Vehicle Description
1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
In 1963, the LeMans name was designated as a separate model where
in the previous two years of its first generation, it was a trim
level of the compact Tempest. It was still considered a compact car
for the times and grew in size for 1964 and its second generation.
But without these original LeMans cars, there would be no GTO which
was introduced in 1964. Yes, this can be considered the genetic
precursor to the king of muscle cars.
For consignment, a non running 1963 Pontiac LeMans convertible that
was purchased as a project and is now offered as an opportunity for
restoration. Only 8,744 convertible LeMans were produced in 1963
and it's anyone's guess as to how many are still on the road or
restorable. There's a lot of potential for this uncommon car which
has a unique body that looks a bit like a scaled down GTO.
Exterior
The sporty body starts with spear trim over the front fender and
into the door mirrored by there small spears of the front quarter
panel in a diagonal design that emulates movement. Marimba Red
paint is on the car and the paint is rough with patina in the form
of surface rust on the hood, rust holes in the fender and doors,
and rust spots throughout. The simple design of the front with its
dual headlights and the back with its vertical tail lights provide
glimpses into what would eventually morph into the GTO. The car has
great proportions and shape but every bit of it will need
restoration including the completely hazed plastic window of the
white convertible top. Correct hubcaps are on the 15-inch wheels
and like all other metalwork on the car, will need attention to be
brought back to a clean state. More invasive rust is seen on the
rocker panels and wheel openings along with paint cracks, paint
runs, and numerous scratches.
Interior
The passenger door panel is intact and relatively clean while the
card is missing from the driver's side where some surface rust
exists. The front bucket seats show some wear especially along the
outer piping and the rear bench seats are intact other than a tear
on the front lower panel. Cracks prevail throughout the plastic
steering wheel and there's likely no saving this one. Gauges are
cloudy and dusty, and the speedometer is missing its needle while a
vintage aftermarket tachometer had been added at some point. An
original Pontiac AM radio is in the center and the top of the dash
is dirty but looks to be intact which is great because it's
sculpted in an unusual shape that would likely be difficult to
replace. There is space between the shifter boot and the hole where
it fits so the floor mounted shifter allows a view of the road but
its ball handle and curved stick is very cool. The black loop
carpet is worn and tired and would benefit from replacement and the
underside of the vinyl top is in surprisingly good shape. Glimmers
of glossy paint remnants are seen in the trunk where we also find
lots of parts.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a surface rust covered 195ci inline 4-cylinder
engine rated at a surprising 166 horsepower. A 4-barrel carburetor
is attached, and a 3-speed manual transmission would send power to
the rear wheels where 3.30 gears reside. Drum brakes are supplied
front and rear, however they are not usable as the brake lines are
broken.
Undercarriage
We expected some crust and indeed the underside is covered with
surface rust, areas of more advanced or invasive rust, residual oil
on the pan and rear differential. The single exhaust flows to a
muffler and ends there as there is no tailpipe. The car has an
interesting rear independent suspension with coil springs along
with standard front independent suspension also equipped with coil
springs.
Roll up your sleeves because this is an all out project and will
need attention from stem to stern. The shape, relative
uncommonness, and connection to historic muscle car lineage makes
this project worth looking in to.
263P47358
2-Pontiac LeMans
63-1963
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
47358-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
11B-2nd Week November
STYLE NO 63 2267-1963 LeMans Convertible
BODY NO PO3348-Pontiac Body #
TRIM NO 213-Black Vinyl
PAINT NO L1-Marimba Red, White Top
ACC
1F-Tinted Windshield
4B-Unknown
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
