GM of Canada: 1970 Pontiac LeMans Sport
The LeMans was a Pontiac nameplate that began as a trim upgrade on the compact Tempest and stuck around as a mid-size through 1981. In 1970, Pontiac introduced the LeMans Sport as a step between the regular family-oriented LeMans and the performance-minded GTO. Except for one repaint, this automobile comes across as a sweet survivor. It’s in Chester, New York, and available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $12,200. But the seller has set a reserve north of that. Thanks for the swell tip, T.J.!
After a redesign in 1968, Pontiac’s intermediates received a mild restyle in 1970 which included Firebird-inspired front bumpers, wrap-around taillights, and creased body lines. In its first outing, the LeMans Sport accounted for a good bit of mid-size production across a variety of body styles. The 2-door hardtop like the seller’s car saw 58,356 copies roll off the assembly lines. This edition has traveled 122,000 miles, yet it looks practically brand new, perhaps because it had only two owners and was garage-kept in Florida much of the time. Interesting is that the car was produced by General Motors of Canada, but we can’t determine the breakout of production numbers from north or south of the border.
This Pontiac wears Verdoro Green, a dark, olive green sort of color that was part of the Pontiac playbook in 1970. It was refinished just once and also wears a new light tan vinyl roof. Instead of tan, the interior is green in color and is said to be original, yet nothing seems out of place after 52 years. This car has factory air conditioning which we assume works properly as we’re told everything else does.
The LeMans Sport is powered by a 350 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor with no reference as to whether the engine has ever been opened up. The same holds for the 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic transmission, As you might expect, the Pontiac has quite a few options, including the rare speed warning indicator function which we’re told works as it should. The /car has been treated to new tires, brakes, and battery along with a tune-up. Maybe even a new power brake booster. Who’s up for a road trip?
Auctions Ending Soon
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now2 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now2 days$4,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now2 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now4 days$10,500
1974 Datsun 260ZBid Now6 days$460
Comments
Honestly, one of the nicest colour (see what I did there?) combos of that era, inside and out. Exactly the same colours as our 1969 Laurentian, and the exact same drivetrain. Super sweet!
cheers,
bt
Bill! Thanks for spelling colours the proper way!
Ta ta!
This car has a (blue) Pontiac 350 V8, I would wager your Laurentian had a (red) Chev 350 V8. I know GM Canada was still putting Chevy engines in full size Pontiacs for Canadian sale into 1970. An Uncle had a 1970 Parisienne 2+2 with a Chevy 454. I believe with the new platform for 1971 we finally started getting Pontiac motors in Pontiac full size cars.
Allen, you are 100% correct. I had forgotten about that!
bt
To me, the 70 Lemans was the best looking of all the GM 68-72 models , and the Verdoro green works so well with these Pontiacs . I’m wondering if the vinyl top has been replaced ; usually a light colored top meant the car had a light colored interior, and a black top or dark green top would have had the green gut. Either way, I thinks its a beautiful car !
Beautiful car at good price bullet proof drive train
Nice now I wish I could unload my project 85 el Camino and buy this this one will probably sell out of my range anyway
I agree with Don; I’m partial to the 69 Cutlass and 442- but this is a great looking car wearing it’s best color!
It looks like the dreaded Rust has just started sneaking in there, check out the cross member and other photos show surface rust which develops further but a nice car to get now and go over before it is too late.
I briefly owned a T37 , redish burgundy paint with bench seat white interior
Only found out years later that it was a rare production
There were three or four of those in our town years ago. I think most or all were four speeds. I wish I knew how rare they were because I could have probably bought them cheap.
Hood insulation makes me scratch my head in disbelief.
I DO wana hear the solid lifters on such motors equipped.
Here, a hydraUlic lifter motor & accessories in good shape should make very little noise you could hear without the insulation!
BUT, I DO wana hear if i have an exhaust leak up front, a bad lifter, bad belt, or bad alternator or water pump bearing going down the road! lol
I have one of these cars. I’ve owned it for 38 years. It’s not perfect but it’s really nice.(in my opinion) I wouldn’t give this thing up for any amount of money. When I drive it I have to be very careful. People will stare at the car and start to wonder my way into me. My personal opinion is this is a much nicer looking car than any Chevelle’s out there. (I own a mint 66,ss.) Much more sexy lines. Just a wonderful car for cruising