The LeMans: A Luxury Pontiac

Introduced in late 1961, the Lemans was the top-of-the-line model of the first-gen Tempest. This trim package included nicer interior and bucket seats. In 1964 the Tempest was redesigned to share the intermediate A-Body platform that shared use with other GM divisions, thus shedding its compact roots as well as the quirkier engine and driveline approaches. The LeMans remained the superior option for Tempests, Pontiac also offered a higher performance more stripped-down version called the “GTO”. The idea of a smaller platform vehicle with the biggest engine you could fit became a popular option for not only other divisions within GM, but also for Ford, Chrysler, and American Motors.

By 1965 you could order a LeMans package on a four-door Tempest sedan for the first time. The package underwent a major facelift in 1966 which eventually lead to an entirely new design in 1968, again sharing the GM A-Body with other divisions. In 1970 the LeMans package was dropped down to a mid-line package now called the LeMans Sport. Minor styling and powertrain upgrades were the norm up till 1972 when the Tempest name was dropped for LeMans. The base LeMans was the coupe sedan body, with the Luxury LeMans available as an upgrade in hardtop sedans and coupes.

Intrigued with the level of luxury, Original Parts Group customer Cesar Hernandez found an online source to learn more. He discovered that Pontiac manufactured 46,256 Luxury LeMans vehicles and that only 8,641 were hardtops. Cesar purchased his 1972 Pontiac Luxury LeMans in Queen Creek, AZ August 2021. It had 167,272 documented original miles on it. It had only been repainted once 30 years prior in its original cream color. The transmission and engine were rebuilt in 2012 with 160,227 miles on the odometer. It had the original interior upholstery, and sound system, and was otherwise un-restored.

After driving the LeMans back to his hometown of Tucson on a rainy day, Cesar got started on its restoration. Keeping it as close to the original color and materials as possible, he had the entire interior re-upholstered, and the dash pad repaired/reupholstered. A new quartz clock and a new complete sound system were installed, along with ribbed-style sill plates, door panels, side panels, an interior mirror kit, power door locks, and an alarm. The windows received a new ceramic window tint and all LED light bulbs were installed in the instrument cluster as well as the interior courtesy lights.

The front calipers and rear drums were painted with hi-temp high-gloss red color, and the front valance and front and rear bumpers were re-chromed. All exterior stainless steel trim moldings were polished, and a new roof drip molding, tail lamp lens set, and brake lights were installed. A new windshield, a full front-end suspension kit with alignment, and four new coil-over shocks. The rear end was serviced, and the radiator was cleaned and rodded. It was painted in Natural Khaki green metallic and received a new vinyl top. Its original 15” X7 Rally II wheels were sandblasted and repainted with the original three-color scheme.

Recently purchasing a rear valance from OPGI, Cesar is a frequent shopper and a huge fan of our frequent buyer points. He says, “Being able to find the OEM colors and parts that meet or exceed OEM form/fit/function was one key factor in my decision to purchase from OPGI.”

OPGI is pleased to be a part of Cesar’s Luxury LeMans Restoration process. Visit OPGI.com to see how we can help you with your Classic GM Restoration project.