Talk about the gift that keeps on giving, it’s GM’s 1968 to 1972 “A” body intermediate series. Some of these select models are 50 years old at this point but they still command premium prices. It’s especially puzzling when you consider that the 1972 models, in particular, were an after-thought as a prolonged GM strike caused the ’72 models to be nothing more than re-hashed ’71s. And then there is the Chevrolet Chevelle, regardless of Malibu or SS trim, it tends to suck all of the air out of the room. But there are alternatives, like this beautiful 1972 Pontiac LeMans, located in Sylvania, Ohio and available here on eBay for a current bid of $15,251.51, reserve not met yet.
The LeMans, and its burly performance stablemate the GTO, competed with the aforementioned Chevrolet Chevelle (SS), Oldsmobile Cutlass (442) and Buick Skylark (GS). All four were based on the same platform/frame and had some “Fisher Body” similarities but they had their uniqueness too. And while the focus is always on the performance variants, it’s nice to find a bread and butter model survivor like a LeMans.
This subject LeMans is a one-family owned car that has only experienced 48K miles in its almost 48 years. We can cut to the chase and ask what’s wrong with it but according to the seller, nothing. The accompanying images attest to to the seller’s claim. While a beige finish and a tan vinyl top are lacking in the, “We build excitement” department they show beautifully on this LeMans. The finish is still deep and the body appears to be perfectly straight without the kind of rust and rot that so frequently and adversely affects these “A” bodies. The seller claims that the vinyl top cover is original and that in itself is amazing. The strong chrome and Rally II wheels just cap off the presentation.
Now, looking at the underside of various makes of cars isn’t exactly exciting but it can tell you quite a bit about a vehicle’s history, former whereabouts and most importantly, its solidity. I have spent more time underneath an “A” body than I care to recall, clutch, transmission and differential replacements mostly – things of that nature, so it’s familiar territory to me. The underside of this LeMans is worth a shout-out, it’s in great nick.
Upfront, where it counts, this Poncho is powered by a Pontiac 350 CI V8 engine producing approximately 175 net HP. Notable is the fact that this model year, 72, was the first to employ new SAE net horsepower ratings. There is no image available of the engine from topside but there is one of the underside and it is another testament to this LeMan’s stellar condition. As the seller states, “The drive train has the 350 2 BBL V-8 engine complimented with the 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. Both perform perfectly with no issues and this automobile runs with great performance. ” Pretty much what you would expect for a LeMans in this condition. Also present is working R12 air conditioning. While it can be converted to a more modern refrigerant, I have found that these older systems work well with R12 and it’s still available; you just need to know who to ask.
The interior of this Pontiac is equipped with GM’s typical for the era strato-bucket seats. This hardback design was found in all of GM’s “A” bodies including late ’60’s Impalas equipped with bucket seats. The upholstery and general condition of the interior looks seldom used. There is no wear visible and clearly, this LeMans has been parked in a protected environment where the sun’s damaging rays have not been able to do its dastardly work.
This appears to have been a well-pampered Pontiac; the seller adds that there is a lot of original documentation available. Sure a GTO with its zoom-zoom would be a lot of fun but this LeMans is worthy of respect too, especially considering its unsullied condition. They’re only new once but this one appears to still be new 48 years on. I think this LeMans is a nice alternative to the more commonly found or desired GM “A” bodies, how about you?
Add this one to my “collection” of cars that I’d love to own! GLWTA!! :-)
A very nice Pontiac. I like it. To me it is more unique and desirable than a GTO.
Fun to see the window sticker from back in the day when there were a zillion stand-alone options.
My mom had one nearly identical to this. Her two main memories are my dad was never able to change one spark plug due to the AC compressor making it impossible to remove, and the gas tank falling off on the highway when the straps rusted through. Good times.
This is a seriously nice car in outstanding original condition. Well optioned and ready to go. I might be inclined to upgrade to a 4-barrel carb and dual exhausts but not much else. It will be interesting to see what it sells for but it should be worth every penny.
Personally I’ve always found this face and rear treatment to be the least interesting out of any of the last A-bodies.
With that said I simply cannot deny how clean it looks – I particularly like it hasn’t been tampered with trying to look more like a muscle car , and the color combo is sweet for a 70s vehicle. This is one of those very few occations when I’d say a brown/tan interior and heck, even a VINYL TOP look just right! Lovely example and a great find! 👍
In the early 80’s my fren had one a lot like this, and we hot rodded the heck outa it. We put a off-white 69 Gran-Prix int in it and the 428 out of the same GP. He put 4:11’s and a turbo 400 with a shift kit. I remember the first cam wouldn’t give any vacuum and I had to stand on the brakes at low RPM’s. That was a nice, fast car that we got into the 13’s, damn I miss those days !
This brought back many memories of working at a Pontiac store when these were new. It seemed like we sold most of ours in this color and option combination. In Northern Illinois the desired car was the Cutlass Supreme with the LeMans second. (and very few Chevells were sold in our town) These were nice driving and handling cars once radial tires were installed. I’m not currently in the market. But I feel that this is at least a $20,000 car.
I love these Pontiacs, but did any of them ever come with a clock?!?
Mine has the clock. The one I had in high school had one too. But most didn’t.
Outstanding
Check out this other item that he is selling – cool!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Brand-New-Original-1971-Schwinn-Sting-Ray-Bikes-1-Boys-1-Girls/202895411002?hash=item2f3d82473a:g:Jr4AAOSw889eNgww
He has some good stuff including the Caprice convertible featured on this site the other day. One thing all his current and completed items have in common, none have met reserve.
Steve R
Thanks to the owners for keeping this Pontiac original & in such superb condition!
Nice car but looks like reserve too high.
On second review I noted this was the Sport model.
Not sure of numbers but Sports model was sort similar to Chevy SS
They are quite rare compared to base Le Mans. Very seldom see one.
The writer should have pointed this out.
Ebay ad as well as photo of window sticker show the Lemans Sport option. No need for the writer to point this out when it’s right there for everyone to easily see.
Yes. we can all read.
I meant the commentator should have made a bigger deal out of it.
And if I remember correctly, there was a Luxury LeMans option that included rather small fender skirts. We had a Sport wagon on the lot with the GTO Endura bumper and hood scoop. It looked pretty cool!
Pontiac messed with the fenders & front end too much ’70-2 on lemans/gto/tempest.
I have one of these cars. I bought it in 1985 for 750. bucks. I even had to take a loan out on it. I still have it and will never get rid of it. It still has less than a hundred thousand miles on the car. I absolutely love this car. The main reason is that it is not a Chevelle. I have a really nice 66 Chevelle. A person just doesn’t see to many of these Pontiacs around anymore. (At least I don’t) lm going to be taking it on the hot rod power tour this year. Can’t wait. These cars are just awesome cruisers. U get lots of looks and u have lots of York.