1964 Pontiac LeMans

*1964 Pontiac LeMans Convertible*® The Pontiac GTO is widely regarded as the first muscle car, and the car that kicked off the American horsepower wars of the 1960s and 1970s. Although the GTO gets a lot of the attention, it was initially a trim of the intermediate-size LeMans that was little more than some trim and a larger engine. Given that, turning LeMans into GTO clones is widely done and you get all of the exciting driving experience of the original GTO, at a fraction of the price. This 1964 LeMans is exactly that - a car that has received the GTO treatment to offer improved performance and looks over a standard LeMans.® Finished in Black over Black with a Black convertible top, this LeMans has been under single ownership since 1984 and lived in the Western Washington area for even longer than that. The exterior upgrades to bring this car to GTO-spec include a new hood and GTO badging on the grille, rear quarters and decklid. A set of Rally II wheels with black centers and polished trim rings complete the look and are wrapped in period-correct looking BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires with white sidewall lettering. For some added convenience, the black top is power actuated and folds away cleanly behind the rear seats.® The black vinyl interior consists of a pair of bucket seats up front, and a rear bench. In keeping with the GTOâs sporting nature, a long center console finished in textured aluminum runs between the two front seats, and machine turned aluminum trim is seen on the gauge cluster as well. The addition of a wood and stainless Grant GT steering wheel takes the interior up a notch, looking great and is pleasant to use thanks to the addition of power steering.® The main differentiator between the LeMans and the GTO was what is sitting under the hood and the builder of this car understood that. Most LeMansâ were powered by an inline-6 or a small displacement V8, while this car now has a 400ci V8 with some performance parts. Although the 400 ci V8 wasnât offered until 1967, it is a great motor to put in this car as it is known for being extremely stout and of course, quite powerful. Total power isnât known for this car but in period, the stock cars with a 4bbl carburetor produced 335 horsepower and an astonishing 441 lb-ft of torque. This example benefits from an Edelbrock high-rise intake, and Holley finned valve covers that are painted to match the engine block. Power is sent through a 3-speed automatic with âHis and Hersâ shifting (can function as a standard automatic or an early âsequentialâ style shiftable unit) to the rear wheels.® It canât be denied that the Pontiac GTO is one of the most significant American performance cars and the vehicle that launched the muscle car wars that persist even today. This LeMans built to GTO specifications is a perfect car for the enthusiast who wants the GTO experience, at a bargain price. With warm weather just around the corner, there is no better way to enjoy it than putting th