1964 Pontiac Le Mans GTO Tribute

Description

OK, you already know by the price that this isn't a real 1964 Pontiac GTO, but rather a Lemans (the GTO was a trim package on the Lemans, remember). Nevertheless, it's got the exact same look and feel, with a strong-running V8 equipped with Tri-Power, a gorgeous bucket seat interior, and a price that'll make you forget all about pedigrees.

Finished in lovely code P Aquamarine, this is the car everyone thinks of when you imagine the first muscle car. Clean, uncluttered styling and a big V8 under the hood make the first GTO a favorite with collectors as well as with people who like to have a good time behind the wheel, and this facsimile offers all the same perks. Bodywork is pretty darned good for a car in this price range, with straight panels and good gaps throughout. Cool hood inserts give it a suitably racy look, correct GTO 6.5 litre badges on the flanks help camouflage its origins, and three simple letters on the deck lid let everyone know what had just humiliated them in the stop light grand prix. Chrome and trim are very good, with a light patina that fits the car's personality just right. We can almost guarantee that there's nobody out there who can look at this car as it's cruising down the road and determine whether it's a real GTO. That's the magic of this tribute.

The handsome turquoise bucket seat interior was Pontiac at the top of its game, stylish yet functional. It was restored at some point in the past and shows a bit of age, but there's nothing inside that needs any attention. A wood-rimmed steering wheel adds some warmth to the interior, as well as that European flavor John Z. DeLorean was looking for in the GTO, and again, aside from the column shifter, there's no way to determine whether this is a GTO or a Lemans from behind the wheel. This one does carry a rather unusual factory tachometer in the engine-turned dashboard and somebody has thoughtfully added an AM/FM/cassette stereo radio in the original AM unit's spot. The overall effect is stylish, upscale, and definitely sporty, everything they hoped the GTO would be and more. In back, the trunk is neatly finished with correct mats and a spare tire with matching cover.

Although the GTO carried the top-of-the-line 389, this Lemans comes with a 326 cubic inch V8 that's visually identical to its bigger brother. Topped by a correct-looking Tri-Power setup, it makes plenty of horsepower and was dressed for success with proper chrome valve covers and matching individual air cleaners for each carb. Pontiac Turquoise engine enamel enhances the illusion and with both power steering and power brakes, this Lemans is fun to drive no matter who you are. The condition of the inner fenders and firewall suggest that this car has never been in a snowy climate, and the tidy undercarriage shows clean floors and no signs of structural rust anywhere. Pontiac still used a version of the PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission, which is what you'll find here, and the front end has been recently rebuilt. 14-inch Cragar wheels are a period-correct addition and wear fat 225/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

For some Pontiac fans, this Lemans is a great way to reach GTO levels of performance and beauty on a budget, and this handsome turquoise hardtop definitely delivers. Call today!