My absolute favorite classic car color combination is a red exterior with a white interior. The contrast really pops, and as a volunteer firefighter, the colors feel right at home with me. Years ago, I owned a 1972 Buick Skylark Convertible in this color combination, and hopefully, one day I will own another. If you share a similar favorite color palette, a 1972 Pontiac LeMans convertible in the exact shade I described is available on Facebook Marketplace for $39,900 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Special thanks to Tony Primo for the lead.
In 1972 the bright shade of red that I admire, paint code 75, was shared across the GM brands but identified under different names. For my former Buick, the color was called Fire Red, for the Pontiac LeMans convertible being sold, the color was called Cardinal Red. The exterior of the LeMans looks exceptional and the white pinstriping compliments the white convertible top. While some would argue that the LeMans should wear Rally II wheels to give it a sportier appearance, I actually like the look of the factory hubcaps as you rarely see them anymore.
The original owner who ordered this 1972 LeMans convertible checked one very important box on the option list and ordered the Pontiac with the T-41 Endura Styling Option. This rare option, which cost $41 and offered on the 1971-1972 LeMans models, would give the car the GTO nose with its ram air hood, impact-absorbing Endura plastic front bumper, and functional, dual-louvered front fender air extractors. As the GTO convertible was discontinued by 1972, ordering a LeMans convertible with the T-41 option was the closest you could get to a factory-built convertible with the same look. In addition, buyers saved money by not having to pay the high insurance premium that came along with an actual GTO. The seller notes the LeMans has all the original body panels, never had any rust, and was treated to a respray in the original color a few years back.
The interior, likewise, has also been kept in excellent condition and the while the white bucket seats may require a little extra care to keep clean; the next owner will appreciate them when the convertible top is down on a hot sunny day. The LeMans also features the console floor shift, tilt steering wheel, and power steering, disc brakes, top, and windows. If you choose to keep the top up, the LeMans also has factory cold air conditioning.
Under the GTO style hood lies a 350 cubic inch V8 which was rebuilt along with the transmission a few years back. It’s not a rip roaring big block but will certainly get you to your destination quickly with the V8 rumble and will be a little more economical at the gas station. The seller proclaims the LeMans runs and drives excellent. To me, this is an all-around great classic which will always draw a crowd wherever you go. Would you like to drive this LeMans convertible?
I like this, although I definitely would add Pontiac Rally II wheels. White letter tires? Sure – but a thin whitewall would compliment the “LeMans with-a-2bbl” vibe. The current ‘thick’ whitewalls scream 1982. Dual exhaust; the Pontiac V8 has a distinct exhaust note. Being a convertible and the aftermarket having kits for the GTO available, this would be a simple upgrade if not already done.
Came here to say the same thing! :-)
A set of pinstripe Wide Ovals sitting on Rallye IIs would look sweet. Though like the author stated, nowadays seeing either a manufacturer’s Rallye wheel, various versions of Magnums or poverty caps on a majority of cars, I must confess, it is kinda refreshing to see a basic old set of wheel covers. Definitely a uniquely optioned LeMans here.
Those Enduro front facials make those front ends looks great.