Project, Parts, or Lawn Art? 1967 Pontiac Le Mans

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When a seller lists a classic and claims it would be a great candidate for lawn art, you know the vehicle has lived a hard life. Such is the case with this 1967 Pontiac Le Mans. It would have been a glorious sight in its prime, but time hasn’t treated it kindly. The listing images suggest it spent years exposed to the elements, and evidence suggests the visible surface corrosion is only the tip of the iceberg. However, it is complete, and the seller’s price is dirt-cheap. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zen for spotting the Le Mans listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Bohemia, New York, for $2,500.

Pontiac introduced its Second Generation Le Mans range in 1964, offering buyers a choice of four body styles. This 1967 Coupe is a final-year example, ordered by its first owner in Linden Green with a Black vinyl top. The photos suggest it has spent years parked in the great outdoors, with its paint cooked and the vinyl almost non-existent. There are copious amounts of surface corrosion, and evidence of penetrating rust in the lower extremities, radiator support, and front valance. It raises the question of what might hide beneath the surface, but I believe that the news will be pretty bad. If so, it is probably beyond salvation. The plated components have waved the white flag to corrosion, but the tinted glass might be okay, and the Rally II wheels should be restorable.

This Le Mans would have felt quite luxurious in 1967. From its Black vinyl trim to the bucket seats, console, radio, and acres of faux woodgrain, it would have looked very classy. The interior is complete, but exhibits deterioration consistent with the exterior. I doubt that any upholstered components could be saved, and with the headliner hanging low, it would require a complete retrim. However, if viewed purely as a parts car, plenty of items could be reused in another project build. The larger components are an obvious example, but small items like clips and brackets could make the Le Mans a gold mine.

The seller states that this Pontiac retains its original mechanical components. If the fender badges are accurate, the engine bay should house a 326ci V8. The company offered two versions in 1967, with power outputs of 250hp and 285hp, respectively. The first owner teamed the 326 with a two-speed Powerglide transmission and power steering. The seller doesn’t state whether the car runs, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t. If the engine turns, it might be salvageable. Otherwise, it’ll be a boat anchor. Once again, it could be a source of many small items for another project.

I have sometimes been accused of being too sentimental, but I’m sure I’m not the only person who feels sad when a classic is left to fend for itself outdoors and suffers badly as a result. That has been the fate of this 1967 Pontiac Le Mans, reducing it to a pale shadow of its former self. Is it beyond salvation? Only an in-person inspection will reveal the truth, but the listing images suggest its rust could be more than skin-deep. Plenty of parts could see service in another build, and it would undoubtedly be a statement piece as lawn art. Do you believe this classic is beyond salvation, or could someone drag it back from the brink?

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Comments

  1. Steve R

    The asking price, $2,500, might be dirt cheap for a restorable project, a parts car is likely a different story. When a seller references multiple times in their ad the car they are selling would make a good parts car, believe them. They typically try and sell potential on the idea a parts bar is a viable project, not the other way around. If the team is shot so is this car, that’s the first thing potential buyers should ask about or look at when they inspect the car in person.

    Steve R

    Like 2
    • David R

      Nothing dirt cheap about this car, it needs everything, it’s all very expensive !

      Like 3
  2. Timothy

    Yikes! There’s a plant growing on the deck lid!!! 🤨

    Like 4
    • Dewey

      I’ve always said, the least you can do is weed your car before putting it up for sale.

      May be dirt cheap, but the dirt is the most valuable piece of the sale…it’s obviously good for growing.

      Like 3
  3. RoadDog

    It’s a goner. ‘Nuff said.

    Like 2
  4. JDC

    “Lawn art”? Is that what rednecks are calling it now?

    Like 2
    • Chris

      No, they’re not.

      Like 5
    • angliagt angliagtMember

      This is one of those “Fairlane up on blocks” type cars
      that you have in your yard by your double wide trailer.

      Like 0
  5. Zen

    I feel sorry for this car. Miss Belvedere was in better shape. Maybe this one didn’t just sit outside, but was actually brined.

    Like 2
  6. Mr. Mustang

    There are few cars that I could reconcile with my conscience to turn into lawn art. It’s a second life that no car deserves. I’d say this one could be restored easily enough.

    Like 4
  7. That AMC guy

    Pay $2500 for that? It’s more likely someone would have to be paid a couple of hundred bucks to haul this scrap away before the seller is fined by the town for harboring such “lawn art” on his property.

    Like 3
  8. Chris

    The only rusty old cars I’ve seen used and tolerated as lawn art were Crosleys.

    Like 2
    • Rick

      There’s a 1948 to 1950 Packard that’s been sitting for years in a front yard on Michigan highway M-53 up near the tip of the Thumb.

      Like 0
  9. DJG

    “They’re coming to get you, Barbara!”

    Like 2
  10. Paul X

    Dirt cheap = growing vegetables in the back . Looks like scrap to me .

    Like 0
  11. hairyolds68Member

    i does have parts that are worth money but @ 2500.00 it’s a bit too much to pay for so little that’s actually really any good.

    Like 1
  12. Rogue1

    Sure do hope someone watered the plant on the back window…

    Like 0
  13. SS

    This would make a lovely natural reef.

    If this was salvageable it would cost a fortune to bring back to life.

    Like 0
  14. Pugsy

    No title.

    Like 0
  15. Bob

    Hurts me to see this old gal dying a slow death. I bought one of these brand new in 1967 in Riverside, Ca. ( yes I am older than dirt) had a 4 speed and no power options. $ 2,700.00 out the door. Could have bought a GTO for $600 more but, that was a months pay back in the day. Pulled a travel trailer with it all over the western US including steep mountain passes ,no sweat. Great car.

    Like 0

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