Simply Stunning: 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport

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It is sometimes challenging to find the most appropriate phrase to describe a classic, but I face no such problems with this 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport. “Simply stunning” seems to encapsulate this car perfectly, from its beautiful paint to its spotless interior and healthy V8. This car needs nothing…except a new owner who will continue to appreciate it as the seller has. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Pontiac listed here on Craigslist in San Diego, California. You could fly in and drive it home once you have handed the seller $24,900.

This 1970 Sport is part of Pontiac’s Third Generation LeMans range that graced showroom floors from 1968 until 1972. Its history is unclear beyond the fact that it has spent its life in sunny California. Therefore, I’m sure that most readers won’t be shocked to learn that this classic is rust-free. The panels are laser-straight, and the doors close with a crisp thud that demonstrates there are no structural shortcomings. However, the paint is unquestionably this Pontiac’s exterior highlight. I have been unable to determine the exact shade, but it is one of those colors that seems to change, depending on the prevailing light. The depth of color and shine is incredible, making me feel like I could effortlessly sink into it. The spotless trim and glass accentuate the amazing presentation, and the polished 17″ KMC wheels, although not to everyone’s taste, don’t look out of place.

This Pontiac is one of those classics where I have been searching for something to criticize. The interior doesn’t present that opportunity, because its Dark Blue vinyl trim is seemingly perfect. I thought there were a couple of rub marks on the driver’s seat base, but these appear to be a trick of the light. This positive impression is heightened by the spotless carpet, headliner, dash, and faux woodgrain. The seller doesn’t paint this classic as something it isn’t, admitting that the interior features an aftermarket stereo and gauge cluster. However, with both items mounted under the dash, removal would be easy. The new owner won’t receive a wide array of factory options, although they will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning, cruise control, and AM radio.

Pontiac’s Sales Brochure for 1970 confirms that the 350ci V8 hiding under the hood of this LeMans would have generated 255hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque when the car left the factory. Shifting duties are performed by a three-speed Turbo 350 transmission, with the car also featuring power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes. Performance wouldn’t be in muscle car territory, but there is certainly enough power available to provide effortless acceleration and overtaking on the open road. The seller confirms that the transmission is freshly rebuilt and that the car is in excellent mechanical health. They supply this YouTube video as evidence. It provides a fairly comprehensive walkaround and allows us to see and hear the LeMans in action. The engine sounds sweet, the transmission shifts crisply, and the car rolls down the road with none of the squeaks and rattles that can develop with age. Therefore, potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.

Some classics blend into the background like automotive chameleons, while others are brash and bold. This 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport walks a middle ground, capable of commanding attention courtesy of its beautiful paint and immaculate presentation. It is a car that is guaranteed to draw crowds of admiring onlookers at shows or a Cars & Coffee, and I won’t be surprised if the new owner receives more than a few inquiries about whether they would be willing to sell. I wouldn’t consider the idea if it was parked in my garage, but would you?

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Comments

  1. StanMember

    Thank you for the ✍️ write up AC.
    Good eye T.J. GM 350 w 3spd Hydramatic. Such a nice combination as mentioned for hwy passing. 🛣 👋

    Like 2
  2. BA

    Rarely does a Lemans impress unless it’s a T-37 but this car does just that & makes me forget its a sport & sport it is looking worth the ask! Great car!

    Like 5
  3. Geronimo

    Ghetto wheels.

    Like 8
  4. Faroutfreak

    Most of these were made into GTO-Judge clones ( They were almost identical on the outside, but different powertrain ) A friend of mine tried to get me to buy one from him soon after I sold my 69 Judge ( by a Judges order. to many speeding tickets and outrunning the local cop cars ) but after the real thing a imitation just didn’t push the right buttons,

    Like 2
  5. V12MECH

    Nice clean caly car for a reasonable price, updated rims appeal to a broader market, good strategy, easy for buyer to change, if no stories this should go pretty quick.

    Like 5
  6. Todd J.Member

    Sellers should follow the example of this guy and learn how to take decent photos of their vehicles, it would be to their advantage.

    Like 8
    • Michael Berkemeier

      Surely you meant “learn how to use the filters and effects on their camera phones to make things appear way nicer than they really are”, right?

      Like 2
  7. V

    i bought a lemans sport in the same color blue inside and out. it hads a 350 without ac . with a 350 trans . the only thing i did to mine was put a b&m shift kit in the turbo 350….i had a pile of fun with this car . the lookers that would come around preferred this sport over the gto .the only thing different between this 1 and mine was mine had a factory console. the more you look at this car the more you like it…alas another nice one 2500 miles away from pottsville pa.
    with no ac it was probably closer to 300 h.p. my lemans sport looked better with the factory rally’s

    Like 2
  8. Michael Berkemeier

    Sorry, re-touched photos (totally filtered), no vinyl top but still has the trim, an amateur paint job, ghetto wheels and super-ghetto exhaust…wow. Sure doesn’t take much to impress you guys, does it?

    Best of luck to the new owner. She’s a peach, lol!!!

    I will give credit where credit is due. It is clean underneath and fairly original inside, anyway. Won’t need any major rust repair.

    Like 1
  9. V12MECH

    I’m impressed because seller didn’t use the typical dirt , dust and rust filters when taking the picture, compared to the usual shots , this gem is calendar level. I’ll save the nit picking for in person inspection.

    Like 1
  10. DJ

    Beautiful car and one you don’t see often enough…. Agree with V12MECH, reserve some comments till personal inspection.

    Like 1
  11. Terry

    Nice clean car! Perfect level stance, great style and fit of wheels for a nice upgrade. I would love to own this beauty.

    Like 0
  12. Lance Platt

    Nice intermediate size coupe. 1970 model before the engines were detuned in 1971 to run on low lead and no lead gasoline. Kinda expected a floor mounted THM 350 instead of on the column. I hope the old air conditioning was retrofitted after the CFC environmental fuss. Don’t think those are Pontiac Rally II wheels on the car. It’s sad the LeMans doesn’t get the love than the Chevelle/Malibu line today.

    Like 0

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