Vehicle Description
If you're looking for GTO looks on a budget, this 1972 Pontiac
Lemans Sport convertible definitely delivers. The body shell is, of
course, the same, and it still packs a torquey 350 that delivers a
muscle car experience just like a GTO, all without breaking a
sweat. Looks good, goes fast, costs less, how can you lose?
The paint job was done a few years ago, but basic black is always a
great choice and it's hold up quite well. Combined with the black
interior and top, it looks a bit formal on the sleek Lemans
bodywork. It isn't perfect and up close you can see some flaws, but
for the money, you're going to be pleased with the look. Fit and
finish are quite good with doors that close as well as any other GM
car of the period, indicative of a solid car that hasn't been bent
or rusty. The Le Mans was a lot more GTO than most would believe,
and the classic front end works as well here as it does on its more
expensive big brother. There's not a lot of trim on the Lemans, but
details like the '350' emblems on the rocker panels, the big chrome
bumpers, and the factory emblems are all in decent original shape.
And it really is nice to see that it hasn't been faked into a GTO,
because the Le Mans Sport has a clean, chiseled look that works
extremely well. This is still a great-looking car.
Dressed to play, the black bucket seat interior is just as
functional and inviting as any in a GTO. The seat covers are in
great shape and it's quite possible that things like those seat
covers, the door panels, and even the dash pad are originals, with
the back seat looking almost like new. There are also fresh carpets
on the floor. This Lemans offers only basic instrumentation, but
the three gauge pod layout still looks sporty and the woodgrained
appliques look warm and inviting. The steering wheel is a little
rough and could stand an upgrade, and the center console houses a
familiar Pontiac shifter that manages the TH350 3-speed automatic
transmission underneath. There are upgraded speakers in the kick
panels, so more entertainment is easy to add and the black
convertible top was installed in 2011, so it is in excellent
condition. The trunk is clean enough and includes a new mat that
gives it a correct look.
The engine is a great-running Pontiac 350 that seems to ignore the
declining horsepower in the early 1970s because it feels plenty
stout. It's pretty stock, including a 2-barrel carburetor under the
air cleaner, but don't let that fool you into think it's not fun to
drive. It's nicely detailed with corporate turquoise engine enamel,
satin black valve covers that match the air cleaner, and factory
exhaust manifolds. There's an upgraded alternator up top and a big
aluminum radiator, but that's about it for modifications. It starts
quickly and easily, idles with a pleasing V8 burble, and moves
easily with a solid whack of low-end torque. It's backed by a TH350
3-speed automatic transmission and a 10-bolt rear end out back, so
the powertrain is certainly durable enough to have fun without
worries. A recent dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers
gives it a mellow soundtrack, and the Cragar wheels are just the
right touch. Fat 245/60/15 BFGoodrich radials fill the fenders and
really nail the stance.
If you don't care about pedigrees and investments and just want to
get to the business of having fun, this very nicely preserved Le
Mans is your car. Call today!
