Junior-Grade GTO: 1964 Pontiac LeMans
In the 1960s, the LeMans was a step up in trim level to the Tempest. Both started as compacts in 1961 and evolved to mid-size automobiles for 1964 (where the series remained for years to come). The seller offers a ’64 LeMans drop-top which looks pretty sharp, but the number of photos is woefully lacking. Located in Belmar, New Jersey, this dark blue drop-top is available here on craigslist for $26,000. Tip finder Mitchell G. is at it again!
The 1964 model year is when the GTO was born and was an option on the Tempest/LeMans until 1966 when it was popular enough to become its own series. While the GTO had a 389 cubic inch V8, the LeMans came with an I-6 (OHC) as standard while the only V8 available to it was the 326 which produced an admirable 260 horses with a 2-barrel carburetor. This edition comes with a 4-speed which may have been a fairly uncommon option on the LeMans in 1964.
Pontiac built 8,000 Tempests, 17,500 LeMans’, and 6,600 GTOs with a canvas top. The seller’s car should be one of 11,800 because it has a V8 engine. Was a LeMans like this one a “poor man’s” GTO? Perhaps, but considering the GTO was an option on the LeMans, you might argue the counterpoint. We’re not told any history on this Pontiac other than it would be hard to find a cleaner one. Was it previously restored or is it a nicely maintained original at 52,000 miles?
The seller does indicate this is a numbers-matching automobile and it comes with a new set of tires. We assume it runs as good as it looks, but the choice of photos is underwhelming. The tranny is a Muncie with a Hurst shifter, and the top is power operated for the driver’s convenience. This car should be fun to drive, and your insurance company would likely prefer the smaller V8!
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Comments
Nice unit! Belmar, NJ…where was it on Oct 28 – 30, 2012?
326s were pretty good.
More pictures on all sides and corners would provide a better assessment. As well as trunk interior etc. I’m guessing it’s a respray comparing it next to the interior.
Had a silver 64 Lemans drop top 326 4 barrel with a 4 speed and factory air, pretty quick in its day.
I like the Lemans, I had a 67 with a 326 and 4 speed. To many of these turned into GTO clones. In picture of radiator why is the left fender red ? Get rid of the GTO floor mats and show more pictures. I like it.
Different car. Fender looks like a 66.
Whats with the bolt on the lower control arm? Why would you call this a Junior GTO,totally absurd.
Is the steering dampener missing?
I like this one, but I miss the previous year’s (1963) version, where the LeMans was a sport option on the Y-Body Tempest, of “My Cousin Vinny” fame. This was also the first year for the DeLorean OHC I6, originally a 230 cubic inch plant, the OHC mill would be bored out to 250 cubic inches shortly before its last year in 1969.
The 64 Le Mans did not have the OHC six. It was not available until the 66 model. And that 326 could move properly optioned. Nice as the Tempest/ Le Mans were, unless it was a GTO, the used Chevelle/ Malibu was always more desirable in my neighborhood used. Never understood that. Same with Ford/ Mercury models.