Many enthusiasts have pondered the same choice potentially faced by the new owner of this 1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible. This rust-free and unmolested survivor would present beautifully following a light cosmetic restoration. However, its overall originality and presentation would still command attention if left in its current form. It is a decision they would not need to make immediately, providing the opportunity to appreciate all it offers while they ponder their options. The LeMans is listed here on eBay in Saint Helena, California. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,800, although there is a BIN option of $20,000.
Pontiac released the LeMans in 1961 as the top trim option in its Tempest range. It would achieve standalone model status the year our feature car rolled off the line. This is 1-of-15,957 LeMans Convertibles sold in 1963, representing approximately 25% of total production for that year. The original owner ordered this classic in conservative Cameo Ivory, which remains original and unrestored. The paint is far from perfect, but it is acceptable if the winning bidder chooses the preservation path. It has marks, chips, and scratches, but what this Pontiac lacks is rust. It has spent its life in the San Francisco Bay Area, with the climate in that region conducive to metal preservation. The car would benefit from a light cosmetic refresh, but if the new owner chooses that option, they could complete the work at their leisure. This gem features a White power top that is in good order and functions as it should. There are no rips, and the back window is crystal clear. The trim is generally okay, although a couple of damaged items would probably be replaced as part of any restoration. The steel wheels currently sport dog dish hubcaps, but the seller includes the original full wheel covers for those not keen on the “poverty” look.
This Pontiac’s interior would easily be considered acceptable for an enthusiast focused on preservation. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from significant damage. The outer edge of the driver’s seat backrest shows some wear, and there is a slight seam separation, but an upholsterer might be able to address those shortcomings, negating the need to source replacement covers. The carpet has faded in several spots but has no significant wear. The dash and pad have survived the rigors of the Californian sun nicely, and there are no aftermarket additions. It isn’t loaded with factory options, although many will welcome the original AM radio.
Buyers could order a 1963 LeMans with the 195ci “Trophy 4,” although this car’s original owner went straight to the top shelf by specifying the 326ci V8. Its transmission set the Tempest range and the LeMans apart from the crowd. This car features a two-speed automatic, so there’s nothing particularly radical there. However, the transmission is a rear-mounted transaxle, helping to provide improved weight distribution. This car also features power assistance for the steering and brakes, guaranteeing an effortless driving experience. The V8 should produce 260hp and 352 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the Convertible to cover the ¼-mile in 16.9 seconds. If the driver kept the pedal to the metal, it would start running out of breath with the needle hitting 122mph. The good news with this classic continues when considering its mechanical health. It rolls on new tires, running and driving perfectly. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition that they can use to maximize the remaining summer sunshine.
Decisions, decisions! The expression “they’re only original once” is one of the most overused in the classic world, but it perfectly applies to this 1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible. A fresh coat of paint and a few replacement exterior trim pieces would make an enormous difference to its appearance, and the work would be straightforward. However, there is something enticing about preserving this car in its current form. What path would you choose if it were parked in your driveway?
Great writeup, nothing mentioned however, unless I missed it,,,this car was the precursor to the most iconic muscle car of all time, the GTO. Jim wrote one up like this couple years back, and surprisingly, this car, even with the V8, had the rope drive/transaxle like the 4 cylinders. That was eliminated for the GTO, but again, surprisingly, had some success at the drag strip, with the Super Duty 421/6 pack, so the rope drive could handle it. Arnie “the Farmer” Beswick had great success with a ’63 LeMans. Pontiac was at the top, for a while, and started with cars like this.
I had the 4 cylinder 4 barrel 4 speed transaxle Tempest LeMans and it was a blast to drive. I suspect the transaxle was the weakness as mine went and the salvage yard replacement had the same issue. Try to explain that as a long haired hippie type to the trooper investigating the salvage yards claim. Fortunately a pro mechanic was my backup.
Mine was triple black V8 w/4 speed. neat little car.
That’s the first thing I thought of when I seen the dash bezel…It looks like a GTO.
Tri-power dodge was six pack
3-2s, that better?
Fix the rear bumper and stitch up the seam on the drivers bucket.Heater core and double check the whole car over fluids and all the usual maintenance items.That’s all I’d do.I didn’t know these cars had trans axles.Wonder how they hold up or if they have their problems.Neat car.I wouldn’t paint it.I think the bin is worth it.Glwts.
I might be wrong but I believe the transaxle was sourced from the Corvair. All in all a very unique system. I think you could even get a 4spd in these. Is that the original shifter? What is the second handle for? Unusual car, and seems super solid, try to find another in this shape.
The Tempest transaxle and rear suspension was derived from the Corvair, but obviously with mods.
2nd lever should be the parking brake.
Trans shifter is low, drive, neutral, reverse
i had a 326 3 speed coupe got in trouble with it out ran 77 vette no problem in 1st gear !!!1
So the 1977 L48 Corvette with the pavement-ripping 180 HP? Not exactly the pinnacle of the marque.
A result of Pontiac’s engineering strength and John DeLorean’s imagination. A well refined intermediate.
Just out of highschool in a 1971and needed a car for college. How about a 1964 Pontiac Tempest LeMans 4c/4b automatic. It was a hard top, first car I ever owned $450. Lots of fun and fast, just what a freshman needs. lolol Threw a rod or 2 speeding around 10 months later.
I had a slant 4 with 2 spd. automatic Coupe. Good little car. Never let me down. Needed another 30+ HP, but it was adequate.
Friend I used to work with had one of these, a 4 door sedan version in light metallic blue. Really nice car, had come from a relative in East Texas. He and his son got it running, and his son drove it to school. They figured he was the only one in his class that knew how to set points!
This is a neat and unusual car, and hopefully it gets a good home.
My father ordered a 63 black on red 4speed slant 4. I drove it as my first car to high school.
When I got my license at 16 in 1974.he loved that car the only issue was the shifter mount
That required welding on occasion but other than that it was trouble free. And a reminder
Of days long since past. Thanks for the memories