1971 Lemans

[Icefan71]

Hi all. New to the forum. I am looking at a 71 Lemans and seriously thinking of buying it. I have to go back in a few weeks when the snow melts so I can have a better look. I can't get underneath it until then. The body is straight with just surface rust except for the driver's side rear quarter panel. There is a small hole there behind the wheel. The windshield leaks and there is water on the front floors and the carpet is shot. I peeled it back and the floors appear to have surface rust, but I didn't see any holes. The engine compartment looks pretty good. Not much rust there. Wheel wells, radiator support look good. Engine fluids good too. Owner says it hasn't been started in 2 years. The car is complete. Its got a pontiac 350, auto column shift, a/c, bench seat. Owner says he thinks it was originally a GTO w/400, but it looks like just a Lemans to me. So when I get a better look at it, I'll make my decision. Whether its a GTO or Lemans, if its not bad underneath, I think I'm gonna buy it. He's asking $1100 with a 400 motor thrown in with it. So I'm just wondering if there's anything I should look out for. I'm not real familiar with Pontiacs. I'm looking for a project vehicle that I can slowly restore and possibly drive while I work on it. This is a pretty solid looking car so far without seeing underneath. Opinions from the experts please.

 

[melsg5]

You can tell if it was a GTO by the VIN at the base of the windshield drivers side. If it starts with a 242 it's a GTO anything else not a GTO. If you are talking about restoring it you will be throwing lots of money at it and if it's a Lemans you will throw more at it than a Lemans is worth. Let us know what your find out.

 

[Icefan71]

I'm more concerned with the condition of the car. Its right in my price range and it does not appear to be rotted out like a lot of cars I've seen. If its a GTO, Thats great. I can get it running and fix it up knowing that its worth something. If its a Lemans, then I'll just get it running and restomod it however I want. Its a nice looking car regardless. I was hoping to get back there in a couple of weeks when the snow melts, but it just snowed here about 4 or 5 inches last night. So winter is not quite over yet, lol. Thanks for the info on the vin, melsg5.

 

[melsg5]

when you look at the engine block on the passenger side right below the cyliner head you will see some numbers and letters. If it's the original block I believe the last group of numbers will match the serial number on the windshield base. There will also be a 2 character code like wx or yz that will be the engine code. Try to get me the engine code and I will look it up for you.

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[Icefan71]

Thanks. But like I said I won't be back there till the snow melts so I can go over it completely. Its not advertised for sale so it isn't going anywhere. Come on warm weather!!

 

[69LeMans69]

sounds like a nice one hope its what your looking for