Like the Chevy Nova SS – born from the compact Chevy II, and the late-year Plymouth Barracuda – based on the Valiant, the Pontiac LeMans had a humble start. When the name was introduced in 1961, it was a sporty trim package layered on the compact entry-level Pontiac Tempest. Over the years, Pontiac graduated the LeMans moniker to its own model. By 1972, the car sat on GM’s A-body intermediate platform cradling a V8 – all grown up into a muscle car. It was a popular transformation: almost 170,000 LeMans were sold in ’72 alone. Here on craigslist is a 1972 Pontiac LeMans GT hardtop with an asking price of $26,500. This car has undergone a frame-up restoration and comes with documentation provided by Pontiac Historic Services (PHS). We have Barn Finder Pat L. to thank for this spiffy tip.
Early cars carried the Trophy four-cylinder under the Tempest name; by 1972, the base engine was this 350 cu. in. V8 with a two-barrel carburetor putting out 160 hp. The 1970s brought relentless downgrades in power output, even while engine displacement grew to ridiculous proportions. The available 455 cu. in. produced only 220 hp with a compression ratio of 8.2:1; a few years later, the same motor generated only 200 hp. This car is now equipped with a Hurst four-speed manual but the factory gave it a Turbo Hydramatic automatic. Power steering and power disc brakes round out the mechanical options. Plenty of care has been taken with plating and paint to bring this engine bay to show-ready condition.
The interior is saddle vinyl. I wish Pontiac had seen fit to supply the base LeMans with bucket seats, but here we are with an old-fashioned bench. Still, everything is in excellent condition, including the rear seats. This car’s factory air conditioning was a very expensive option at $407 – it cost more than any other option listed on the window sticker. The seller indicates that the AC has been refreshed.
The “GT” package included white-lettered tires, rally stripes, body-colored mirrors, dual exhaust, and GT badging – a clever marketing ploy to liken the car to the more glorious and expensive GTO. This was the last year of the “small” LeMans: starting in 1973 thanks to safety regulations the cars grew longer and heavier nearly every year. At the same time, the styling lost its crispness. While this LeMans may not burn rubber like its earlier brethren, the price is compelling. I’ll be surprised if it doesn’t sell close to the ask.
One like this was my second new car. Mine was Burnt Orange, white interior, bench seat, but a 3-speed manual transmission on the floor. Mine also had what were called dual side splitter exhaust that exited both sides right behind the rear wheel openings. It looked good but I never thought of it as a true muscle car compared to what else you could buy in 72. Finally, mine was cheaply made and not a favorite of my past rides.
This car is also missing the “GT” decal on the right side of the trunk lid.
Seldom seen, and very cool!
I raise my glass to the chap that restored this beauty!
👍🤓
All the work that went into the car and they couldn’t put a metal fuel line on the car? A fire in the works…
You beat me to it! Makes me wonder what else was 1/2 arse done. So close to the heat of the exhaust manifold
area with a cheapo plastic fuel filter which are prone to leak. Smh.
yup that car will burn down before someone can enjoy it!
What a bunch of buzz kills. It is a beautiful car, and instead of just perhaps suggesting that needed to be fixed, you guys tear the whole car down. Boo!
For todays crazy market, I think that is a good asking price. I wonder how good and old is the paint?
I remember these in high school. Lemans GT and T-37 . If this was mine I would keep but redo the motor for more horsepower keeping stock looking. These are nice cruising cars. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
had one just like it but had bucket seats wish I could find one just like it
I still don’t understand what size motor is in the car.
The Craigslist ad says 350.
I’m not sold that’s an original G.T. I thought the Lemans G.T. had a nose like the G.T. 37 and the G.T.O. I had a “71” T 37 and it looked just like that, other than the stripe and rally wheels.
The front end package was optional on the GT… the Pontiac ads for the optional front end were a hoot “LeMans $41 Nose Job”…
is this car still for sell?