Before Pontiac was officially discontinued in April of 2009, it had a reputation for making sturdy, affordable cars, with occasional flashes of brilliance. The Pontiac LeMans, first introduced in 1961, was among the most memorable offerings from the brand. And time has crystallized its status as a
It was into this trendiness vacuum that the legendary engineer and automotive executive John Z. DeLorean stepped. Recognizing that Pontiac needed to find new ways to court a younger customer base, who were interested in looking cool and driving fast, he ushered the company into a sexier era.
In the early ‘60s, the world was introduced to the Pontiac Tempest, a straight-four powered sedan that impressed consumers with its deft handling and, despite its power and speed, feeling of symmetry. The Tempest sold well, and it inspired a variety of creative upgrades and twists from the brand, as well as a couple of impressive derivatives. The GTO performance package and the LeMans descendant are among these.
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The GTO performance package took the Tempest to the next level, adding a V8 engine and a variety of other power accessories. Pontiac then gave the GTO its own model in 1966, and it is this model that is credited with starting the American muscle car era.
Muscle cars were a key part of American car culture in the 1960s and 1970s. Usually powered by V8 engines, these high-performance beauties set themselves apart with their affordability and accessibility to the public.
The Pontiac LeMans, which began as a trim upgrade to the Tempest in 1961, was a major contributor to this changing car culture. DeLorean’s prescient vision of youthful, sportier cars came to fruition with the LeMans.
The Tempest had proven itself a winner, and the LeMans took that recipe and added notes of luxury like bucket seats, convertible options, and ever-increasing horsepower. A 1967 Pontiac LeMans is imposing: too big for a typical city parking spot, a distinctive butterflied grille, and a cab that sits between equally long hoods.
Like most muscle cars of the 1960s, the LeMans would eventually be subdued by the compact interests of the American market, but in its heyday it was a showstopper.
Loyal to the LeMans
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Though the LeMans is manufactured no more, a couple of longtime owners are fiercely loyal to their old cars.
reports on Michigan resident Bruce Annett, who purchased his 1969 LeMans in December 1968. Though he was apparently more interested in a GTO model, the extra insurance cost was prohibitive, so he picked up the LeMans.
Though it was his second choice, Annett says he’s happy to still own a true classic, noting that “LeMans models are rarer now because many car buffs are converting them to pricier GTO ‘tribute’ cars.” He still takes it to car shows and it often wins awards.
Another owner loved her 1969 LeMans so much that she couldn’t bring herself to let it out of her sight, or into a car wash.
reports on a LeMans makeover that removed 22 years of garage grime, with the goal of getting the car moving again. The task was herculean, but it was worth it: underneath the dust and dirt was a true American classic.
Ready to add a GTO performance package to your ancient LeMans?
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