Seeing this 1968 Pontiac LeMans Sport (on which, please see below) convertible, your first thought might be to intone, “What’s up, buttercup?” You’d be close to naming the color, and saying that is probably more poetic than to use the car’s real color name, “Mayflower Maize.” No matter what the name, this car is desirable as a collectible or a driver. If you agree, check out the ad here on craigslist, then find your way to Hollister, CA, and have $27,000 (or less, if you’re a good negotiator) in your pocket to pay for your new ride. Then drive it down the freeway to LA and enjoy it, thanking tipster TJ as you go. (Oh, wait, I’m talking about my own dream there, but if you share it, then great!)
As for collectability, the third generation LeMans (1968-72) might not be as familiar as the Coke-bottle shaped 1966 and 1967 models, which are part of the 1964-67 second generation. But that could present some opportunity to get in on what might be a bit of a ground floor. You just have to find the slightly chunky body style attractive. I think most of us would give that proposition a two-thumbs-up.
So what about this particular example of the breed? Note that this looks like a coveted “black plate” California car, and the colors of the tag are correct. But if the plate were original, it would be three letters and three numbers: ABC 123. As it is, the 4SPR tag indicates a car registered somewhere around the mid-1990s. The 4S tag would have been like today’s new issues, blue and red on a white background. The plate here is a replica of the black plate look that is currently sourced through the California DMV. This is a bit of history that needs to be untangled, but given that you get the original bill of sale and a stack of receipts, you can probably piece together the history if that aspect of the collector car hobby appeals to you.
As for originality, there are some questions. To start with, did the LeMans come with the “Sport” designation as early as 1968? It seems that this trim level was introduced in the 1970 model year. The car has a 389-CID engine. Is it original? No. The prior generation of LeMans could have come with a powerplant of this displacement, but the third generation used the 400-CID mill. Also up for question: Who did the paint, when, and how well? What, in general, is the condition of the sheetmetal and structural integrity, especially with this one being a drop-top? The trunk floor is pictured, and it looks solid, but it’s also been coated with a non-factory black finish. The advertiser does encourage an in-person inspection, and California is pretty nice this time of year, so a trip to see for yourself might be something you could sell to your significant other. Is this the dream ‘vert for you?
The black personalized plates started around the mid 2000-teens.
This is a nice looking car, but it’s a Pontiac and has some personalized modifications that might cause some potential buyers to balk at this price. As with any car, an in person inspection would be size. I’d let the overall condition more than the modifications dictate any decisions.
Steve R
Most Le Mans used a nice little 326. A good over all engine, Pontiacs own 327 wannbe. I drove a few over the years, it lacked for nothing, esp with a nice 4sp. 389 should have been left in the Gran Prix.
I’m not sure about the floor shift or console
.
It almost looks like a shifter out of a mid sixties chevrolet shifter sticking through the hole of a console that belongs to a standard transmission.
It is. The good thing is depending on the condition of the console you might even be able to find an OE automatic console and shifter for less money than you could sell what’s currently in the car. A factory A-body 4spd console in good condition commands a much higher price than one for an automatic and the shifter looks like it might be for a 67 Camaro or 68-72 Nova.
Steve R
I noticed the shifter/console set up too it doesn’t look right!
My wife had a 1968 Tempest Custom convertible in this color combination. Hers was a OHC six cylinder. She bought it in 1971 for $1,250. Imagine that today, a 3 year old car for that price!
68 Pontiac Le Mans…. ex wife had one…. they all have a windshield washer pump that is driven by a nylon cam.. which breaks….
Pleasant looking car, and I’m sure it scoots with the 389. However, I would personally have preferred a period correct 400 for an upgrade- or just stick with a 350. Curt mentioned the “326” used on earlier Lemans’. In a bit of inter-divisional chicanery, the “326” used by Pontiac was actually a GMC engine- that displaced 336 cubic inches. When Pontiac first started using them GM was claiming to limit the size of engines in intermediate cars. 336 was over the supposed limit, so it magically became a 326. Presto-Chango! No problem. It’s kind ironic considering that GMC used a lot of Pontiac engines, as far back as the “30s. A friend of mine has a ‘38 (?) GMC truck that his Grandfather bought new. Original surviver truck with the Pontiac engine still in place. My Dad had a ‘56 GMC 6 wheeler dump truck originally equipped with a Pontiac V8 and a Hydromatic.
But I digress. Nice car- could be even nicer with a little “sorting”.
Had a 1968 Tempest Custom with a 350 V8–that would actually be the optional and correct engine in this car. I did the same thing with a used GTO hood–looks great even with the chrome front bumper!