In the early 1970s, Pontiac offered the LeMans Sport, which could be something of a cross between the standard LeMans and the GTO. It had a higher level of trim like you would get on the GTO, but without some of the performance trappings. Someone (maybe even the seller) decided to clone a 1972 LeMans Sport convertible as a GTO Judge and this driver-condition car is the result. Located in a garage in Battle Creek, Michigan (cereal, anyone?), this “Poncho” is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $20,100 but the reserve has yet to be met.
When Pontiac decided to phase out the Tempest brand, the LeMans Sport was born (1970-72). As I understand it, you could get one equipped to where it nearly resembled and performed like a GTO. That probably helped the buyer when it was time to buy car insurance since that industry would charge a premium if the VIN said “GTO”. According to the VIN on the seller’s car, this Pontiac started life as a LeMans Sport and – as a convertible – was kind of rare as 4,670 copies were built in 1970.
At some point, the idea was to make this LS perform like a GTO and look like a Judge drop-top, which only saw 162 assemblies in 1970. Whatever engine was there before was replaced with a “real” YS GTO motor which should be 400 cubic inches and rated at 350 hp. We’re told it’s seen less than 100 miles and runs and drives great, yet the car is photographed on dollies. A fresh TH-400 automatic transmission was added with a shift kit and stall converter. Out back, you’ll find a 12-bolt rear end with 355 gears.
The interior looks quite good, and the paint is older and not perfect but looks very acceptable photographed in a poorly lit garage. We’re told that the sheet metal is original and there is no evidence of any rust. 17-inch aftermarket wheels with new tires have been added. Since the production numbers for the LeMans Sport convertible were never high, I may have been inclined to leave it as one rather than mimic a Judge which purists are more likely to criticize. Then, again, buying a legit Judge would cost you several times more.
Another nice Poncho wow.
Clone was probably done before stratospheric asking prices. Also probably doesn’t hurt the value of a Lemans.
The Judge clone doesn’t offend me, looks like a nice car.
So,out of the original 30,000 Judges,
50,000 still survive?
I certainly don’t mind GTO clones. If someone has the money to invest in the real deal, more power to them. I enjoyed seeing any Pontiacs up and running and on the road! Isn’t that what’s it all about?
Very nice Pontiac example of a “Cloned” GTO. Beautiful red and done right. Anyone would be proud to own. An individual is building one close by me. It’s a hardtop Lemans. At 20k it’s a steal. A car you keep for a Sunny Sunday drive with the top down. This car will probably get more looks than a Cloned Chevelle SS. Great car! Good luck on the sale. If I had the extra bread, it would be in my garage.
A collector car is based on being an original not a clone of something else with a different engine. It messes with valuation where every potential buyer wonders of his rare GTO started like as a 6 cylinder LeMans or is a restored Goat. That said, I love the 1968-72 LeMans body and the automatic transmission, bucket seats and V8 make it vdry nice on its own.
Every once in awhile, you come across an original car borne with something it’s not supposed to technically have. The purist cries foul, yet there it is, perhaps because a line worker made an intentional mistake on a Monday or Friday! Lol
My point of view, I don’t mind a well done clone!
Just have fun man!
SOLD for $34,600.
I have one. I also have a gto. The GTO started as a lemans. Changed a few things and the GTO was born. So does that make a GTO a lemans clone ?? Nice Car!!