Choosing an appropriate project candidate can be challenging, with some ticking more of the right boxes than others. Affordability can be a guiding factor, as can how complicated the build will likely be. This 1968 Pontiac LeMans shows promise on both fronts. It looks pretty tired, but it is a complete vehicle with what appears to be only minor rust issues and a healthy V8 under the hood. The seller claims they have reduced the price, but it is unclear by how much. The LeMans is listed here on Craigslist in Colorado Springs, Colorado. You could take home this promising project by handing the seller $7,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this diamond in the rough for us.

This LeMans hails from the first production year of the badge’s Third Generation offering. It looks pretty tired in the supplied photos, and the overall deterioration makes it impossible to determine its original paint shade. However, examining the shots reveals that the panels are relatively straight, with only a few minor spots of visible rust. The seller only mentions small spots behind the fenders and in the trunk, suggesting the floors are solid and that this classic is structurally sound. The new owner will undoubtedly elect to strip the exterior to bare metal as part of a high-end build, and while that prospect is daunting, it will cost more time than money. Some trim pieces are salvageable, and some require replacement. The glass appears in good order, and the first impressions are that this should be a straightforward restoration project.

LeMans buyers in 1968 could choose from two versions of the 250ci six or a pair of 350ci V8s to power their new purchase. This car’s original owner selected the entry-level V8, ticking the boxes beside the two-speed automatic and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 350 produced 265hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. The two-speed sapped plenty from the Pontiac’s performance, with the ¼-mile journey taking 17.9 seconds. With either of the manual transmissions on board, that figure would be slashed to a low-16-second ET. The seller indicates this engine is in good health, starting and running nicely. The lack of an exhaust is one of the reasons it shouldn’t be considered roadworthy, with the old tires and transmission leak contributing to the status. The fluid leak is not the end of the world because they include a freshly rebuilt TH-350 transmission in the deal. Fitting that would massively improve performance and will be welcomed by most potential buyers.

The consistently tired presentation continues when we examine this Pontiac’s interior. The factory radio is missing, but it appears to be otherwise complete. It requires a complete retrim to regain its youthful looks. This could potentially be the most expensive part of this build because high-quality trim kits retail for around $3,000. The buyer needs to add approximately $400 for a dash pad. However, it is worth noting that the investment will yield an interior in as-new condition. I acknowledge it is a lot of money, but if the components are installed correctly and treated respectfully, they should still present impressively for many decades. Considered on a cost-per-year basis, the investment doesn’t look anywhere near as daunting. The original owner selected some desirable options when ordering this classic. These include air conditioning, cruise control, a remote trunk release, and a rear speaker for the radio.

The new owner of this 1968 Pontiac LeMans will face plenty of preparation work before they can pick up their spray gun to apply a fresh coat of paint, and while that work will likely consume many hours, it won’t cost a fortune. It won’t require much cutting or welding if the seller’s assessment of its rust issues is accurate. That makes it an ideal candidate for an enthusiast considering a first restoration project. It is unlikely to become a mega-bucks classic, but a high-end restoration should yield a finished product capable of commanding a value above $15,000 in the current market. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further?