Originality can never be underrated, especially when it revolves around the paint gracing the flanks of a fifty-two-year-old classic. That is the first box ticked by this 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT. The numbers-matching drivetrain and mountain of included documentation further enhance its desirability. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this GT listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Royse City, Texas. They set their price at $32,000 on a classic that needs nothing.
Pontiac marketed its Third Generation LeMan range from 1969 until 1972. The GT variant joined the party during the final production year as a way of combatting rising insurance costs. It sold in respectable numbers, with our feature Pontiac one of the last off the line. The first owner ordered it in Monarch Yellow, and the first slice of good news is that this is an unrestored survivor wearing its original paint. That is a significant achievement for a vehicle with over five decades of active service under its belt. It gets better because it seems that this dry-climate vehicle is rust-free. The trim is in good condition, including the Endura bumper which added $31.98 to the sticker price. The glass is clear, although my resources suggest the Rally II wheels shouldn’t sport the trim rings found on this car.
The ’72 GT was V8-only territory, with Pontiac slotting its 350ci powerplant under the hood as its entry-level motor. That is what the first owner chose, teaming the engine with a three-speed automatic transmission, power-assisted steering, and front disc brakes. Interestingly, while the 1972 LeMans delivered 175hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, which was lower than buyers received in 1968, this car should cover the ¼-mile in 17.2 seconds, versus the older example’s 17.9 seconds. The seller confirms that this gem is numbers-matching, with a Summit radiator as the only aftermarket addition. It comes with a pile of original documentation and is a turnkey proposition for the new owner.
Examining this Pontiac’s interior reveals a few modifications that could be reversed if the buyer focuses on originality. These include air conditioning and a Bluetooth stereo that doesn’t currently function. Otherwise, the first owner selected Black vinyl interior trim, a console, and a sports gauge cluster. The condition is extremely impressive for a survivor of this vintage. With no evidence of rips, splits, or other problems, it is guaranteed to receive favorable comments for its presentation.
There is something undeniably attractive about owning a survivor-grade classic. These cars have stories to tell that are often disguised when a vehicle undergoes restoration. Pontiac produced 7,825 examples of the ’72 LeMans GT in Coupe form with a 350ci V8 under the hood. This one isn’t totally original, but the subtle changes could be easily reversed. The seller’s price is well above the market average, making me wonder how quickly it will find a new home. What are your thoughts on that question?
If this Lemans is truly all original, I’m highly impressed. When I was a kid in the 70s a neighbors grandparents had a 72 Skylark this same color. Its weird, at the time I wasnt a huge fan of yellow or orange that GM had thar was actually quite popular back then. But now, I like it. The black interior with the woodgrain inserts goes great with the yellow. I’m not usually a huge fan of tinting windows but in this case it appears to be professionally done and it looks good with this color combination.
This looks like a nice one especially if its just as clean underneath as it is on top.
GT’s came with trim rings..the T and GT-37’s were the stripped down ones without trim rings(and The Judge of course)
My new 72 Lemans GT, bought off the showroom floor, came without trim rings. Mine was burnt orange, looked great. Also had the sidesplitter exhaust like this one but with a 3 speed manual floor shift. The workmanship was iffy at best. Leaked through the roof at 6 months old. The dealer then told me it would be hard to fix, might as well live with it. As an 18 year old kid, I did just that. Years later, I kick myself for not going down the road to the chevy dealer and buying a Z28 instead of the Lemans to begin with.
Sharp car. I like it in yellow/black. My favorite is the three-quarter-rear view. Styling is attractive before the dreaded 5 mph bumpers began invading the scene.
Aside: looks like the original selling dealer is now a Honda store.
If truly a survivor with original paint, interior and drivetrain, perhaps someone will pony up the requisite federal reserve notes to drive this lemon colored LeMans home. Though, I do feel it is a tad expensive given it has the base 350. With either the 400 or 455 I think the asking price would be more justified. Still, nice, clean car. There used to be an older gent that owned a two tone gold (Quezal gold?) with white painted top GT37 on the other side of town when I was in high school. His had the 400 with a 4 speed. I bugged him a few times from around 1995 to about ’99 to sell it to me. No dice. Beautiful Pontiac though. He apparently moved sometime in 1999 and I never saw the car again. Always wondered what happened to it…
I meant GT, sans the 37. Not sure why I was thinking of the earlier years model. I missed the time on the edit button. Although, I have to say, that is a nice addition!
It’s got a Bluetooth radio that doesnt work and tinted windows. Yuck. That aside, I love the nose on this model year. This is really nice with the exceptions noted. Not sure about $32k nice, but nice.
Never been a fan of aftermarket radios what with cutting harnesses and other possible dash mods. Hide it in the glove box if you must.
Plenty of Delco stereos out there including those modified with a jack for your plug-ins.
I had the darker tint removed on my ’84 Cutlass Brougham. Mn. allows 50%. It was then I saw a scratch on the passenger door glass that started bugging me so I changed out the glass and then went through the nightmare of what I counted were 18 adjustments! Had to keep the trickle charger going and walk away lots of times.
Hang-down air is a deal killer. Pass
That a/c unit doesn’t bother me when you consider the Mark 4 add-ons you could buy from J.C. Penney, Monkey Wards, etc. or even the dealer add on.
After all, it IS a/c! I will also say a slimmer dash wide unit would be better
You can’t blame them for trying with the price, looking at what else is out there. Original (or close to it) is always your best buy. The buckets, console and Rally 2 wheels win me over.
I have to question when someone is asking for all the money for a car yet doesn’t correct the radio. Even replacing with a 70’s AM radio would be a better selling point than saying “out of place but non functioning”. It makes me wonder “If they wouldn’t fix that, what else wouldn’t they fix”. Original and numbers matching is great but this price is in the TV auction range.
Very nice Pontiac . The seller says the radiator is the only aftermarket part replaced. The a/c compressor is also aftermarket. Still a VERY nice Pontiac
I am very surprised to see the 14inch wheels. Same wheel in 15 would benefit this car. If it was tyrol? blue and a 4spd I’d get myself a present.
Tinted windows is a must in Phoenix.