1965 Pontiac Le Mans

Description

If you don't need those three little letters on the side of your Pontiac convertible, this 1965 Lemans convertible is an ideal choice. After all, how can you go wrong with a bright red convertible with a growling V8 soundtrack?

1965 was a great year for GM convertibles, and with the stacked headlights and sleek sheetmetal, few were more attractive than the mid-sized Pontiacs. As I said, the Lemans uses the same sheetmetal as the legendary GTO, so you get the look at a serious discount. The cowl tag says this car originally came in boring old beige, so when it was restored they wisely chose something more appropriate and you just can't go wrong with bright Montero Red. The work was done a few years ago, but it's holding up well thanks to durable modern paint and careful ownership that made sure this car got the treatment it deserved. Those long, long quarter panels were straightened and smoothed, the doors fit well, and it's actually kind of refreshing to see LEMANS block letters on the flanks. A white pinstripe highlights the fender line and kick-up behind the doors, and someone spent some cash getting the chrome and stainless into shape following the paint job.

Nothing looks better in a '60s cruiser than Pontiac's Parchment upholstery. Not white and not tan, it's elegant and inviting, particularly with those unique diagonally-stitched seat covers that were a Pontiac trademark. Black carpets make it easy to maintain although they're starting to show their age a bit, and it looks like the door panels were replaced at the same time. The Lemans got the same four-gauge instrument panel as its sibling, although these gauges only include the basics: speed and fuel level. On the other hand, it is equipped with somewhat rare factory A/C, which is fully functional and the original AM radio still lives in the center of the dash. The trunk is outfitted with reproduction mat and spare tire cover, plus an original jack assembly and a matching parchment boot for the top. And speaking of the top, it's power-actuated and features a crystal clear rear window and a snug fit.

Pontiac's entry-level V8 displaced 326 cubic inches and was rated at 250 horsepower in stock form. This one, which has obviously been freshened at some point, carries a newer Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and intake manifold so it's a bit stouter than a stocker. Chrome valve covers and an open-element air cleaner give it a GTO-like performance look and there's correct Pontiac Turquoise paint underneath. Power steering and brakes are welcome additions to a heavy cruiser like this and it tracks straight and stops well. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission spins the original 10-bolt rear end and the exhaust system, while a little older, still has a pleasant V8 burble out on the road. It's quite clean underneath, so you don't need to worry about what's hiding out of sight, and newer shocks give it the perfect ride for cruising. Sporty Rally wheels with 205/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials are in excellent condition and look great.

All the looks of the GTO, plenty of performance from the smooth-running V8, and a top that goes down all add up to a great Pontiac ragtop that represents something of a bargain. Call today!