American cars that rolled off the line during The Malaise Era were once treated as disposable items or the object of scorn. Many revered badges lost their performance edge, while fuel consumption figures increased for many models. However, a new generation of enthusiasts view these cars as an affordable entry point into the world of classic ownership, meaning that tidy and original examples now command respect. This 1974 Pontiac Luxury LeMans fits that mold and could be ideal for someone seeking a turnkey vehicle that can turn heads. The seller has listed it here on eBay in De Pere, Wisconsin. Bidding sits below the reserve at $7,100, and there is time for interested parties to check their bank account before staking a claim on this survivor.
Pontiac followed an industry-wide trend with its Fourth Generation LeMans range, abandoning traditional Hardtops as the industry braced for tighter roll-over regulations. There were exceptions to that rule, but Coupes with fixed side glass or opera windows became a staple, which is what we find with this 1974 LeMans. The company offered several model variations, with this classic’s original owner selecting the range-topping Luxury LeMans. The seller claims its Fire Coral Bronze paint is original, which is contrasted by a Beige Landau-style vinyl top. They admit a close inspection reveals minor chips and imperfections, but the rich shine and flawless vinyl compensate for any shortcomings. The panels are surprisingly straight for a survivor of this vintage, and the underside shots confirm the car is rock-solid. The chrome and glass are excellent, and although the wheels aren’t original, they suit this car’s character.
The term “Luxury” is relative. An interior that felt plush fifty years ago can look pretty basic by modern standards. Such is the case with the 1974 Luxury LeMans. The air conditioning, cruise control, front bucket seats, tilt wheel, and AM/FM radio with the optional rear speaker would have earned bragging rights when this car was new. They are the minimum a buyer expects today, and many would turn their backs on a vehicle with vinyl upholstery. However, that opinion is personal and is not intended to denigrate or criticize this Pontiac. It merely reflects how far expectations have evolved in half a century. The car still ticks many positive boxes because while the carpet is new, the remaining trim is original and unrestored. The driver’s seat is worn on the outer edge, but that is the only physical fault worth mentioning. The dash and pad are spotless, the faux woodgrain has avoided the typical lifting and fading issues, and there are no aftermarket additions. The seller confirms the radio doesn’t function, but tracing the fault could be a rewarding way to occupy some time on a quiet weekend.
Buyers could order their 1974 LeMans with a 455ci V8 under the hood, but this car’s first owner selected the 350ci powerplant. This engine underwent minor changes during the Fourth Generation production cycle, with power and torque dropping from 175hp and 280 ft/lbs in 1973 to 155hp and 275 ft/lbs in 1974. Outright performance suffered slightly as a result, while fuel consumption increased marginally. This car’s V8 is backed by a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes rounding out the Pontiac’s mechanical specifications. It appears this classic is a numbers-matching genuine survivor. The odometer reading of 59,000 miles is supported by documentary evidence, and potential buyers can consider the LeMans a turnkey proposition that runs and drives exceptionally well.
Fly in and drive it home? That is a viable option with this 1974 Pontiac Luxury LeMans. It isn’t perfect, which could be its strongest attribute. The existing exterior marks and imperfections are insignificant, but adding a few more will unlikely cause the new owner sleepless nights. Therefore, hitting the road in this car in its current form should be relaxing because an errant stone won’t mar perfection. The LeMans has attracted eighteen bids, and there is time for that figure to climb significantly. A few years ago, a buyer could have parked this car in their garage for peanuts, but the rising popularity of classics from the 1970s has seen the situation change dramatically. What do you think the price will be when the hammer falls?
These were quite attractive cars, with Pontiac doing the nicest job of replacing GM’s B-pillar-less hardtops with the “Colonade” design. If there isn’t rust hiding behind that beautiful paint or under the vinyl roof, and no mechanical gremlins, I’d take a flyer on it if I wanted one.
I had a 1973. Aside from the color, the only difference was a console. I have so many great memories of that car. It was impossible to keep the center caps on the Pontiac wheels. I knew every car in every junkyard which was handy later when I needed a radiator. Changing a fuel pump in January with my dad and freezing my hands off. If I wasn’t abroad right now I would be on the first flight and driving this beauty home.
The only thing that would make this beauty better would be a console/shifter to fill the void between the bucket seats! GLWTA!! :-)
Id put a cooler between the seats 💺 Moparman. Full of picnic lunch sandwiches 🥪 iced tea, and lemonade plus it doubles as the armrest. Nice looking GP. 👌
That’s where I kept my ladies.
Set a true dual exhaust system and tuneup that engine. All the power you’ll ever need and all the style you’ll ever want.
Fifty years ago luxury meant you got opera windows, fender skirts, a three spoke cushion grip steering wheel and some added bright and wood trim. This car adds to that with deluxe color key seat and shoulder belts and both bumper trims. The bronze color looks good with the saddle interior and white roof treatment. If my memory serves me there were at least three tan/brown choices as well as black. Looks good with the Keystone classics.
My parents had a ‘74 with the 455, yellow/tan color, it had these small windows, no fender skirts but also two louver/scoops on the hood. Have never seen another just like it. If it’s clean and cheap like this one I think I would have to buy it to ride in it again! Great memories traveling to baseball and hockey games in it!
Friends of mine owned a ’74. Medium green with a white vinyl roof and skirts. Had the floor console and the factory mags. Beautiful car.
Someone in my hometown also owned one.
Saw a ’75 (I think) at a car show last summer. This one was loaded including a power trunk, windows, locks and power seat. 455 under the hood, cruise, beautiful brownish red.
Nice ‘74. My mother had a ‘74 Sport Coupe. Those didn’t have the wheel skirts, and most had the louvered rear windows, mom’s had the opera windows like this LMS. White with maroon interior, with maroon landau top. 350, buckets, center console, Pontiac mags, AM/FM, etc.
Very nice car, at a good price. The Pontiac “A” body from ’74 is especially attractive, the rear quarters resemble the 1954 Pontiac.
It doesn’t look like it needs much, and the colors are attractive. A winner!
There is a beautiful classic highway cruiser I could get into. The 350 is plenty of power and solid reliable equal to the 400TH behind it. Driveline parts are still plentiful, unlike some 50s-60s models.
Lose the skirts and the Keystones
This one has a LONG way to go to meet the reserve.
It’s listed for $24,500 on the seller’s website.
This is a nice clean car and I’ve always liked that sloping rear tail light design.
Over the years I’ve owned every year Lemans from 66 to 77 and in my opinion the 73 and new rode and handled the best. Most of them were 350 CID cars, they had enough power to cruise at 70 all day long and even had enough power to have fun doing burnouts in the high school lot. Of all of them, the 2 I liked the most was a 70 tempest T37 and a 77 sport coupe.
Never cared for the ones with fender skirts. The ones without skirts are more sporty, the luxury ones conjure up memories of hub caps, whitewalls, and old men in leisure suits.
This is all Pontiac.l like every thing about this car including the skirts.l would it even more with a console.
This is all Pontiac.l like every thing awbout this car including the skirts.l would it even more with a console.