Sometimes, a classic car doesn’t need luxury or muscle credentials to make an impact. Often it can be all about the condition and ownership history, which is the case with this 1965 Pontiac Le Mans. It is a two-owner survivor that spent its pampered life in a dry climate. It has only a few minor flaws, but none would prevent a buyer from gaining immediate enjoyment from the ownership experience. The Pontiac is listed here on Craigslist in Little Compton, Rhode Island. The owner set their price at $19,500, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this pretty Pontiac.

Pontiac launched its Second Generation Le Mans in 1964, and some enthusiasts believe its greatest claim to fame is that it spawned the iconic GTO. However, that badge represented a small percentage of total production in 1964, with the same true the year this classic rolled off the line. The seller states it spent most of its life in Texas, only finding its way to its current location in the spring of 2021. That means its lack of rust is unsurprising, with nothing visible in the supplied photos. The seller recently pulled the carpet, confirming the floors are rock-solid. They believe most of the Silver Cloud paint could be original, which they describe as a good 10-footer. That suggests it isn’t perfect but is acceptable for a driver-grade car. There is none of the patchiness that is common with this shade, especially on vehicles exposed to harsh UV rays. The Le Mans features sparkling bumpers and trim, with the glass looking flawless.

The same dry climate that protects classic steel can wreak havoc on plastic and trim, but the supplied photos suggest this Pontiac spent its downtime undercover to protect it from the Texas sun. The dash and pad are excellent, as are most upholstered surfaces. There is a wear spot on the driver’s seat’s outer edge, but if the new owner wishes to preserve the car’s originality, a slipcover could be the best option to prevent further deterioration. The back seat looks brand new, while the same is literally true of the carpet and rear parcel tray. Aftermarket additions include a column-mounted tach and under-dash gauges to monitor the Pontiac’s mechanical health. Removal would be easy, but I consider the additions worthwhile insurance. Considering where this classic spent its life, I’m surprised the original owner didn’t order it with air conditioning. However, it does include a factory AM radio for those who don’t want to listen to the bass rumble from what rests under the hood.

The GTO was the muscle car offering within the Le Mans range in 1965, but this car is no slouch. Its original owner ordered it with a 326ci V8, a two-speed Powerglide transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The GTO might show this survivor a clean set of heels over the ¼-mile, but an ET of 17 seconds is still respectable for a five-seat family cruiser. The engine bay presents exceptionally well for a car of this vintage, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. It runs and drives nicely, with the seller using the word “pleasure” when describing the motoring experience. It is refreshing that they don’t quote some outrageously low odometer reading, although 104,000 miles is still below average.

Some readers will look at this 1965 Pontiac Le Mans and immediately see the ideal candidate for a GTO tribute. I understand the logic because they would commence such a build using a solid car with no apparent panel or rust issues. I hope that isn’t its fate because the world has no shortage of tribute cars wearing various badges. This is a clean and tidy two-owner survivor worthy of preservation. It has only been on the market a short time, and considering the condition and asking price, I believe that situation will change pretty quickly. I think a new home is mere days away for this classic, but could it be yours?