The 1972 model year was significant for Pontiac, representing the final iteration of the popular second-generation A-body platform. While attention often focuses on the high-output variants, the standard 1972 Pontiac LeMans offered a handsome blend of style and everyday usability. This specific LeMans coupe, however, is exceptional because of its remarkable state of preservation and deep documentation. It represents a genuine time capsule, having remained unrestored since it was originally purchased.
The Significance of Unrestored Condition
An unrestored classic car offers a direct, tangible connection to its manufacturing era, unlike a freshly restored example. The originality of this 1972 Pontiac LeMans is a major factor in its desirability. It maintains its factory-applied White paint and the Tan interior shows its age gracefully and honestly. This car spent decades in the dry climate of Arizona, which certainly contributed to its survival.
A Single-Owner Story from New
This LeMans was special ordered by its original owner and remained in their care from 1972 until 2018. The consistency of a one-owner vehicle often translates to a known, well-documented history. This history is reinforced by the presence of the Protect-O-Plate, the original owner’s manual, and a stack of hand-written notes. These notes detail the service and maintenance completed over the years.
Detailed Provenance and Documentation
The provenance of this 1972 Pontiac LeMans is impressively comprehensive, allowing potential new owners to verify its claims. It includes full Pontiac Historical Services (PHS) documentation, which is crucial for verifying originality and options. The PHS window sticker confirms the factory specifications and equipment as ordered. This level of paperwork separates well-known cars from examples with gaps in their history.
A Classic Interior with Manual Gearbox
The Tan interior is a quiet complement to the stark White exterior, maintaining an understated color combination. Inside the cabin, the manual transmission shift lever immediately catches the eye. The presence of a 4-speed manual gearbox in a LeMans coupe is relatively uncommon. This feature suggests the original owner placed an emphasis on driver engagement and control.
Engine Specifications and Drivetrain Performance
This 1972 Pontiac LeMans is powered by its original, numbers-matching 350 CI V-8 engine. While perhaps not the ultimate performance option, the 350 CI engine is renowned for its reliability and usable torque. The V-8 provides a satisfying, classic rumble through the exhaust system. This power plant is paired with the aforementioned 4-speed manual transmission, offering a direct mechanical link to the engine. The combination ensures a more involved driving experience compared to the ubiquitous automatics of the time. The robust drivetrain components are also documented as original to the car.
Summary of the Unrestored LeMans
This 1972 Pontiac LeMans presents a compelling opportunity for collectors who value originality and verifiable history above all else. The unrestored condition, single-owner provenance, and special-order features distinguish it significantly. Featuring the original 350 CI V-8 and 4-speed manual transmission, this coupe is a documented artifact. Its PHS paperwork and continuous hand-written service notes tell a complete story of ownership.
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Source: mecum.com
