Vehicle Description
You know that a design is timeless when it looks as fresh and
aggressive today as it did when it was new, and that's certainly
the case with this pretty 1966 Pontiac Le Mans Custom hardtop.
Filled with goodies, it features a 383 Stroker V8 crate motor
that's pumping out 435 horses, a dialed-in A/C interior, and a
killer two-tone paint job. Tastefully modified, it's a fast, fun
street machine that's as popular today (perhaps more so) than it
was in 1966.
If you drive what is arguably the best-looking car of the mid-60s,
your intent isn't to keep a low profile, so why not go with splashy
two-tone paint? The hardtop body wears the vivid Sunset Orange and
Silver paint like James Bond wears a tuxedo: it just looks right.
For many, the 1966 models got everything just right, from the
stacked headlights to the "flying buttress" C-pillars to the
restrained use of chrome and trim, and there's simply no way anyone
who knows anything about cars won't recognize this Poncho as an
apex predator. Finish quality is very good, so you'll have no
qualms about letting anyone take a good, long look, because this
beauty doesn't need too many excuses. Gaps are impressive, the
finish is glossy smooth, and the paint itself seems to glow from
within, so it looks right on the nearly 50-year-old sheetmetal. Up
front, Pontiac's traditional split front grille is framed in bright
trim, but a lot of the emblems have been erased and it's nice to
see a flat hood and not some fake scoop or a GTO unit instead. From
behind you'll get a set of handsome taillights, and the chrome that
does remain in place, including the bumpers, is in very good
condition overall. This car makes a fantastic visual statement.
Inside, the changes are a bit less pronounced, but it all works
quite well in the vintage Pontiac cockpit. Stock bucket seats are
covered in reproduction seat covers that look almost new, as do the
door panels. Take a look in the door jambs and you'll note that the
two-tone treatment extends even there, indicative of a very
thorough, careful painter at work. The primary instruments are
factory-issue and are in original condition, so they might show a
little age, and they're augmented by full set of auxiliary gauges
neatly installed in the center of the dash and a tachometer down
low in a custom center console. That's also where the AM/FM/iPod
stereo head unit was installed and it feeds a variety of speakers
stashed throughout the interior. An aftermarket A/C system was
installed to run through super-cool vents under the dash, but
because the air blows cool (not ice-cold at the moment), we think
it's time for a service. The spacious trunk is finished with black
carpets and custom side panels for the subwoofers and amplifiers at
the forward bulkhead.
This is a Pontiac, of course, but the engine is a stout 383 V8
Stroker crate motor, which is certainly no slouch in the
performance department. The VIN suggests this was original a
six-cylinder car, so the V8 upgrade is very welcome, especially
when you consider how easily the 435-rate horses can move this
original metal. Augmented with an Edelbrock high-rise intake and
carburetor, it still looks racy with its chrome valve covers and
long-tube headers at the flanks. A big aluminum radiator takes care
of cooling, while a newer power master cylinder handles the 4-wheel
disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors. The engine bay is
nicely detailed and clean, but not over-done, so it adds to the
low-profile look of the car, and power steering and upgraded shocks
and a rear sway bar great improve the car's handling. Underneath
there's a spirited TH350 3-speed automatic transmission feeding a
10-bolt rear end with a fantastic soundtrack augmented by the
custom Flowmaster H-pipe system. The underside is tidy, not
detailed for show, but nice enough that you'll never think twice
about it, and those gorgeous 17-inch American Racing Torque Thrusts
look exactly right. Staggered 215/45/17 front and 245/40/17 rear
General radials have been fitted and stuff the wheel wells
perfectly, finishing off the sporty look.
With plenty of horsepower and an awesome look, this vintage Poncho
neatly straddles the line between restored and modified and remains
100% fun. Call today!
