This 1964 Pontiac LeMans, a listing courtesy of Tony P., immediately caught my attention because it has some desirable features, original documentation, and it’s not a GTO (despite the trunk lid-mounted GTO badge). Claimed to have only seen 62K miles of use; this “Butternut Yellow” (more on that to follow) sports coupe still shows quite well. Cutten, California, is where you’ll find it, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $25,000.
Pontiac jumped on the A-body platform in ’64, right along with the other GM divisions, and presented us with the Tempest, LeMans, and, of course, the trend-setting GTO. LeMans in ’64 was available as a two-door-only body style in sports coupe, hardtop, and convertible form. Our coupe is one of 31K assembled 62 long years ago.
One of the more remarkable features of this car is its finish; it’s a color that was not available on a Pontiac in ’64, at least through normal channels, but the window sticker references it as “Solid Special SPS,” and the Broadcast sheet also lists “Special Paint”. Oddly, the listing makes no mention of it. Anyway, assuming it’s original, it’s still incredibly sound. I see no indication of rust, the nemesis of A-bodies from this generation, and the chrome bits are still pretty fair. The Rally II wheels, which are perfectly fitting for this car, aren’t original, as they were introduced after ’64.
Under this Tin Indian’s hood is a 250 gross HP, 326 CI V8 engine married up to a four-speed manual”Muncie” transmission. The seller claims it “runs and drives well” and refers to it as “original spec.” The engine does appear to be unmodified.
Inside, we find saddle-hued “Morrokide” vinyl bucket seats separated by a center console. The driver’s seat reveals some wear and a backrest seam that is starting to give out, but all in all, the environment is decent. The dashpad is undamaged, while the steering wheel is starting to show some horn ring deterioration. Fortunately, the headliner is not gravity-bound, but it is dirty. I’m on the fence with the nylon loop carpet; it looks too good to be original, so perhaps it has been replaced – not an issue, of course, if it has.
Final thoughts? I really like this LeMans; its simple, basic nature appeals to me, and it bears the essence of what made GM’s A-body cars so popular for so many years. If I were to be the acquirer, I’d likely do nothing with it, other than maybe some driver’s seat upholstery work. My biggest worry here is seeing it acquired and being GTO’d. It’s fine just the way it is. OK, that’s all I got; please let me know what you think.
When I saw this car on the Humboldt craigslist,it immediatly
brought a smile to my face,as I remember this car (at the same house)
when I delivered the paper there around 1969.
One of those cars that always sticks in your memories.
Nice Tempest. Love the 4 speed!!
Don’t buy this if you live where it gets cold. The window sticker shows heater and defroster delete for a credit of $73. Nice looking Pontiac with the 4spd.
I noticed that on the sticker, but there are heater hoses heading into the firewall right near where the fan housing/heater core would be positioned. And there are slide levers in the instrument panel to effect heater/defroster functions.
JO
Well, so close. Let’s see, “One deuce and a 4 speed, and a 326”,,,nah,,I’d have loved to see the salespersons reaction, you want what now? I read, the entire GTO package ( 389/6 pack) was $295 more. They already spent $188 on the 4 speed alone. For some reason, this person chose not to go that route, and probably were ridiculed because of it, considering how popular the model became. Personally, I think it’s great. Got the 4 speed for you shifty characters, and a docile V8 for practicality. Besides, 1-2barrel, 3- 2 barrels,,,what’s the difference. Very nice car here.