Originally a trim upgrade package available for the Pontiac Tempest, the Pontiac LeMans became a separate model in 1963. It was named after the French city of Le Mans which is the site of the ’24 Hours of Le Mans’ - the world’s oldest active sports car endurance race that began in 1923.

The first five generations of the Pontiac LeMans were domestic rear-wheel drive cars, with the first generation being a compact, and generations two and five being mid-size vehicles or ‘intermediates’.

For the 1964 and 1965 model years, Pontiac included a GTO or ‘Gran Turismo Omologato’ optional package for the LeMans. The package included a 6.4L (389ci) V8 engine with a single Carter AFB four-barrel carburettor and dual exhaust pipes. It also came with a chromed air cleaner and valve covers, a seven-blade clutch fan, a floor-shifted three-speed manual transmission with a Hurst shifter, stiffer springs, a larger diameter front sway bar, wider wheels with redline tyres, hood scoops and GTO badges.

Further options were included for a four-speed manual transmission or a ‘Super Turbine 300’ two-speed automatic transmission, alongside metallic drum brake linings, a limited slip differential, heady-duty cooling, a tachometer mounted in the far-right side of the dash and a more powerful engine with ‘Tri-Power’ carburretion (three two-barrel Rochester 2G carburettors).

The Pontiac GTO is credited with popularizing the muscle car market of the 1960s, with many considering it to be the first muscle car.

THE CAR

Purchased in 1991 as a project car by the current owner (33 year’s ownership), this left-hand drive 1965 Pontiac LeMans Convertible has been lovingly restored and transformed into a GTO Tribute vehicle.

Powered by a period correct Pontiac 389ci (6.4 litre) V8 engine with triple carburettors and coupled to a four-speed manual transmission, this car runs extremely well and packs a punch with an excellent exhaust note.

She is finished in striking Montero Red with an outstanding Parchment Vinyl interior and has a black powered soft-top with a parade boot. The powered top operation is quick and smooth.

Outside and inside this car sports GTO badging and chrome trim in excellent condition, alongside the classic Pontiac vertically stacked headlights, GTO styled hood scoop and ‘American’ brand racing wheels.

The interior is immaculate, featuring a tachometer on the dash, a cassette player, air-conditioning and GTO floor mats. All instrumentation, courtesy lights and electronics are in working order. The glovebox has been signed by the late Jim Wangers - the marketing genius behind the GTO.

Mechanically she is an excellent cruiser equipped with power steering, power-boosted brakes with front discs and a limited slip differential ensuring a smooth ride.

A quantity of spare parts and original paperwork go with the car. The original rare hub caps are available for purchase separately.

A wonderful tribute to the 1965 Pontiac GTO – currently on historic registration in SA.