Make: | Pontiac |
Model: | Le Mans |
Type: | Coupe |
Year: | 1971 |
VIN: | 235371Z116439 |
Color: | Beige |
Vehicle Title: | Clean |
Item location: | Elkhart, Indiana, United States |
1971 Pontiac Lemans Coupe. The Lemans was a CA car originally (Thayer Pontiac) and was brought to MI in the 80's. I purchased it in 1985 and the car was rust free. It never saw winter weather while in the midwest. In 1992, the car underwent a full frame-off restoration.
The car was then dedicated to National AACA shows and, over a number of years, proceeded to win all AACA awards possible. There was an article written in the AACA Antique Automobile publication, although I do not have a copy of the article. The car was enclosed in a trailer and garage for over 20 years with only having any road miles (some recently) to fuel tank and last year I drove to a local show and a restoration shop for some maintenance. At that time the bias ply tires were removed for the radial T/A's on now. I still have the bias ply Wide Ovals.
The car needs nothing and drives great, cold AC, responsive 350 V8 and sounds incredible. Over the years since 1985, the car was owned by me or my Father, changing hands a few times He showed the car nationally and my time with it essentially sat stored in the garage. I don't have the desire to travel nationally or trailer cars to shows for a hobby, and it's really too nice of a car to drive. My anxiety peaks at the thought of getting caught in the rain or any damage done and it doesn't make sense for it to just sit. It sat in my garage for 6 years until I showed it last year and determined I would either need to commit to enclosed trailer shows or it would sit.
The car is a 350 2 BBL car from CA. It has PS/PB and A/C. The stainless steel Borla dual exhaust was added as a choice. Who doesn't love to hear the sound of 8 cylinders? When restored, it was confirmed the engine and transmission were #'s matching.It's a car that is ready, with a few cosmetic changes (like the battery is no longer the AC Delco repo and maybe some chassis or engine touch ups) to be a #1 AACA national winner. As it sits, I would expect it to get Jr and Sr awards again, maybe more. Every nut and bolt and clamp is correct.The car needs nothing to start, drive, etc. and has no mechanical issues.
You will be hard pressed to find a 71 Lemans in better condition and more factory correct than this one. It received a lot of attention on the show circuit because so many people would convert a Lemans into a GTO clone at this level of restoration.