1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
In 1963, the LeMans name was designated as a separate model where in the previous two years of its first generation, it was a trim level of the compact Tempest. It was still considered a compact car for the times and grew in size for 1964 and its second generation. But without these original LeMans cars, there would be no GTO which was introduced in 1964. Yes, this can be considered the genetic precursor to the king of muscle cars.
For consignment, a non running 1963 Pontiac LeMans convertible that was purchased as a project and is now offered as an opportunity for restoration. Only 8,744 convertible LeMans were produced in 1963 and it's anyone's guess as to how many are still on the road or restorable. There's a lot of potential for this uncommon car which has a unique body that looks a bit like a scaled down GTO.
Exterior
The sporty body starts with spear trim over the front fender and into the door mirrored by there small spears of the front quarter panel in a diagonal design that emulates movement. Marimba Red paint is on the car and the paint is rough with patina in the form of surface rust on the hood, rust holes in the fender and doors, and rust spots throughout. The simple design of the front with its dual headlights and the back with its vertical tail lights provide glimpses into what would eventually morph into the GTO. The car has great proportions and shape but every bit of it will need restoration including the completely hazed plastic window of the white convertible top. Correct hubcaps are on the 15-inch wheels and like all other metalwork on the car, will need attention to be brought back to a clean state. More invasive rust is seen on the rocker panels and wheel openings along with paint cracks, paint runs, and numerous scratches.
Interior
The passenger door panel is intact and relatively clean while the card is missing from the driver's side where some surface rust exists. The front bucket seats show some wear especially along the outer piping and the rear bench seats are intact other than a tear on the front lower panel. Cracks prevail throughout the plastic steering wheel and there's likely no saving this one. Gauges are cloudy and dusty, and the speedometer is missing its needle while a vintage aftermarket tachometer had been added at some point. An original Pontiac AM radio is in the center and the top of the dash is dirty but looks to be intact which is great because it's sculpted in an unusual shape that would likely be difficult to replace. There is space between the shifter boot and the hole where it fits so the floor mounted shifter allows a view of the road but its ball handle and curved stick is very cool. The black loop carpet is worn and tired and would benefit from replacement and the underside of the vinyl top is in surprisingly good shape. Glimmers of glossy paint remnants are seen in the trunk where we also find lots of parts.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a surface rust covered 195ci inline 4-cylinder engine rated at a surprising 166 horsepower. A 4-barrel carburetor is attached, and a 3-speed manual transmission would send power to the rear wheels where 3.30 gears reside. Drum brakes are supplied front and rear, however they are not usable as the brake lines are broken.
Undercarriage
We expected some crust and indeed the underside is covered with surface rust, areas of more advanced or invasive rust, residual oil on the pan and rear differential. The single exhaust flows to a muffler and ends there as there is no tailpipe. The car has an interesting rear independent suspension with coil springs along with standard front independent suspension also equipped with coil springs.
Roll up your sleeves because this is an all out project and will need attention from stem to stern. The shape, relative uncommonness, and connection to historic muscle car lineage makes this project worth looking in to.
263P47358
2-Pontiac LeMans
63-1963
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
47358-Sequential Unit Number
TRIM TAG
11B-2nd Week November
STYLE NO 63 2267-1963 LeMans Convertible
BODY NO PO3348-Pontiac Body #
TRIM NO 213-Black Vinyl
PAINT NO L1-Marimba Red, White Top
ACC
1F-Tinted Windshield
4B-Unknown
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