Drive While Fixing: 1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport

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The LeMans Sport may be a nameplate only remembered by Pontiac gurus. It was a sub-model offered by Pontiac in 1970 and 1971. It might be considered a bridge between the ordinary LeMans and the GTO muscle car. Bucket seats, for example, were commonplace in the LeMans Sport. This edition from the second and last year has had a lot of recent mechanical work done and runs well now, but it will need interior work and a new coat of paint. Located in El Paso, Texas, this Pontiac is available through a dealer here on eBay where the current bid is $5,110 (with a “low” reserve still outstanding).

While a 250 cubic inch I-6 was standard fare in the “regular” LeMans, the LeMans Sport started with the 350 V8 which could be upgraded to a 400. So, if you didn’t want to pay the GTO’s insurance premiums and could settle for a little less response to the throttle, maybe the LeMans Sport was the way to go. Most of these Ponchos were sold as 2-door hardtops and Pontiac built 34,625 of them in the nameplate’s swan song year.

The seller provides a long list of items that have been checked off the to-do list, including a new water pump, fuel pump, gas tank, radiator, two tires (wide ones in the back), timing chain, and some brake work. Also, the windshield is new along with a fresh tune-up. So, hopefully, this is now one of those vehicles that you can drive while you finish fixing it up.

Rust doesn’t seem to be a big issue, and we assume this car once wore a vinyl top (or it was a two-tone), but it’s white all over now. The interior is going to need work, and we don’t know how good the upholstery on the bucket seat is because of some ill-fitting covers. The seller provides a link to a video to supplement the photos (which include some duplicates). If you’re looking for a GTO-like look and feel, this running project should save you a few bucks with your insurance agent.

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Comments

  1. Stan Stan 🏁Member

    Fast cars. 350 4 barrel not available from factory. The 2V was putting out 250hp/350tq. 2.56 gear ⚙️ can be swapped for a 3.08 and help move this Lemans off the line a little better, but maintain its highway cruising enjoyment.
    Just over 3600lbs, lighter than they look.
    Pontiac, my favorite GM division, offered a 455 4sp model w 480ft/lbs, 4sp. and a 3.55 gear ⚙️ standard. Wow.

    Like 9
    • Steve R

      A carb and manifold is incredibly easy, factory cast iron intakes and Quadrajet v carbs are neither hard to find or expensive.

      Steve R

      Like 5
      • Jason V.

        Looks like it is running a square bore Edelbrock. Not everyone is a fan of these, but from experience, I know they work well. I would leave it…

        Like 1
  2. Shuttle Guy Shuttle GuyMember

    Are the interior parts covered for protection or are they to ratty to show?

    Like 2
  3. oldrodderMember

    I admittedly don’t know a whole lot about 60s era Pontiacs other than some knowledge of the GTOs, but this doesn’t seem to me to be too bad of a buy. I may have missed it, but what size is the engine? I would think that would make a fairly large difference as far as value goes. Stan mentioned the 455 with a 4 speed. I have no idea if that combination was even available in one of these, but that would make quite a street warrior.

    Like 1
  4. Jason V.

    Yes, you could get a 455 HO in ‘71 in a LeMans. There was even a stripped down version based on the T37 called the “GT37”. If I recall, it had no chrome, basic hubcaps, bench seat, etc…

    Like 3
    • Stan Stan 🏁Member

      Right on Jason. That was a real rare “stripper” that looked econo, but had all the hi-po powertrain combos, h.d suspension, and brake goodies from the Pontiac parts bin.

      Like 2
  5. Mark

    Decent price for this car. My dad has a 1970 with a 1971 nose on it. I rebuilt the 350 engine in 2007 and swapped out the 2barrel set up to a 4 barrel set up from a gto with valve covers and 2 1/2 exhuast. His has a column shifter bench seat with armrest, tilt wheel, power disc brakes, p/s, am radio and a power trunk release. I also added 15 inch gto ralley wheels.

    Like 2

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