This 1964 Pontiac LeMans convertible is, literally, outstanding in a field. The car, in Wallingford, Conn., is on eBay with a modest $1,800 asking price. The seller says the vehicle has been in his stable for more than five years. The photos show it as providing a home for autumn leaves.
This is an original, complete 1964 Pontiac LeMans convertible with 326 V-8 power. It retains its VIN plate and could be the basis of a lovely first-year GTO clone. Unfortunately, the engine looks heavily rusted, and the wheels are sunk into the ground.
Serious Work Required
An optimistic classic car shopper might see this listing as a historic opportunity. Despite the weather exposure, the panels on this LeMans convertible don’t look all that bad. The left side door and fenders are probably salvageable. The front bumper and left side of the grille are intact.
On the right side, the fender has only a small hole and retains its engine badging. The trunk and hood are probably toast, as is the rear bumper, right rear-quarter panel, and the floors.
The interior needs a total restoration, though the instrument panel (shielded by the dash overhang) and floor-shift console might survive.
A GTO Clone?
This was a nicely optioned 1964 LeMans convertible at some point. Although the LeMans name (taken from the iconic 24-hour French race) debuted in 1961, it was initially a subset of the Tempest. In 1963, it became a full-fledged model line—similar to the journey made by the Chevy Impala.
The original LeMans was a compact and the top trim of the Tempest. But beginning in 1964, the second-generation LeMans was available in two- and four-door sedan versions, coupe, convertible, and station wagon. The convertible cost $3,000, though the V-8 option added to the bottom line.
This 1964 Pontiac GTO, also for sale on eBay, shows what’s possible.
The GTO was introduced early in the model year, powered by a 389 V-8. The installation of that engine, different taillights, and a bunch of badging could turn a LeMans into a GTO clone. That swap was common until the LeMans gained more value in stock form.
Le Mans Parts Galore
A little-known fact is that the top trim of the Le Mans was supposed to be the Le Mans HO. That variant came with a hot 326 that used a manual transmission, Carter AFB four-barrel carb, and dual exhausts. Pontiac only built 4,819 HO cars because they became entirely overshadowed by the GTO.
Regardless, eBay has a good selection of Pontiac LeMans cars into the 1970s. And there’s a ton of dedicated parts just for 1964. Many of those parts would be essential to the restoration of this beleaguered LeMans.
This ’64 Pontiac is not a GTO and its current condition is challenging. But its potential is real. In the right hands, this could become a very handsome early muscle car.
