I think I could have left off the question mark on the title, if there’s a nicer 1976 Pontiac Grand LeMans out there, please show yourself! With a reported 51,000 miles and being in “mint” condition, this has to be the nicest one out there. This familiar seller has this time capsule listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida and the current bid price is $5,300, but the reserve isn’t met. Thanks to Larry D. for sending in this tip!
This era isn’t for everyone, as it seems to be the current fun era to bash, as far as quality and those giant bumper designs, but there are those groups who are really watching cars from this era now, as far as future collectibility goes. Which group are you in? I’m in the latter, as if I needed to say that.
The fourth-generation LeMans was made from 1973 through 1977 and the Grand LeMans was “Pontiac’s most luxurious midsized car”, according to period literature. They were made for a buyer who “demands a blend of plush and practicality. And won’t accept second best in either.” The unique knife-edged rear styling is great, in my opinion – a guy who has never designed a car in his life after seventh grade when I should have been paying attention in class.
As with the exterior, the interior looks almost like new. And as always, I’m surprised to not see power windows on a luxury car, even from the 1970s. The seats appear to be perfect in the front and rear and the seller has included dozens of great photos showing almost every square inch of this car, other than the underside. I’m assuming that given the top side’s appearance, it’s nice underneath, too.
The engine is Pontiac’s 350-cu.in. OHV V8, which would have had 160 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. They don’t say how it runs but again, I’m assuming that it runs as well as it looks, and even the AC is cold on this one. Are any of you fans of Detroit’s cars from this era?
As i beginning my teen years in the 1970’s i was mainly a Mercury guy as my family always had them,but i also loved the colonades when they arrived in 73′ and in particular the Pontiacs.A 1973 Grand Am with the enduro nose in dark green would be my first choice or a 77′ Can-Am..but this would fill the bill nicely too.It’s a stunning car..ugly bumpers or not.
This is the kind of behemoth I grew up riding in. I think this would be a great starter car for someone who wants an old car. The dirty little secret about old cars is that they, well, drive like old cars. Straight axle front ends, no power assist, inadequate brakes. This thing would be like riding on a cloud.
Well we do enjoy our antique cars just because of the experience of how they actually were. But for those who would enjoy a 70’s colonade, this is a great example.
With all do respect this car does not have a straight axle front end. It is a modern front end, and while I have not gone to the e bay page likely has front disc brakes that performed quite well. There was also an abundance of power assist. This was also a mid size car so while larger then many today this lem ans it was not a behemouth. This is a really nice car that can drive really nicely on today’s roads.
My dad was a Pontiac man and have several Grand Prix’s from in the 70’s. He used to drop me off at high school in one. I can see my dad loving this one. I did got to the Sellers website and they are asking $25,900. Seems strong but this one looks to be in outstanding original condition.
Yea I’d say more like 10,500.00
Those tail lights have an AMC Pacer look about them .
I wondered where all the Collanade Pontiacs went. Now? I’m seeing one for sale on Barn Finds, just about every other week! Awesome!
I’d only buy this for the parts and, god knows, I could sure use them. . . . .
needs Rally wheels
Another one from this inflated price dealership 🙄
Guessing the dealer bought it in the teens and agree that is overpriced currently. Under 20k would be a better asking price to move it but I’ve followed this dealership and they are mostly overpriced on their inventory IMO.
Total chick car.( can I say chick?)This is the car the secretary you always had your eye on at work had. She was married, but wore the shortest skirts, as a morale thing, I think. The boss wasn’t stupid. Think Buck Strickland.
Anyway, never cared for these models, but not going to bash them, they were great cars. Dependable as a washing machine, okay mileage, comfy as all get out, women loved them. Didn’t have the grapes for a guy, but GM knew, it had a market for these, another great car down the tubes thanks, in part, to imports. That’s right, still clanging that chain, but history is just that, history. When cars were cars,,,
Pontiacs from that era had handsome instrument panels
You’ll probably be seeing a lot more of these turning up
for sale from dealers in Florida as the retirees who bought them
pass away.
I’m sure that dealers like this keep up with the obituaries,&
go to estate sales looking for vehicles like this.
$10,099 and the reserve is still not met with two days left on the auction! Whoa.
The dealership’s (seller) website they have it listed at $26,900.
Thanks, Greg!
This was the official car of SOMA – the “Spinster and Old Maid Association.”
I’m digging it , I own a 1977 Grand Prix SJ they share the same dash from what I see.. Gotta love them colonade coupes.
The back seats weren’t for tall people. Design over function. Too fat. Ugly bumpers. Classy colors.
I lusted after the new 1976 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ and was able to get a used 1974 Grand Prix J for less money and more horsepower in 1976. It was easier to find a 400 6.6 liter engine, bucket seats with floor mounted Turbo Hydramatic in the GP than the LeMans. Still, the car for sale is no slouch. The 5.7 V8 was not the powerhouse it once was but was smooth and sufficient to push (RWD) an intermediate size coupe to all legal speeds. Air conditioning is a necessity. .especially for a car from Florida. The photos depict a 47 year old car in superb cosmetic condition. LeMans and Grand Prix models of this time period were my favorites but the asking price is way out of my budget.
As opposed to most of my friends flipping burgers and bagging groceries(paper bags of course), i detailed cars on weekends from 75 to 81.
Drove and waxed many of these, nice cars at the time, but no guts compared to 60’s sleds. Pontiacs always had nicer lines, regardless of giant bumpers.