Choice Colors: 1972 Pontiac LeMans – NOW $23,000

September 27, 2023 Update – Two months after the expiration of their original listing, the seller of this 1972 Pontiac LeMans posted a fresh Craigslist ad. At first, we thought it might be the same car but a different seller. However, the car’s license plates confirm it’s the same seller. After unsuccessfully trying to sell their car at a very optimistic $35,000, the seller is now asking $23,000.

July 13, 2023, Update – We confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found, we’re assuming this ride is “Sold?” until we come across a replacement listing.

For reasons not that clear to us, buyers in the market for a convertible tend to gravitate to examples painted in red. Throw in a contrasting white interior, and the desirability increases even more. The oddity is this color combination is somewhat rarer on fixed-top models. Hardtop buyers gravitated towards black vinyl interiors, especially in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  Before air conditioning became commonplace, perhaps buyers saw the white interior as a cooler alternative to the heat-soaking vinyl of the day.  Whatever the reason, a red convertible equipped with white guts is always a striking combination, especially when the top is dropped.

Proof of that can be found in this red-over-white 1972 Pontiac LeMans convertible for sale, first spotted in June 2023 on Craigslist in Bakersfield, California. The seller reports their car to be “all original.” Equipped with a desirable bucket seat interior and a 350 cubic inch V8, this LeMans provides a sporty ride for up to five passengers. Over the past few years, the trend has been for many of these LeMans models to form the basis of GTO Tribute/Clone cars, so it’s refreshing to come across a nice-looking base LeMans that has not received that kind of conversion.

Now offered for $23,000 (the original ask in July 2023 was $35,000), Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is slightly above the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for third-generation Pontiac LeMans produced between 1968 and 1972.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the LeMans featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls well above this guide’s #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $27,500.

The 1972 Pontiac LeMans Convertible was a classic American car known for its stylish design, powerful performance, and open-air driving experience. It was part of the third generation of the Pontiac LeMans, which was produced from 1968 to 1972. The LeMans Convertible was one of the most desirable variants of the LeMans lineup, offering a combination of sportiness and luxury.

The exterior of the Pontiac LeMans Convertible featured a sleek and aerodynamic design that was typical of the era. It had a long hood, flowing body lines, and a muscular stance, giving it a strong presence on the road. The convertible top was made of high-quality fabric and could be lowered or raised manually, allowing drivers to enjoy the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces.  The front end of the LeMans Convertible was characterized by a split grille design with vertical chrome bars. The grille was flanked by rectangular headlights integrated into a chrome bezel. The hood had a subtle power bulge, hinting at the performance potential of the car. While a chrome bumper came standard, buyers could opt for a body-colored, dent-resistant Endura bumper.

The LeMans Convertible featured a two-door body style with a spacious cabin and seating for up to five occupants. The body featured smooth curves and well-defined fender lines that accentuated its sporty character. The doors were long and wide, allowing for easy access to the interior.

Inside the LeMans Convertible, the emphasis was on comfort and luxury. The seats were upholstered in high-quality materials, providing excellent support during long drives. The dashboard featured a driver-oriented design with easily readable gauges and controls. The center console housed the shifter, climate controls, and various other amenities.

The 1972 LeMans Convertible offered a range of engine options to suit different preferences and performance needs. The standard engine was a 250 cubic-inch inline-six, which provided decent power and fuel efficiency. There were also V8 engine options available, including a 350 cubic-inch V8 and a potent 455 cubic-inch V8. These engines delivered impressive acceleration and power, making the LeMans Convertible a thrilling car to drive.

Transmission and Handling: The LeMans Convertible came with a variety of transmission choices, including a three-speed manual, a four-speed manual, and a three-speed automatic. The suspension system was tuned to provide a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling capabilities. Power steering was available, which made maneuvering the car effortlessly, especially in city driving.

The LeMans Convertible offered various optional features to enhance the driving experience. These included air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, and a premium audio system. Some models also had a hood-mounted tachometer and Rally II wheels for a sportier appearance.

1972 marked the final model year for Pontiac to offer a LeMans convertible, as the “Colonnade” based 1973 LeMans was only offered in hardtop form.

The Ron Peters YouTube Channel features this 1972 Pontiac LeMans commercial demonstrating the dent-resistant Endura front bumper available on all LeMans that year:

The seller’s brief description hints their 1972 Pontiac LeMans 350 for sale is all original. Based on the mileage and the pictures provided, we have no reason to doubt that. This 1972 Pontiac LeMans convertible is the right compromise between V8 performance and five-passenger comfort in a package simply no longer offered.

If you are serious about buying this LeMans, you can start the conversation by following the seller’s contact instructions provided in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please remember to mention you saw their Pontiac convertible featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s brief description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1972 Pontiac LeMans for sale?  Please comment below and let us know!