Rarely Seen Drop-Top: 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport
The LeMans was a staple in the Pontiac line-up for more than two decades (1961-81). Its biggest claim to fame may have been providing the foundation for the highly successful mid-size muscle car, the GTO. This 1970 convertible version of the LeMans is unusual for a couple of reasons. First, it has the basic inline-6 engine, and, second, it has power-assisted windows. That’s a pairing that probably didn’t find itself in very many installations that year. Located in Westwood, New Jersey, this Pontiac is available here on eBay where the bidding has reached $11,100.
Third-generation LeMans and its variants (1968-72) would include (in order of trim) the Tempest, LeMans, LeMans Sport, GTO, and the GTO Judge. Styling changes for 1970 included Firebird-inspired front bumpers, wrap-around taillights, and creased style body lines. The entry-level engine was no longer the 230 cubic-inch overhead-cam inline-6 built by Pontiac but Chevrolet’s more conventional 250 6-banger. That was the motor of choice when the original owner of this convertible was checking off boxes as to what to order with this automobile. However, more commonly seen under the hood of these cars was the 350 V8.
The seller’s convertible is one of 4,670 built in 1970, The body and paint look good, although the latter gold finish has been redone. No rust seems to be lurking around and may never have. The power-operated black top is new as is the carpeting in the passenger compartment. The interior looks good, although the driver’s bucket seat bottom has been redone in a vinyl that doesn’t match the other one, which has developed a rip now, too. So it’s a good time to set the record straight.
Even though the car has 82,000 miles, this Pontiac may have been sitting for a time as some items have been recently replaced like the gas tank and fuel sending unit. But the LeMans is said to run well, and the automatic tranny shifts as it should. The only known items that the buyer will need to attend to are a new dash cap and a muffler. All-in-all, this looks like a solid drop-top if you’ve been looking for one, but it’s not going to be mistaken for a GTO when it comes to firepower.
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Comments
This one is crying out loud for a restomod treatment
As much as i love these cars , the front bumper has to go in favor of the endura
Its a topless !
A 455 with a tpi top would be great
A 400 with a holley sniper would also look good
An LS would be acceptable
I see no sporty feeling in driving this car as is and i dont cruise , i nascar !
Those big motors – yeah – IF u have plenty of money for lots of today’s “premium” gas. & don’t wana drive much. lol
I wonder if that automatic could be a powerglide.
I’m guessing Chevy was not very amused seeing THEIR engine’s valve cover painted Pontiac blue. lol
I had a 1972 Lemans sedan with a red Chevy six and a Powerglide. 1969 was the last year for the 2 speed ST300, which was used across the BOP line.
Safe to say, 75% of the power windows may work.
Ahaha. You ‘re right on that , i hadn’t noticed myself
Make that 50%. I just noticed, and it’s easy to miss, that both rear side windows are up.
Not every vehicle needs a 12 or 13sec 1/4mi;
or to be a clone/restomod. It may not be as
beautiful but it is unique. A relaxing cruise is
fine with the top down.
As a GTO enthusiast and collector, I’m actually going to suggest this … leave this LeMans alone and enjoy it as is! After all, how many are still around with a six-shooter? Pretty “rare” in my opinion, especially in drop-top trim. Sadly, it will probably morph into yet another numbers matching GTO.
I AGREE!!!
I wouldn’t change a thing, except to freshen up the engine compartment. I would so love to have this car as a fair-weather pleasure cruiser, and to take to Cruise Night, as we call it up here in eastern Ontario.
Sadly, 3Deuces, I also agree with you that some clown will likely turn this car into another GTO poser, but it won’t be numbers-matching.
This car deserves a nice small block a set of 3:42 gears and a 4L60E
I doubt anyone “ticked the boxes” for this car, this was likely a dealer ordered car , meant to attract customers because of its low price tag. Its a definite oddity ; it has no side trim , but does have chrome wheel arch moldings , dog dish hubcaps, but the fender trim are for the Lemans Sport .
Personally, I think the1970 Lemans had the best looks of the 68 -72 body style. If I could afford to buy it I think I’d ditch the white walls and look for a set of full wheel covers. Not a fan of the dog dish look
This car is right up my alley!
I’m torn between a resto mod do it yourself or something that is already completed
Not looking for a perfect numbers matching car, but I want a cool rag top that I can be proud of
Which is the best way to go to get what I want for under $30k
Nice 455/ 400 transmission, reshoot it in black, the price is definitely rite!
joenywf64, If I remember correctly, when they went to the NON-OHC engine option you could order a TH350 or the Pontiac/Oldsmobile 2 speed. (not the same as a Powerglide, but similar and they did share some of the same parts.) These transmissions were beefier. I do not see the kick-down cable for a TH350, so this will be the 2 speed Automatic. (TH400 and 2 speed use an electric kick-down switch off the accelerator pedal.) “I” would be tempted to replace the engine with a “stock looking” 292 Chev engine with a aftermarket intake and throttle-body injection and a 700R4. Besides also some upgraded shocks, much wider stock looking wheels and some performance tires. Now that would be a bullet proof nice driving cruiser.
Sold for $13,900!