Vehicle Description
Find a GTO convertible this nicely restored these days, and you're
probably looking at a six-figure investment. But this lovely 1966
Pontiac LeMans Convertible delivers the same handsome good looks, a
great rumble from the powerful 389 Tri-Power V8, a smooth-shifting
automatic, choice options, and an unmistakable '60s muscle car
image for a fraction of the price. Who would have thought a simple
GTO badge would affect values so dramatically?
GM had a lot of names for the lovely shade of white, but for
Pontiac in 1966, the closest they had was Code C Cameo Ivory.
That's not exactly what this is, this particular bright shade is
closer to Ermine White or Porcelain White from that era, but
nevertheless it looks a lot better than the rather dull Code W
Platinum this droptop was born with. Combined with the Poncho's
already stunning good looks, it creates an ideal blend of
sophistication and muscle that was the Excitement Division's forte
in the 1960s. The split grille and stacked headlights make it
instantly recognizable as a Pontiac, but with this one's solid
restoration, you can see some of the finer details such as the top
crease that runs from nose to tail, emphasizing the kick-up in the
doors, and the neatly integrated pinstripe that runs the length of
the car. It's an older paint job, and therefore has its fair share
of imperfections and signs of age, but we're talking about fairly
moderate stuff, nothing that takes away from this Pontiac's slick
curb appeal. It's a dialed-in driver through-and-through, which is
exactly what it should be, and it still turns heads everywhere it
does - something we can attest to after a very popular test drive.
You'll note that the chrome is pretty good throughout, with much of
it likely original to the car and showing only minor pitting,
including the big, bright bumpers fore and aft and the brightly
polished rocker panel molding. The stacked headlights and split
mesh grille form an iconic front end that's also in great shape,
and all the original badging was left right where it belongs from
the factory, because this LeMans isn't pretending to be something
other than exactly what it is. The blue vinyl top is power actuated
and looks good providing just enough contrast to the long white
sled when it's rarely in the "up" position.
That sumptuous blue vinyl seat interior was restored to the same
standards as the rest of the car and still looks awesome today. The
seat covers are crisp and well detailed, with no signs of cracking,
fading, or even anyone spending a lot of time sitting in them
(other than some minor wear on the piping). Matching door panels
with correct "LeMans" emblems in the center were installed at the
same time, as well as a plush set of blue carpets in the correct
weave, the latter of which show the only real signs of age (minor
weathering), but even there it's moderate. Aiming for a more
European feel in the '60s, Pontiac designers gave it a slick
dashboard full of round gauges (AKA the Rally Gauge Cluster), and a
comfortable three-spoke steering wheel, all of which are in good
condition as wheel, with only minor wear at the most active touch
points. Original equipment included an AM radio, which appears to
be in original condition in the factory slot, along with a heater,
seatbelts, and the aforementioned power convertible top. The back
seat is great condition, providing plenty of room for all your
friends, and when the top is down (as it should be whenever
possible), this baby looks like a million bucks. Out back, the
trunk's still in original condition with a reproduction mat, spare
tire, and original jack.
The snarling 389 cubic inch V8 under the hood delivers plenty of
performance with a great soundtrack, and thanks to careful
maintenance since the restoration, it more than lives up to the
stripes it wears. Nicely detailed and essentially bone-stock, it's
topped with a venerable Tri-Power setup (that's three 2-barrel
carburetors) and an original-style intake that help it breathe,
while stock exhaust headers and newer Flowmaster mufflers on the
dual exhaust system are responsible for that fabulous soundtrack.
The engine bay is clean and shows signs of conscientious ownership,
with turquoise paint on the engine itself, glossy black inner
fenders, and no signs of neglect. A 3-speed TH350 automatic
transmission is virtually indestructible partner, spinning the
durable 10-bolt rear end out back that's likely the car's original
pumpkin. A full-sized convertible needs a good suspension to
maintain it's stance and behave itself out on the road, and the
beefy front end complete with A-Arms, coilsprings, upgraded shocks,
and a big swaybar work in unison with coilsprings, trailing arms,
and heavy-duty air shocks in the rear to keep it planted to the
road. Power steering means you can sit back and gently push the
wheel with your fingertips while the power front disc brakes ensure
safety. American Racing Torque Thrust wheels look great on just
about any classic, and when wrapped in staggered 195/65/15 front
and 245/60/15 rear Toyo radials they finish off this droptop Poncho
perfectly.
GTO looks and power at a significant discount, it's hard to go
wrong with this dialed-in LeMans ragtop. Call today!
