Weather-Worn: 1978 Pontiac Grand LeMans

The LeMans spent 20 years as Pontiac’s mid-size automobile, giving life to the GTO muscle car in the middle of the 1960s. It was given a luxury model in the early 1970s, appropriately dubbed Luxury LeMans. In 1975, they dropped that moniker in favor of Grand LeMans (like a Grand Ville, only smaller). The seller has a 1978 Grand LeMans that looks rough on the outside, but nicer inside and runs well. Located in Emeryville, California, this cosmetic project is available here on craigslist for $6,000. Thumbs up to Tony Primo for the tip!

Pontiac marketed the Grand LeMans from 1975 to 1981. For the first three years, it shared the Colonnade styling of the LeMans (and other GM intermediates), then these cars were downsized in 1978 for better fuel economy. The seller’s example is one of those more sensible autos that could use smaller engines to get the same job done. It’s powered by a 305 cubic inch V8, likely paired with a TH-350 automatic transmission. And we’re told the 59,000 miles on the odometer are honest, as the car was sparingly used in its earlier days.

Exposure to prolonged periods of sunlight has done a number on the green paint and dark green vinyl top. The paint is quite faded while the top covering is almost non-existent. We’re told the matching interior is in pristine condition, so why is there a towel on the bottom of the back seat? And the headliner has the typical 1970s affliction of most General Motors cars – it has a case of the droops.

We’re told this Pontiac has been regularly maintained and serviced, regardless of what we might think of the appearance. No mechanical problems are lurking to terrorize the next owner. That caretaker will only be the Lemans’ third owner in nearly 50 years. Important to California residents, this automobile is smog-registered for another year. And this fancy ride has working air conditioning. Pontiac sold more than 21,250 copies of the car as a 4-door sedan in 1978.