Vehicle Description
1966 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
The Pontiac LeMans is a model name applied to automobiles marketed
by Pontiac and named for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Originally a trim
upgrade package based on the Tempest, the LeMans became a separate
model in 1963. By 1966, buyers had the option of the more
pedestrian LeMans, or the performance model known as the GTO. That
said, 13,080 LeMans convertibles were produced in 1966 and many had
an overhead cam inline six cylinder that was touted as "Son of GTO"
and put out 207 horsepower.
For consignment, a 1966 Pontiac LeMans convertible showing 57,196
but the true mileage is unknown. This one houses Pontiac's optional
326ci V8 and is dressed as a GTO with some styling cues normally
found on its big brother, or father as Pontiac would have it.
Fifteen colors were available in the Pontiac line in 1966 and
certainly, red was the most vibrant.
Exterior
Our GTO tribute is finished in Montero Red with a contrasting black
canvas top and in profile, looking sleek and sharp. With minor
differences, most of the Pontiac line in 1966 shared a face with
stacked headlights and mirror image grille surrounds and the
distinctive nose. A GTO emblem first appears in the right grille
while a hood scoop rises from the hood providing a design cue that
adds a bit of aggression to the long hood of a car considered mid
size in 1966. The metalwork around the car is all intact but would
benefit from some polishing or, in some cases, some restoration.
The tail is consistent with Pontiac's creativity of the era and on
this car, the tail lights appear as a series of parentheses, split
wide, surrounded by contouring body lines, and flanking a straight,
red latch panel. A slightly mis-shaped bumper tops a single,
straight exhaust pipe, giving us some pause as we pull up on this
"GTO". There's some peeling chrome and a scuff on a bumper but
beyond that, the exterior is in good shape with nice paint.
Interior
The black vinyl door panels are badged with LeMans in a similar
crest to the GTO, and the ribbed panels appear to be in good shape.
Stitch patterned black vinyl buckets occupy the front, split by a
console and sharing design and height with the back bench where we
find some loose vinyl and some peeling piping but otherwise intact.
Heavy patina is found on the steering wheel which is wrapped in
spongy vinyl and fronts a slightly misfitting wood backed dash
panel with four gauges arranged linearly atop four round features
that include knobs and the ignition. Over to the right, holes for a
radio under a vent control panel under a dash pad that looks added.
The metal runway that makes up the console in the center needs
restoration and the shifter could use a refresh as well. There's
some uncommon rust on the under dash braces above the black loop
carpet in good condition and wearing mats. The trunk is barren and
clean, and painted in the typical spatter design.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a driver quality 326ci V8 with Pontiac blue valve
covers and a 2-barrel carburetor, all resulting in 250 horsepower.
A ST300 2-speed automatic transmission sets the car in motion and
sends power to the 10 bolt rear axle while power drum brakes all
around bring the car to a stop.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well where there is a plethora of
surface rust, some residual oil around, and some drips of
transmission fluid on the pan. And we do note some invasive rust
holes on the floor pan towards the rear seats. The car does have
dual exhaust quieted by two Turbo mufflers and the left tailpipe is
Swiss cheese and ends long before it reaches the bumper, hence the
appearance of a single pipe. Suspension is pretty standard as coil
springs in front and a 4 link with coil springs in back.
Drive-Ability
Despite some imperfections, the 326 comes to life without
hesitation and sends us on our way around the test loop where it
tracks straight, handles bumps well, and has decent acceleration.
14-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels carry the car wrapped in staggered
size tires, but the ride is level and visibility is good. We note
the wipers don't work but all other functions operate as they
should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's one you can drive with abandon! A very nice but less than
perfect LeMans, badged as a GTO and sporting a sharp suit of red.
And if you're willing to provide some TLC, it can be done so mostly
while still being able to drive and enjoy the car! It's already a
head turner and these mid-size metal rides of the 60's, once common
cars, are now classic in every way. Put your money down on red,
today's your lucky day!
237676P260728
2-Pontiac
37-LeMans
67-Convertible
6-1966
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
260728-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
03C-3rd Week March
ST 66 23767-1966 Pontiac LeMans
BODY PON3613-Pontiac Body #
TR 223B-Black Vinyl Buckets
PAINT W2-Platinum, Black Top
W-Tinted Windshield
2W-2 Speed Automatic
G-Console
5Y-Custom Seat Belts
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
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