- Seller: Gregory B
- Location: Derwood, Maryland
- Mileage: 156,416 Shown
- Chassis #: 23760B136694
- Title Status: Clean
The owner of this 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible has been its custodian since 1978. It was his daily driver for many years, receiving a restoration around 1984. It hasn’t seen action recently, and changing circumstances have led him to the tough decision to part with a beloved family member. It needs TLC to regain its former glory, but it is a rock-solid project candidate that will reward its new owner when they slip behind the wheel of a classic that won’t merely be eye-catching but is surprisingly rare. With those thoughts in mind, the owner has listed the Pontiac exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Pontiac produced its Third Generation range LeMans from 1968 until 1972, with our feature car rolling off the line in 1970. The company sold 156,480 examples of the LeMans across all variants that year, but only 4,670 buyers selected the Sport Convertible. That makes this a relatively rare classic, and with Pontiac only a distant memory, returning it to its former glory is a worthwhile undertaking. The 1984 restoration included new rear quarter panels, front fenders, and a fresh coat of the original Lucerne Blue paint. The photos confirm the owner’s claim that the clearcoat is peeling from many upper surfaces, and a repaint will form part of the refresh. However, the car is structurally sound, with only a few minor exterior rust issues that are patchable. The underside has typical surface corrosion, but it appears there is no steel penetration requiring attention. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery because it provides an accurate overview of this classic’s overall condition. The Black power top is relatively new and is in excellent condition. The owner didn’t take any shortcuts, spending the extra cash for a glass back window instead of the traditional plastic that will deteriorate with age. The glass is clear, and the chrome has survived beautifully following its 1980s refresh. The final piece of the exterior puzzle is the Rally II wheels that retain their original center caps and trim rings.
The original owner ordered this LeMans powered by the company’s wonderful 350ci V8, producing 255hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. They teamed the V8 with a three-speed Hydramatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. This Pontiac’s engine bay didn’t escape attention during the 1980s refresh, with the owner adding a new short block and rebuilding the original cylinder heads before installing a new dual exhaust and a Holley 600 carburetor. The work is documented with receipts, although the owner is disappointed that he has lost the paperwork for the replacement transmission. That made this a lively beast in its prime, and it could be once again with some tweaking and basic maintenance. The owner coaxed the engine back to life, but it refused to run correctly. He swapped the Holley 600 for a 390, which initially appeared to address the problem. However, it returned the next time he went to start the engine. He reversed the change, but the result was the same. The actual cause revealed itself when he discovered that she was dry despite the gauge showing a full tank. Don’t laugh because this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this! The 390 is now in situ, and he believes that flushing the system and cleaning the carburetor jets will have the engine purring like a kitten. Therefore, returning this gem to active service seems to be an achievable short-term goal.
The current owner added a Kenwood radio/cassette player to provide tunes on the move. Otherwise, this Pontiac’s interior is original. It features Black vinyl trim, a console, and air conditioning. The driver’s seatcover has split to the point where repair probably isn’t viable, but adding a set of slipcovers would make the interior serviceable. However, I had little trouble locating a set of replacement front covers in the correct material and pattern for under $400, providing a permanent solution to the shortcoming. The cracked dashpad might be more challenging, but a high-quality shell retails for under $180, and these are almost impossible to distinguish from the original pad. The owner recently added a new carpet set, and with the seatcovers and cap installed, the interior would shine like a new penny for a modest outlay.
The demise of Pontiac makes preserving its classics critically important. That is especially true when it is a rare vehicle like this 1970 LeMans Sport Convertible. It is a promising project candidate that would be ideal for someone considering a hands-on approach. It has led a sheltered life with an enthusiast who has treasured it and deserves a new home with someone who can return it to its former glory. Are you up for the challenge? Submitting a bid will be the first step.
Bid On This Auction
Scott bid $8,500.00 2024-06-28 12:00:34
Neil G bid $8,001.00 2024-06-28 11:59:52- Scott bid $7,500.00 2024-06-28 09:12:52
Neil G bid $6,250.00 2024-06-28 08:17:39
Steve bid $6,000.00 2024-06-27 12:31:48
Aj bid $5,500.00 2024-06-26 13:36:46
TempestSprint bid $5,000.00 2024-06-24 08:07:30
Frogwarts bid $2,650.00 2024-06-24 05:56:05- Steve bid $2,400.00 2024-06-23 18:13:27
Fiveon2 bid $2,126.00 2024-06-23 16:07:10- Steve bid $1,000.00 2024-06-23 02:33:44
Nic bid $500.00 2024-06-22 09:04:46
Oh man, this takes me back. When all my HS buddies were buying and tricking out their GTOs and Chevelles I was looking at the Tempests, Lemans and Lemans Sport convertibles in the local classified ads for bargains.
If all it needs is a fuel system flush and a carb cleaning to get it running, then why not do it? A running car is much easier to sell.
I’ve done a lot of work on this car. But I’ve always taken it to a shop for carburetor work. This time I did get the new Holley 390. Didn’t work out for me. I’ve contacted a local shop to take a look, but he can’t get to it until mid August. Shop labor rates are high. So I thought maybe someone might like to purchase the car and do the work without adding that expense to the selling price.
I’ve done a lot of work on this car over the last 47 years. For Carburetor work I usually took it to a shop. This time I got the new Holley 390. Didn’t work out for me. I contacted a local shop and he can’t fit me in until mid August. With shop labor rates so high, was hoping to sell to someone without the need of adding that expense to the cost of car.
Can someone enlighten me. I have to pay a membership fee to bid?
Yes, we need a card on file to verify identify and to have a form of payment for the buyer fee.
Where is it located?
Derwood, MD
Greg, are what you are saying is that this car turns over but does not fire or start even if you spray starting fluid in the carb? Have you ever replaced the timing chain in the car?
Derwood, MD
I owned a multi-faceted automotive business years ago, and have bought a lot of vehicles-in widely varying conditions. I am not making an accusation against the seller, but I learned the hard way about buying non running vehicles that just need a little work to run. Seller’s assurances are biased, to put it mildly. If it doesn’t run, it’s a pig in a poke, and the purchase price needs to reflect that fact. Sellers: 1) Get it running if possible.
2) sell.
Does the ac work?
It’s not something we used a lot. We mostly took the car out for top down
“joy rides”. But I would say, yes. At least the last time we used it it did.
Steve, if I put gas in the carb, it would fire over while that gas lasted.
I defer to my remarks on the C-10 listed before this Pontiac.
I have a feeling that I’ll regret not getting in on this one, I think the seller is being totally honest and in 3 hours someone is going to get a really good deal. IMO
Better be good with a welder- I just finished one of these (a 68) and this one is showing bubbles and holes from the inside out-the corners of the trunk from a rear window leak (we all know about that) lots of work- not to mention the floor pans and the structure behind the rear seat?
If it is had for the right price- AMES will have all you need!