THE STORY Originally a trim upgrade package available for the Pontiac Tempest, the Pontiac LeMans became a separate model in 1963. It was named after the French city of Le Mans which is the site of the ’24 Hours of Le Mans’ - the world’s oldest active sports car endurance race that began in 1923.
The first five generations of the Pontiac LeMans were domestic rear-wheel drive cars, with the first generation being a compact, and generations two and five being mid-size vehicles or ‘intermediates’.
For the 1964 and 1965 model years, Pontiac included a GTO or ‘Gran Turismo Omologato’ optional package for the LeMans. The package included a 6.4L (389ci) V8 engine with a single Carter AFB four-barrel carburettor and dual exhaust pipes. It also came with a chromed air cleaner and valve covers, a seven-blade clutch fan, a floor-shifted three-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter, stiffer springs, a larger diameter front sway bar, wider wheels with redline tyres, hood scoops and GTO badges.
Further options available included for a four-speed manual transmission, metallic drum brake linings, a limited slip differential, heady-duty cooling, a tachometer mounted in the far-right side of the dash and a more powerful engine with ‘Tri-Power’ carbies (three two-barrel Rochester 2G carburettors).
The Pontiac GTO is credited with popularizing the muscle car market of the 1960s, with many considering it to be the first muscle car ever built.
THE CAR Purchased in 1991 as a project car by the car’s previous owner (33 year’s) this left-hand drive 1965 Pontiac LeMans Convertible has been lovingly restored and transformed into a GTO Tribute vehicle.
The restoration has been fully documented in 6x4 photos.
Powered by a period-correct Pontiac 389ci (6.4 litre) V8 engine with triple carburettors and coupled to a four-speed manual transmission, this car runs extremely well and packs a punch with an excellent exhaust note.
Finished in striking Montero Red, this vehicle has outstanding Parchment Vinyl interior and a black powered soft-top with a Parchment parade boot. The powered top operation is quick, smooth and effortless.
This car has all correct GTO badging and the chrome and stainless-steel trim is in excellent condition. Pontiac’s iconic vertically stacked headlights, GTO styled hood scoop and ‘American’ brand racing wheels really set this car off. It has a very tough stance.
The interior is immaculate, featuring a tachometer on the dash, a cassette player and “1965 GTO” floor mats. All instrumentation, courtesy lights and electronics are in working order. The glovebox has been signed by the late Jim Wangers - the marketing genius behind the GTO.
Mechanically this is an excellent cruiser equipped with power steering, power-boosted brakes with front discs and a limited slip differential ensuring a smooth ride. A quantity of spare parts and original paperwork go with the car including sales brochure, owner’s manual.
Under current ownership the car has had new spark plugs, new oil and temperature sender, fuel sender, heater hose and rear suspension work.
The 65-389 historic SA number plates do not go with the car but can be purchased separately by negotiation.
A wonderful tribute to the 1965 Pontiac GTO – currently on historic registration in SA.
