Along with the other General Motors mid-size cars, the Pontiac LeMans was redesigned in 1973. This era is known as the “Colonnade” models, as hardtops were a thing of the past. The 4-door cars had a fixed center B-post, but the doors had frameless glass. On the coupes, the C-pillars were larger, and the B-post wasn’t needed. The goal was better rollover protection. The seller has owned this 1976 Grand LeMans for 30 years and has done a lot of work on it. But it stays in the garage most of the time. Located in Summerville, South Carolina, this cosmetic project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,500. Once again, “PRA4SNW” comes through with a vintage tip.
The Grand LeMans arrived in 1975, replacing the Luxury LeMans in name only. Pontiac was big on the “Grand” moniker in those days (Grand Prix, Grand Am, Grandville, etc.), and for the LeMans it was the upscale model. The name continued on even after the downsizing that occurred in 1978, sticking around through 1981. More than 14,700 copies of the Grand LeMans coupe like this one left the assembly line in 1976.
This Pontiac is listed as an “Aerocoupe,” probably due to Facebook’s limitations on names for vintage automobiles. The Aerocoupe was actually a body style designed for use in NASCAR in the mid-1980s, and it was gone when the rear-wheel-drive platform was retired in 1987. The owner of this Grand LeMans is said to be its second, which would mean the original purchaser held it for two decades. The indicated mileage is 67,000, and that could be accurate given the condition of the interior. The factory A/C may not work as the belt has been removed.
The seller has switched out the intake manifold and carburetor on the 350 cubic inch V8 from a 2-barrel set-up to a 4-barrel. Edelbrock products were used, including valve covers branded as such, too. Newer work includes the rear main seal, shock absorbers, some front-end components, the power brake booster, exhaust system, and the tires (plus more). So much of the seller’s asking price is tied up in new parts. We’re told this Pontiac originated in the Midwest, and it’s largely rust-free. But the paint is old, and some body pieces have been replaced, including the right front fender. Per the seller, the car runs like a champ, but apparently, it doesn’t get to do that often-enough, perhaps the reason for the sale.
Decent price here for this Pontiac with a lot of new parts installed. I do see a A/C belt on it. Nice it still has the rally wheels. To bad the radio area is cut out.