Modern Motor: 1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport Restomod – Sold?

May 11, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

If you’re not a diehard originalist who prefers actually being able to drive their vintage ride, the beauty of many mid-sixties American intermediate cars is the ability to replicate the performance of the muscle car version in a lesser-trimmed model.  Prime examples are the legions of Pontiac LeMans Sports we come across with a vintage 400 stuffed under the hood. While those are nice, the seller of this Lucerne Blue over blue Morrokide, 1971 Pontiac LeMans Sport Convertible originally listed in March 2021 on Craigslist in Angier, North Carolina (Raleigh) felt the need to take things up a notch. Specifically, we love the fact this LeMans now features a modern 6.0 LS swap apparently donated from an early 2000 vintage GTO (nee Holden Monaro) and mater to a five-speed manual.  Bonus points are the fact the seller also provides this LeMans Sport’s original powertrain as part of the sale.

Currently offered for $37,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their LeMans Sport priced between this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $31,300 and its #1 “Concours” appraisal of $45,000.  While the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” estimate of $28,125, factoring in premiums for the modern motor and working factory A/C brings this guide’s estimate right in line with the price.

Entering the third model year of production of the third-generation intermediate Pontiac, for 1971 the General Motors Wide Track Division dropped the Tempest name altogether and introduced its intermediate lineup as T-37, Lemans GT-37, Lemans, and Lemans Sport. The GTO and GTO Judge remained a separate line. Two-door coupes and four-door sedans were available with T-37, Lemans, and Lemans Sport. The two-door Hardtop was available across the series, while the convertible model was limited to Lemans Sport and the GTO line. The GT-37 returned as a package to T-37 models and was marketed as “The GTO for Kids under 30.” The GT-37 received the same feature package as the previous year with the exception of new eyebrow-type side striping similar to that of the GTO Judge model. In mid-March 1971, a second design change for the GT-37 switched the striping to a reflective sword-style stripe sometimes referred to as the 1971 ½ GT-37. 1971 also afforded the customer the opportunity to choose any of Pontiac’s optional V8s such as 350, 400, or 455 cubic inch models, including the 455 High Output (HO) engine. The 455 had only been offered on the GTOs in 1970 and came in a 325 hp (242 kW) four-barrel version or the 335 hp (250 kW) High Output version. All 1971 engines were detuned with lower compression ratios to run on lower-octane regular leaded, low-lead, or unleaded gasoline. Brakes were 9.5″ drums.

The Osborn Tramain YouTube Channel features this 1971 Pontiac commercial for the entry-level LeMans T-37:

The biggest decision you have to make about buying this 1954 Series 62 Cadillac convertible is whether you want to keep the vintage teardrop trailer offered for $12,500 with the car for an additional $12,500.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1971 Lemans Sport conv. Ls TKO 600 5 speed,350 gear 9″,ps,pb,pw,p seats,power top,factory ac(ice cold). Drive anywhere. Comes with original engine,trans,rear.”

Do you have a Pontiac LeMan Sport story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!