Recently, I had the chance to examine a 1967 Pontiac LeMans Sport Coupe in St. Charles, Missouri. Encountering an all-original body and paint LeMans is a rarity, making this find truly remarkable.
The Pontiac LeMans, a model marketed by Pontiac from 1962 to 1981 (1983 in Canada), originally started as a trim upgrade based on the Tempest. Its significance was amplified when it birthed the iconic muscle car, the GTO, in 1964. Spanning five generations in the 1960s and ’70s, it eventually made way for the downsized Pontiac Bonneville in 1982.
While the body exhibited signs of aging with heavy fading, dents, scratches, and rusting lower rear quarter panels, the frame remained solid throughout. Notably, the floor pans and trunk pan were remarkably well-preserved for an unmolested original car.
Despite its vintage, this 1967 LeMans had undergone several upgrades, including a 4-wheel disc brake conversion, new master cylinder and booster, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a fresh 400 Pontiac Tri-Power engine cooled by a 4-core radiator and electric fan. However, issues surfaced when the engine began overheating after a smooth start. Electrical problems, particularly with the starter, indicated a need for thorough mechanical inspection and potentially a full replacement of the wiring harness.
The aging rubber components throughout the vehicle, from body mount bushings to door seals, presented further challenges but also underscored the car’s originality. Despite its flaws, the discovery of two NOS stock lower quarter replacement panels in the trunk hinted at past restoration efforts, signaling hope for its future revival.
It’s likely that the next owner will continue the restoration journey, possibly adding a GTO hood and rear panel, to fully enjoy this classic car’s next life on the road.
Remember I mentioned the car needed the lower quarters cut out and welded in because they were rusted out? The previous owner had great plans for this car I guess. I found two NOS stock lower quarter replacement panels in the trunk and a lot of old parts. This car is well on its way to a new life I guess. From what I’m told the buyer will likely toss on a GTO hood and rear panel and have the work done it needs and enjoy it for its next life on the road.
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