4-Speed Project: 1969 Pontiac LeMans
OK, so calling this 1969 Pontiac LeMans convertible a “project” might be a stretch. It has some attractive facets but it has some unattractive ones too. The seller tells us that he purchased it to use as a parts car for a GTO project but that need has passed so he’s trying to move it on. This LeMans drop-top is not exactly rare, it’s one of 5,600 assembled, but it’s not that common either, and a ’68-’72 GM A-body, a convertible, in particular, is always in demand. Let’s see if this one measures up. It’s located in McDonough, Georgia and is available, here on eBay for for a current bid of $1,525 with the reserve not yet met.
So, the story goes that the previous owner parked this Poncho under a tarp and the seller suggests that action probably accelerated this car’s demise. It’s rusty, period! And not just yards of surface rust but rust-through too that is evident as well. It appears that every body panel has been affected to some degree. The convertible top frame is still in place so there’s something of value – assuming that it’s complete and not corroded. Also noted is the status of the hood, it’s stuck in the up position.
The seller states that the floors and trunk pan are rusted through, and unfortunately, the convertible-unique frame has been attacked in places as well.
The seized engine is a 265 gross HP, 350 CI V8 that’s attached to a Muncie four-speed manual transmission. The seller adds, “I have never made an attempt to get the engine free. When purchased the radiator was almost full of coolant and the oil looked free of moisture“. It’s a shame that this car has been reduced to such an ignoble state. As stated earlier, it was nicely equipped including features like a limited-slip rear axle, air-conditioning, and front disc brakes.
Inside, besides a lot of dust and dirt are a pair of strato-bucket seats and a Pontiac faux wood rimmed steering wheel. It’s a bit rough around the edges but compared to the exterior and underside, it’s probably in better and salvageable condition.
It seems a bit ironic as the seller purchased this LeMans for use as a parts car but now states, “I do not want to part out this car…” but he freely admits that he may be forced to if it doesn’t meet the reserve – no clue as to where that’s set. We all want to see old cars saved, especially one that has above average popularity and collectibility. I have my doubts about this Pontiac’s future potenial however, how about you?
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Comments
If this was a parts car for a GTO, what parts were to be salvaged?
I’d suggest parting it out to the crusher.
A long, long road back and a possible Ship of Theseus proposition here.
But if the ship still has the original VIN, maybe the craft’s only salvageable part, is it the same ship or a new one?
Seems like it should be stripped and scrapped. I don’t think what comes off of this car will take up much room in storage. One of 5600 – meh. It is one of done and is too far gone to do anything useful.
Bone yard.
OMG, it’s not MOPAR!
Or a corvette.
I am glad they put project in the listing.
U better have deep pockets to finish it but will be upside down on value .life’s to short ,find one that’s drive able at least for half what this one’s going to cost .
Always liked this style of Pontiac but something tells me the reserve is going to be to high to salvage this one. Really a shame because when they’re gone, they’re gone and being a 4 speed it sure would be a fun ride.
A ‘69 LeMans convertible with a factory 4-speed and AC has to be very rare today owing to the number of LeManses parted out to restore GTOs. Well worth restoring if a parts car with a good frame can be found.
Anything above $1,525 gets the first “you’ve got to be kidding” award for September.
Honestly if I had that I would try the same thing as the seller then just about the time the auction is to end I would remove the reserve and let it go. I think today’s scrap value on it is $150-$200 bucks . there are some parts that you can get restored the rest is a lawn Ornament
Leaving that in the yard where I live would get you a fine
Project? I think that trailer will look pretty nice once you get the rust off!
Take the $1500 & consider yourself blessed. Sheesh.
Horrible! Why even bother to list something like this .
It’s too far gone to even attempt.
Call junkmycar.com
If it were a Cuda, challenger, charger, or any other Mopar convertible! It would be a 10000 dollar minimum! Sad to see them this way. Parts for another convertible or even hardtop. Not much but there some parts still good! He woould probably get more out of parting than the 1600 offered so far.
Where’s the car? All I see is a little pile of rust.
Define “project.”
Already on a trailer ….. just take it to the junkyard ! 👍
If, and I mean if, someone restores this, he will have crazy before and after photos.
Thanks!! It is already on the trailer ready to bring to the junk yard.
Lost cause…
Already on the trailer ready to be brought to the junk yard..
Loss Cause!!
A four speed trans, convertible top mechanism, disc brake conversion, possible a rebuildable engine and a posi rear axle and the steering wheel looks restorable. That’s a pretty good parts list. I do believe it’s approaching the max value of the parts though. Certainly the car itself is way beyond saving
I’ve possibly never seen a more crusty hood. Was it park into a salt barn?
Junk on the trailer ready for the crusher..
If gets that kind of money for that I am going to start selling cars out of the junk yard.
Mmmmmm…one of 5600 produced…4speed, drop top…conservatively… After all these years, that number is easily cut in half too 2500 still existing! In reality, I would wager that number would be about 1500. So with that reality number, the car regardless of condition does have tremendous value! Every part for this car is very accessible and if you can weld, could have this car back on the road in no time. The only downside maybe the frame, which would require a body off repair, but you are replacing floors and quarters anyway! I have done these cars for over 40 years, not saying its easy by no means, but this car is worthy especially with the pedigree on the vin tag! Take care.
He listed it because some fool will buy it. The only good part I see is the Custom Sport steering wheel. Yeah a LeMans with a Muncie is rare. So what.
In 82 when I was high school, there was one that was in better shape than this that was donated to the school. Some guy took the engine and someone else practiced on it with a cutting torch. The rest of it was sent to the crusher.
I do believe this car does have potential! All parts are manufactured and the car does have the pedigree to be worth big dollars! I would say modestly half of those cars produced have driven into the sunset…So the number truly remaining is about 2500 cars…or less! Take care.
My big brother had this car, in 1971, bought it used, green with white convertible top and white buckets, black console and dash, 4 speed 350/330 4 barrel w dual exhaust, full PMD wheel covers, no one saw him coming, or going, blew a lotta guys doors off, street racing in the Bronx,
It’s being mocked but somebody just shelled out $3,000 for this. Amazing.
Reserve not met.
Project? For what, an artificial reef for a very small island? Because, based on the available pics, that’s about all it’s good for! 🤣