The 1963 Pontiac LeMans convertible, a stylish and sporty offering from Pontiac, embodies the spirit of the early 1960s. This particular example, sold new in Oakland, California, in April 1963, has a rich history and has been lovingly cared for over the years. Powered by a 326ci V8 engine paired with a rear-mounted three-speed manual transaxle, this LeMans is a true classic, ready to turn heads and provide an enjoyable driving experience.
This LeMans convertible, originally delivered in Grenadier Red with a white convertible top, has been repainted in red, and the soft top has been replaced with a black one. The car’s vibrant red finish, complemented by the black convertible top, creates a striking and timeless aesthetic. Details such as dual side mirrors, “V326” badges, chrome bumpers, bright trim, reverse lights, and dual exhaust outlets add to the car’s classic charm. While the seller notes that the convertible top operates manually and points out some blemishes in the paint, trim, and seals, the overall presentation of this LeMans remains impressive.
The American Racing Torq Thrust 15″ wheels, wrapped in 205/65 BFGoodrich Silvertown red-line radial tires, give the car a sporty and classic look. The braking system consists of drums at all four corners.
Inside the cabin, the seating surfaces have been reupholstered in black vinyl, providing a comfortable and stylish interior. Heater controls are conveniently located on the dashboard. While the seller notes some corrosion in the trunk compartment and mentions that the Delco radio is inoperative, the interior remains a pleasant place to be.
The cracked two-spoke steering wheel adds a touch of vintage character and sits in front of a circular 120-mph speedometer. A trio of Bosch auxiliary gauges has been added beneath the dashboard, providing additional information to the driver. The five-digit odometer shows 67k miles, approximately 11k of which have been added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown.
Under the hood, the 326ci V8 engine, originally rated at 260 horsepower, is topped by a two-barrel carburetor. The engine was rebuilt in the mid-1990s, along with other mechanical refurbishment work.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a floor-shifted three-speed manual transaxle, a unique feature of the Tempest-based LeMans. The transmission was rebuilt in 2022.
This 1963 Pontiac LeMans convertible comes with a wealth of documentation, including an Ident-O-Plate, documentation from PHS Historic Services, manufacturer’s literature, service records dating back to the mid-1990s, and a copy of the February 1963 issue of Hot Rod magazine, which featured the Tempest LeMans 326 V8. This comprehensive documentation adds to the car’s history and provenance. This LeMans was previously listed on Bring a Trailer in February 2024 and is now being offered again by the seller.
Summary/Specs List:
- Model: 1963 Pontiac LeMans Convertible
- Engine: 326ci V8 (260 horsepower)
- Transmission: Three-speed manual transaxle (rear-mounted)
- Mileage: 67,000 miles (odometer reading, true mileage unknown)
- Exterior Color: Red (repainted)
- Interior Color: Black vinyl
- Wheels: 15″ American Racing Torq Thrust
- Features: Dual exhaust, Bosch auxiliary gauges
- Title: Clean Texas title
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific vehicle. For more information on this specific car, you can reach out to the seller.
Source: bringatrailer.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
