The Pontiac Tempest/LeMans was promoted from a compact car to an intermediate in 1964. That paved the way for the GTO muscle car that joined the line-up mid-year and changed the automotive landscape going forward. The seller’s car has much of the GTO’s typical equipment, including bucket seats and a 4-speed manual. Inactive for 20 years, this Poncho awaits a restoration and a possible decision to go all the way as a GTO clone. Located in Paradise, California, this hardtop is available here on craigslist for $6,900 OBO (thanks for the tip,
“Rob”.
When the Tempest was launched in 1961, the LeMans was a popular trim option. It graduated to series status in 1963 and kept that distinction going forward. When this “sport coupe” was ordered in ’64, the first owner may have wanted to capture the spirit of the GTO but without the powerful 389 cubic inch V8, which came standard in the GTO. Instead, this LeMans had the only eight-cylinder available to the LeMans at the time, one displacing 326 CI.
We’re told this Pontiac was running when it was parked, but that was somewhere around 2005. We hope it was left inside and pushed outside later for the photos. The paint has loads of patina, and the identified corrosion lies in the floorboards and trunk. We’re not sure how extensive the rust is, but the seller admits a restoration is needed. And the interior at a minimum needs new upholstery and a dash pad.
This 4-speed LeMans had several options, including factory air conditioning and power steering (but not power brakes). The odometer has rolled over and may have since quit working. This car was one of 31,300 LeMans 2-door hardtops built in 1964, compared to 18,400 GTOs in the same body style. If you bought the car, would you rebuild it as-is or find a period-correct 389 to drop in (along with some GTO badging)?
If I bought this and restored it. I’d leave it as a Lemans. Plenty of oomph from that 326 with the 4 speed. Nice thing is, there’s all kinds of parts available for GTO’s so you’d have no problems sourcing anything if you need it. Looks like a solid starting point if the frame rails and floor are ok.
Good options, buckets, console, AC and icing on top is the 4spd. I’d leave it a LeMans, install disc brakes and upgrade the suspension, if I wanted more power I’d put in a 400, if done right no one will be able to tell.
Steve R
Spoke with a guy today at cars and coffee, who was adamant that 1964 and 1965 GTOs “Are not Real GTOs” because they were package options.
GET THIS, he was there with his own ’65 GTO.
What say you? Real or not?
I’m not sure at all cause I’m a novice, but weren’t all the GTO is just a package option?
The GTO package was a performance + appearance option on the Le Mans in ’64, ’65 then once again in ’72. Conversely, the GTO was a separate model (VIN prefix 242) from ’66 thru ’71.
A nice original unmolested LeMans is tough to find these days, especially with a 3rd pedal … I’d either freshen or restore it in its current configuration and enjoy! Just my $.02 :-)
65’ and up are much easier to restore…
I’ve owned a 64’ Lemans convertible since 94’ and there are quite a few 64’ only parts.
I agree on leaving it a Lemans, too many 64’ clones out there…
The shift to keeping cars such asTempest, LeMans,Chevelle 300/Malibu’s etc etc as they are is becoming more popular as they are rarer at shows and cars and coffee.So this as a LeMans is the way to go.The 326 is a fine engine only held back by atroscious log exhaust manifolds,a set of headers will wake it up nice.
The Ram Air/HO exhaust manifolds are a good compromise, good reproductions are available for $349 for the pair.
Steve R
I would restore it to original specs. (Including the 326 badge on the fender) But under the carburetor would live a very potent 455 Poncho. (Externally it looks just like the 326!) Sorry, I love as much horse power as possible. This is also my favorite Tempest/LeMans body style.
a 64 with a/c thats rare in itself if you needed those parts worth it for that
I had one of these in a metallic green. Great car! The 326 had lots of power. I love the shape of the body. I removed all the chrome and badges and painted it slightly darker than stock and drove it for years. Most people thought it was a GTO anyway.
Neat car! Nice options on a Lemans. Power brakes/power disc brakes would be nice. Upgrade the exhaust manifolds, other than that I wouldn’t change it.
The 336 is an interesting tale all by itself. GMC took a Pontiac engine and lessened the bore, and came up with a 336. When Pontiac increased the stroke in their engine, GMC further diminished the bore. The actual displacement for this iteration was 336.7. It was used in the Lemans, and labeled as a “326” to stay under the supposed 330” displacement limit. Pontiac blew that out of the water in ‘64 with the 389. Olds came out with the 442 in ‘64- obeying the 330” rule. I’ll bet they were hacked! Of course ‘65 442s had 400” engines. The gloves were off!
This LeMans is an interesting car, deserving of attention.
The 326 V-8 was an actual 336.7 cubic inches ONLY for the 1963 model year Pontiac Tempest/Lemans. This was the first year availability in the Tempest Y-body “senior compact” cars.
For 1964, GM introduced the mid-size A-bodies and demanded that Pontiac reduce the 326 option to a true 326 cubic inches.
great options for a LaMans, if needed I have a 64 GTO 389 sitting in storage
I would keep the patina look, fix the floors and redo the interior and stuff the biggest rat motor in I could fit under the stock hood, probably a nine inch also, and go cruzin. 👍
Nice project LeMans.
I would definitely keep it a LeMans with the 326. Good, torquey engine (same stroke as a 389, if I remember correctly). Wish I had my ‘67 back…
I must be ageing out, or maturing, one or the other. In 1964 when I bought a new Sport Fury convertible, 426, 4 spd, I would not have been interested in this car at all. My comment would have been why not get a GTO? But now I like it just like it came, and I would leave it like that. I would restore it to original and be the only one at Cars an Coffee. For some reason my attitude has changed over the last few years and I appreciate original cars more now. This Lemans looks like a good candidate for a restoration and I hope it receives one. GLWTS.