Saturday Night Cruiser: 1964 Pontiac LeMans
In 1964, GM moved several of its compacts up a notch to the new intermediate platform size. That included the Oldsmobile F85/Cutlass, Buick Special/Skylark, and the Pontiac Tempest/LeMans. And this is the second time this week we’ve seen one of the latter as a convertible, the LeMans (though the colors and transmission are different). With just 55,000 miles, this looks like a very clean V8 drop-top that may need nothing more than a new battery. Located in Sweet Home, Oregon, this open-air Poncho is available here on craigslist for $25,000.
The LeMans was sandwiched between the Tempest and GTO in Pontiac’s pecking order for the remainder of the 1960s (1964-forward). With the LeMans, you got a higher level of trim and a few more body styles to choose from. About 17,500 buyers purchased a drop-top LeMans and about 2/3 of them came with a V8, the 326 cubic inch engine. With a 2-barrel carburetor as in the seller’s car, the horsepower rating was about 230.
We get the impression that the seller purchased this Pontiac from its prior owner, who had it for 18 years. The vehicle is said to have been stored inside, but it’s under a pop-up carport right now. Though it’s said to run well, I would not have photographed it with a battery tender hooked to it, suggesting the battery (or more) is amiss. Unlike the other LeMans we found this week that had a 4-speed manual, this one has a floor-shifted automatic.
Other than the aftermarket wheels, we’re told this LeMans is 100% stock and the original rims and wheel covers will also go with the car. The body and paint look quite nice as does the dark blue bucket seat interior. The seller adds that the convertible top was replaced not that long ago. All-in-all, this looks like the Pontiac here will be a nice weekend cruiser and might be mistaken for a GTO at first glance.
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Comments
I love a ’64 Pontiac but, the combination of a ‘Vert, 326 2bbl and ST300 is not very appealing for $25k…might as well just get a cruiser Olds or Buick to start with if the entire driveline is useless for keeping up with modern traffic.
“Modern traffic?” What, are speed limits 300mph and do the new melted bars of soap shoot lasers or something? Most well-maintained vehicles from the fifties forward with at least a six of some sort can keep up fine, as long as one doesn’t expect to be thrown back in the seat every single time they touch the pedal.
’64 Le Mans with the GTO option is one of my favorite casrs … what’s not to like ….
A 66 and now a 64 Lemans convertible with the 326 V8. WHATS UP with these sellers asking top $$ for them with very limited photos. I like this one all most as much as the blue 66. I had a 67 Lemans with the 326 and a 4 speed. It had a 4 barrel and dual exhaust. The 326 was not a bad engine, as a 17 yr old I beat the crap out of that car and the 326 survived it all for the 4 yrs I had it. Still, no match for the 389. I still like it.
The money is for a un- molested rock solid body.
Add for a Convt.
The right Mech. Can make that stock 326 Jump off the line like a cat. Without any out of order mod’s same with the Auto trans.
Keep it all,” Stock LOOKing”.
We’ve come a long way mechanically in the Sixty years since this girls birth.
So my vote is 👍😎
My car was a 64 conv 326 w”Cam Pistons Head work Duals Trans work Suspension
She was a canary pale yellow blackout black top
She jumped !
1969
Tea T, I guess I should have said it differently. Sellers should include more photos, especially some of the underside of the car and the trunk. If they are as free of rust as they seem to be, then they are worth the asking price. Don’t be lazy sellers !!!!! Do due diligence with photos and info. Again, I like em both.
Makes me remember when.
Too many damn critics. Appreciate it for what it is. Go find a decent cool convertible cruiser for much less.
Try to find a comparably-equipped Malibu convertible for $25K. Looks to be in good shape and that 326 is more than adequate, IMHO. This ain’t a GTO wannabe and I hope someone doesn’t turn this into one!