Pontiac upped the ante in 1972 by introducing the range-topping Luxury version to its LeMans model lineup. Available in two-door Hardtop and four-door Sedan variants, this classic’s first owner selected the rarer and more desirable Hardtop. They equipped it with a 400ci V8, a motor that remains intact and in excellent health. It needs work to return to a factory-fresh state, but it is a turnkey proposition that the new owner could restore at their leisure. The LeMans is listed here on Craigslist in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting a classic that could be yours for $10,000 OBO.

Pontiac performed a lot of badge shuffling with its Third Generation LeMans range, releasing the Luxury LeMans in 1972 as it tried to appeal to buyers focused more on comfort than outright performance. The included documentation confirms that this Pontiac originally wore Cameo White paint, but has undergone a color change at an unspecified time. The exterior carries a wide selection of scratches and chips, suggesting that a cosmetic refresh will be on the buyer’s agenda. There is significant visible rust in the lower driver’s side front fender, but that may be as bad as the dreaded tin worm gets. The seller confirms that the frame, floors, and trunk pan are rock-solid. Addressing the visible rust and paint imperfections might represent the ideal opportunity to return this classic to its factory form. I believe that the tidy Black vinyl top might be original, but the Rally II wheels are a later addition. There are no significant trim issues, and the glass is clear.

The first owner sought to combine luxury and respectable performance when ordering this LeMans. They teamed the L65 version of the 400ci V8 with a three-speed THM 400 transmission, a 2.73 rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The motor would have produced 175hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque when the car rolled off the showroom floor, but the seller has swapped in a ’72 intake and a ’71 Quadrajet carburetor that should unleash additional power. However, those focused on a faithful restoration will welcome two slices of news. The first is that the seller includes the original carburetor, intake, and air cleaner. More importantly, this Pontiac retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. It runs and drives extremely well, with the engine producing plenty of power and not burning oil. The only identified mechanical fault is a failed power steering hose, but the seller supplies a new replacement that is still in its bag. The new owner will be able to slip behind the wheel of a car which is a turnkey proposition once the hose is installed.

I always appreciate an owner’s decision to provide a contrast between exterior paint and interior trim, and this LeMans would have provided that impact in 1972. The Black cloth interior trim would have looked striking against the White exterior, and it still looks pretty nice alongside the Burgundy. It isn’t perfect but can be considered serviceable. There is a major trim failure on the front seat, although the remaining upholstered surfaces look pretty impressive for their age. The dash and pad are excellent, and there is no visible deterioration on the faux woodgrain. The under-dash cassette player is the only visible aftermarket addition to an interior featuring a rear window defogger, a remote driver’s mirror, and an AM radio with an optional rear speaker.

Pontiac produced 169,993 examples of the LeMans in 1972, with 8,641 buyers selecting the Luxury LeMans two-door Hardtop. That makes this a relatively rare beast from a big-picture perspective. Recent sales results suggest that a value well above $20,000 awaits the new owner if this classic is returned to its factory form. That leaves room to move on its restoration, especially if the buyer can be hands-on in their approach. If you’ve previously owned a ’72 Luxury LeMans, would you consider a repeat performance?