Pontiac shifted the LeMans through several styling changes from its inception as a stand-alone model in 1963 to its final days in 1981. In its early days, the LeMans was a plain-Jane compact offered only as a two-door coupe or a convertible. But Pontiac had been busy winning in NASCAR for several years, and now it entered drag racing with its punchy 421 cu. in. Super Duty V8, transforming six LeMans coupes into fire-breathers. This activity popularized the lithe compact, and in its first year as a separate nameplate it sold nearly as well as the better-established Tempest. The second-generation LeMans sat on GM’s intermediate A-platform beginning in 1964, gaining vertically stacked headlamps and a hardtop body style by 1966. Designers also gave the LeMans a distinctive roofline with a rear glass set at an upright angle versus the steeper rake of the sail panels – a kind of tunnel effect. By the late ’60s, stacked headlamps were passé, the roofline forayed farther into the trunk line; by the ’70s, grilles grew, and by mid-decade, the “colonnade” roof became the “it” feature. Which brings us to mom’s ’76 LeMans Sport Coupe, available in Rocklin, California, with only 68,000 miles on the clock – let’s investigate! Thanks to Rocco B for the tip!

In keeping with its performance pedigree, LeMans buyers could opt for one of several V8s ranging from a 260 cu. in. up to the righteous 455. Pontiac’s Sprint straight-six was also available. Our seller’s mom checked the box for the 400 – good mom! – enjoying 170 hp coupled with an automatic gearbox. We’ll forgive her for the transmission; her car still defeated the worst of the Malaise Era horsepower downgrades, and that 400 can certainly be built better today. At least one non-stock hose is present in the engine bay (see other photos in the listing), and the seller notes that the air conditioner does not work consistently. It has, however, been upgraded to R134a. It runs and drives well.

The snazzy red interior is in great condition. Both front and back seats show only the slightest of imperfections – the driver’s seat has frayed near the hinge on the outside bolster, the vinyl is puckered here and there. The dash is clean and the gauges look near-new. A bit of paint loss on the steering wheel boss is typical age-related wear, but the door cards, carpet, and even the rear parcel shelf are quite acceptable.

The rear bumper has been knocked hard enough to cause its lower edge to dent. No mention is made of rust, but the car lives in California under a carport affording at least minor protection against the elements. If this tidy LeMans ticks a box for you, it can be found here on craigslist for $4800. While gas mileage may not be great, it’s hard not to consider the prospect of treating this Pontiac as a daily driver, and after a few hours of effort spiffing it up, it might do duty at Cars ‘N Coffee on weekends. What do you think of this cheap classic?