1972 Pontiac Le Mans Convertible

Description

If you're looking for GTO looks on a budget, this 1972 Pontiac Lemans Sport convertible definitely delivers. The body shell is, of course, the same, and it still packs a torquey 350 that delivers a muscle car experience just like a GTO, all without breaking a sweat. Looks good, goes fast, costs less, how can you lose?

The paint job was done a few years ago, but basic black is always a great choice and it's hold up quite well. Combined with the black interior and top, it looks a bit formal on the sleek Lemans bodywork. It isn't perfect and up close you can see some flaws, but for the money, you're going to be pleased with the look. Fit and finish are quite good with doors that close as well as any other GM car of the period, indicative of a solid car that hasn't been bent or rusty. The Le Mans was a lot more GTO than most would believe, and the classic front end works as well here as it does on its more expensive big brother. There's not a lot of trim on the Lemans, but details like the '350' emblems on the rocker panels, the big chrome bumpers, and the factory emblems are all in decent original shape. And it really is nice to see that it hasn't been faked into a GTO, because the Le Mans Sport has a clean, chiseled look that works extremely well. This is still a great-looking car.

Dressed to play, the black bucket seat interior is just as functional and inviting as any in a GTO. The seat covers are in great shape and it's quite possible that things like those seat covers, the door panels, and even the dash pad are originals, with the back seat looking almost like new. There are also fresh carpets on the floor. This Lemans offers only basic instrumentation, but the three gauge pod layout still looks sporty and the woodgrained appliques look warm and inviting. The steering wheel is a little rough and could stand an upgrade, and the center console houses a familiar Pontiac shifter that manages the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission underneath. There are upgraded speakers in the kick panels, so more entertainment is easy to add and the black convertible top was installed in 2011, so it is in excellent condition. The trunk is clean enough and includes a new mat that gives it a correct look.

The engine is a great-running Pontiac 350 that seems to ignore the declining horsepower in the early 1970s because it feels plenty stout. It's pretty stock, including a 2-barrel carburetor under the air cleaner, but don't let that fool you into think it's not fun to drive. It's nicely detailed with corporate turquoise engine enamel, satin black valve covers that match the air cleaner, and factory exhaust manifolds. There's an upgraded alternator up top and a big aluminum radiator, but that's about it for modifications. It starts quickly and easily, idles with a pleasing V8 burble, and moves easily with a solid whack of low-end torque. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt rear end out back, so the powertrain is certainly durable enough to have fun without worries. A recent dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers gives it a mellow soundtrack, and the Cragar wheels are just the right touch. Fat 245/60/15 BFGoodrich radials fill the fenders and really nail the stance.

If you don't care about pedigrees and investments and just want to get to the business of having fun, this very nicely preserved Le Mans is your car. Call today!