, the sills and valances without flaw and the upper panels in excellent overall order, with no dets, marks or damage of any kind. This is a superb car in the kind of condition that is well worth of show trophies, such is the overall immaculate order.
All of the chrome is superb, as are the American Racing alloy wheels, while it is equipped with a good set of Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tyres all-round. The power-operated soft top is in fine condition and woks perfectly. h0DfIf5QBseOt96MysYwVUOlCggEx9ZYbDoBRDco.jpg1.14 MB
THE MECHANICS
6.75-litre V8
0.30 overbore
Stainless steel sports exhaust
GM Hydramatic transmission
Under the bonnet, the Pontiac features a rebuilt Pontiac 400 engine, installed at the time of its restoration in 2005/6. The motor has been overbored by 0.30 over, so is about 6,750cc in total, and it has been freshly serviced.
It has a stainless steel exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers, giving a wonderfully tuneful exhaust note, and transmits its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed GM Hydramatic auto transmission.
If you want a car that will turn heads wherever it goes, then this is very much it – and as close as you can get to a Pontiac GTO without paying GTO money.
Other than the Endura front bumper, air scoops on the bonnet, this car is everything that an equivalent-engined GTO would have been in the day, but without the badge and “242” in the VIN. A fabulous example of early-Seventies muscle car iconography, presented in an overall condition that is nothing short of stunning.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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