After having served as a compact for three years, the Pontiac LeMans was reborn as a mid-size automobile in 1964. The 1965 models were little changed except the cars switched from horizontal to stacked dual headlights. This ’65 LeMans has been parked for more than 40 years and has a replacement GTO engine, suggesting someone may have intended to do a GTO clone at some point. Located in a dirty barn in Eastern Oregon, this neglected Poncho is available here on craigslist for $8,000. Our thanks to Gunter Kramer for “uncovering” this tip for us!
The promotion of the Tempest/LeMans to a bigger platform in 1964 was not the auto’s only claim to fame. The GTO was also born that year, and so the muscle car wars of the 1960s had begun. Demand for the GTO widely exceeded expectations and in 1965 almost sold as well as the LeMans in the same body style (2-door hardtop, 55,700 vs. 60,500 copies). We don’t know if the seller (or an heir, perhaps) had intended to create a GTO clone with this car by installing a 400 cubic inch V8 from 1969. We assume the original engine, which the owner had blown up, was a more docile 326.
We’re also told this Pontiac has been stuffed away in a barn since 1982. And from the looks of things, there is plenty of old dirt and dust afoot. The seller adds there is very little rust on the auto, but the limited number and views of photos don’t help much with validating that. It’s added that the car is complete, but the engine would be an exception as the owner never finished putting it all back together.
The mileage is said to be 98,000, but we don’t know how many of those are on the newer engine that was used when it was installed. The LeMans has an automatic transmission, but wouldn’t that likely be a 2-speed and how well would that mesh with the 400 engine? The seller is willing to ship the car, but we assume that means helping to load it up on a trailer that you arranged and paid for. If you bought this LeMans, would you continue down a GTO path?
Console and shifter is from a 1969-1972 Chevelle , Monte Carlo..
… and the seats are from a ’66 GTO
I doubt someone was going to clone it into a GTO. In the early-80’s used drivetrains we’re plentiful, so we’re real muscle cars. In an area like eastern Oregon, rust wouldn’t have been an issue, muscle cars were plentiful and at or near the bottom of the depreciation curve. There would have been little reason to build a clone when the real thing wouldn’t have been hard to find. In my SF Bay Area with a little effort you could get running, presentable muscle cars for $1,000 or less with little effort. Clones were rare, they didn’t become commonplace until their values started to rise several years later after several publishers started printing magazines dedicated to muscle cars.
This car has potential, it’s location will help dictate how quickly it sells and for how much.
Steve R
Tough car, well worth saving.
But let it be a LeMans with a big motor; the world doesn’t need another GTO clone.
“Owner blew up in engine in 82”
That’s a gruesome footnote.
I have a 455 ,and 4 speed I’d like to put in it ,but the body has some issues ,it’s OK to clone but it’s better to build something of your own ,why do something that’s already been done ,it would be a beautiful car with the right color and interior , what’s it worth to make it hot with no badges
console, shifter and seats are correct for this car.
i bought one brand new and that is exactly how it came from the factory
Someone else said the console is wrong for this car. Who’s wrong?
This is a 69-72 Chevelle/Monte Carlo console and shifter, the 68 Chevelle console doesn’t have a push button to open the lid, but is otherwise the same.
If in doubt Google any of those years Chevelle console and look at images. You can do the same with 65 GTO or LeMans console too. It will be obvious which is correct.
Steve R
Seat pattern is not correct for 65, maybe 66. Console doesn’t look right either.
My 65 looked identical to this only in black !!!
Console with locking top and shifter are 70-72 Chevelle, wood grain on top plate would be 70-72 Monte
Im interested but would like to see more pictures to see the condition of the rest of the car. I would not clone it.
Ummmm…Portland is in WESTERN Oregon. Lol.