Rarer Than GTO, 1971 Pontiac Lemans Sport, Manual Trans For Sale
I came across a third-generation Pontiac LeMans for sale on Craigslist in Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts. The asking price is $39,900. Initially, the LeMans was a trim upgrade based on the Tempest. However, in 1971, Pontiac discontinued the Tempest name and introduced its intermediate lineup as the LeMans and GTO as a separate line. As we all know, the GTO is one of the most popular muscle cars and it was spawned from the LeMans lineup.The car listed for sale is a fine example of the 1971 LeMans Sport edition, which is a combination of GTO and LeMans. This was done to avoid insurance premium surcharges that were imposed on muscle cars at that time. Essentially, it was a GTO in LeMans clothing.
In the early 70s, muscle cars were at their peak, but insurers hit them hard with insurance premium surcharges. To avoid these surcharges, Pontiac responded by putting the GTO's Endura nose and hood on a LeMans Sport, which had a standard six-cylinder engine. Since a six-cylinder engine was not on the muscle car list, this was a clever way to get around the surcharges. However, Pontiac did offer the LeMans Sport with some of the same performance equipment as the GTO, such as 350, 400, or 455 cubic inch models, including the 455 High Output (HO) engine.
The seller is offering a unique 400 model with an unusual 3-speed manual transmission. This is rarer than the automatic model and even more thrilling when you shift the gears, particularly when compared to the GTO.
The car that is up for sale has a V8 engine with a cubic inch of 400/4V and has approximately 55,000 miles on its odometer. As per the seller, the engine runs perfectly and produces amazing sounds. The 1971 engines had lower compression ratios, which allowed them to run on lower-octane regular lead, low-lead, or unleaded gasoline.
Although the interior photos are not perfect due to the angle and lighting, they show many good features. The seams have been renovated and are slightly mismatched, but close to the original, as claimed by the seller. While the dash pad looks perfect, it is hoped that all the instruments and gauges on the dash work properly, including the AC and radio.
In 1970-71, the sales of GTOs dropped significantly from 40,000 units to 10,000 units. The reason for this decline could be the popularity of lesser creatures like the LeMans Sport, which may have led to the GTO's end.
Detail by owner
1971 Pontiac Lemans Sport - want a GTO? Then you can spend more money and buy one, OR you can buy this Lemans which looks like a goat but is much rarer and she's effing GORGEOUS!! Showing 55,000 miles.
Nice ordered with a 400/4v, 3spd MANUAL trans (to beat the insurance companies), floor shifted, cloth interior (the seats are slightly mis-matched, but very close), tach dash, power steering and power brakes. The body and shiny black paint are incredible, the car runs and drives great, and she sounds amazing! Check out the redline tires with those damn Cragars, it looks like a huge Hot Wheels car!!
No rust anywhere, all systems are go, windows roll up nice, brakes and steering are spot on, and there is an upgraded stereo system hiding in the glove compartment. This car is ready to be yours... must be seen.
