1972 Pontiac LeMans

There's lots of discussion around as to what exactly is the difference between a GTO and a LeMans, both mid-size A body cars offered by Pontiac. In 1969 the difference got smaller because of certain options that could be ordered on either the GTO, LeMans, or the Tempest and the cars became more interchangeable. Essentially LeMans was the Luxury end that could be upgraded with performance, and GTO was concentrating on performance. Lots of other differences abound however the long and short of it, is, that's the answer.

For consignment a 1972 Pontiac LeMans BUT as the consigner call this build a GTO Clone. Read on car enthusiasts and learn why.

Exterior
The beneficiary of a rotisserie frame off restoration completed at the end of 2016, only the hood on this car is from a 1970 GTO. This goes for the rear spoiler too as it is an aftermarket add on to emulate the rare ducktail option from 1972. Badging remains true to the LeMans badging, and the front nose of the car is metal. Graphite Gray Metallic with a larger flake covers the exterior of this car, and there are highlights of what we've come up with here at C.A.M. to be Smokkin Mint Green! (You get the picture!). The graphite is showing areas of orange peel, and there are dirt inclusions that can be seen when viewing at a low angle. The drip moldings, and chrome window surrounds are slightly misaligned, but are in virtually new condition. A dark green landau top is noted, and appears in very good condition with no underlying rust bubbles etc. US Mag wheels are present on all corners.

Interior
Completely redone with either replaced black vinyl or completely refurbished. Either way you swing open the door and you are met with a slightly used but still very good interior. This includes a split bench in front, and a bench in the rear. Black carpeting covers the floor and floating above it is a refurbished dash featuring Dakota Digital gauges and an upgraded stereo system to rock on with Pioneer speakers, and a Rockville subwoofer in the trunk. This radio has USB capabilities. Feasting your eyes above you you'll encounter a pristine headliner and working interior lighting. Vintage air-conditioning from Sandem SDS Series blows as cold as ice.

Drivetrain
A freshly rebuilt (less than 700 miles ago) YS code 400ci mill direct from a 1968 GTO has been put in. Mixing air with fossils is a Quickfuel QFT carburetor and feeding it into the engine is an Edelbrock intake manifold. Attached to the rear of this engine is a Turbo 350 3-speed automatic transmission.

Undercarriage
High performance 4-wheel discs are now on this car, and new brake lines are seen underneath. The suspension system has been upgraded to a sport system from Hotchkis. A CVR High performance starter, an aluminum Champion radiator with dual fans put in, custom headers and Pipes Pro Race mufflers are underneath also.

An amalgamation of various parts from various years makes this car an interesting build. Reliable power, smooth shifting, and a total redux interior and exterior yield us a “faux GTO” with the luxury of a LeMans.