One of the first things that came to mind when I started looking over this 1974 Pontiac Luxury LeMans was this: “I would love to get my hands on its PHS documentation.” For those who haven’t owned a classic Pontiac, “PHS” can provide an owner with the original paperwork, including a list of options, selling dealer, and assembly date, for their Poncho. This Luxury LeMans, which is being offered for sale as an auction here on eBay in Anoka, Minnesota, is clearly optioned to look a little sportier than you’d imagine a car with “Luxury” atop its nameplate to look. When combined with its Rally II wheels and missing fender skirts, these options seem to add up to something more inclined toward “sport” than “luxury.” Still, nobody has yet bitten at the car’s $3,500 starting bid.
All Luxury Lemanses came with a Pontiac V8 in 1974, but this car has the optional 400. Unfortunately, the seller doesn’t let us in on many of the specifics, but it was available with either a two-barrel or a four-barrel carburetor, producing between 175 and 225 horsepower depending on the induction and exhaust systems (single- or dual-exhausts were available). I grabbed this image of the engine running from the video that’s posted on the eBay ad, and the engine seems to run well with no strange noises. The seller says that the LeMans “runs and drives.”
The 400 was certainly not uncommon in the Luxury LeMans line, but bucket seats (a no-cost option in coupes), center console, and floor shift are all features that one would expect in the sporty Grand Am, not the Luxury LeMans. Speaking of the Grand Am, the steering wheel does not match factory literature; indeed, it looks like it belongs in a Grand Am. Maybe Pontiac Colonnade experts can chime in on that one.
Another sporty option is the sunroof, which was only available on two-door models at a lofty $325. When combined with the optional air conditioning, which cost around $500, this was a well-ventilated and expensive LeMans.
Speaking of ventilation, the seller mentions that the driver’s side floor is “soft” and will need replacing, not that you’d expect anything less from a car from the northern tier of states. Additionally, the paint is “not perfect” and “has scratches,” but it appears to be a very pretty shade called “Admiralty Blue,” which complements the white vinyl top and interior nicely.
With 98,000 miles on the tough Pontiac 400 (and most likely a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 beneath the driveline tunnel), this LeMans might be an inexpensive way to get a highly optioned Colonnade, if you like such things. I think the ’74 Luxury LeMans was a nice-looking member of that family of bodystyles, and if you have a MIG welder in the garage, it might not be too hard a rehabilitation. Given how rust can be hidden almost anywhere, it might be a good idea to take a closer look if you’re in the greater Anoka area. In the meantime, what would be a fair price for this Pontiac?
This Lemans has quite a few rare features, like the sunroof and the 400. Truth be told, even in 2 barrel form, the 400 will move this Lemans down the road with some authority for sure. Great color combination too. I’d like to see this stay as stock as possible. But, thats me.
What a neat, nicely optioned car, I hope it finds a good home, and remains as stock and well-preserved and enjoyed as possible.