Our featured automobile is a 1975 Pontiac LeMans. The LeMans was introduced as the top-of-the-line version of the compact sized Pontiac Tempest and was produced in the U.S. from 1961 to 1981 over a total of five generations.. It’s replacement for 1982 was the Pontiac Bonneville.
The Stylish LeMans
The 1975 Pontiac LeMans, a part of the fourth generation of the model, had sleek styling and for the mid 1970’s the styling stood out.
For 1975 the LeMans and Grand LeMans received a few exterior trim changes from the previous year. This included new crosshatch grilles and a vertical bar grille with more chrome on the Grand Le Mans model. The standard LeMans offered a full width bench seat while the Grand LeMans offered both the full width bench or bucket seats.
The Pontiac LeMans and Grand LeMans
In 1975 the Pontiac Grand LeMans was produced as a four and two door hardtop and as a station wagon. The Grand LeMans was built with a V-8 engine as opposed to the six cylinder with the LeMans. Styling differences included a new grille with six vertical bars, special hood ornament and fender skirts for the Grand LeMans while the LeMans itself also received a new grille although different from the Grand LeMans.
The Pontiac LeMans and GTO
Beginning with the 1964 model year the GTO was available as an option on the Pontiac LeMans. Interiors were identical with the exception of emblems. Many will say that the Pontiac GTO was America’s first real muscle car although some may disagree. Pontiac Division’s John Z. DeLorean is credited with being the creator of the GTO which began when a larger engine was put into a LeMans.
The GTO became it’s own distinct model \with the 1966 model year trough 1971. It became an option once again for the 1972 and 1973 intermediate size LeMans.
1975 Pontiac LeMans Specifications
Due to federal emission requirements engines were changed for the 1975 Pontiac LeMans. One such change was to have the engine connected to a catalytic converter which certainly lowered horsepower.
The standard engine for the 1975 for coupe and sedan base LeMans was a 250 cubic inch Chevrolet inline-six. A 350 cubic inch two-barrel V8 was optional and standard on the Le Mans Sport Coupe, and Grand Le Mans sedans and coupes. Also optional on all of those models was a 350 cubic inch four-barrel and a 400 cubic inch two-barrel.
Standard transmission was a three-speed manual with the inline six standard and the 350 two-barrel V8. The three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic was an option with those engines, and was “mandatory” with all other engines in both sedans and coupes.
Brakes were four wheel hydraulic drums with front discs available.
Power steering was available for the 350 and 400 engine LeMans.
Dimensions include a 112.0 inch wheelbase, overall outside length 208.0 inches, width 77.4 inches, height 53.3 inches and a curb weight of about 3,800 lbs.
Pontiac 1975 production totaled 532,000 vehicles.Total LeMans production was 75,800 units and the Grand LeMans 27,100.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are found on the links below…
Reference material for this article includes..Muscle Cars: A Legacy of American Performance by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide…Muscle Cars: Kings of the Street From the Golden Era by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide…The Definitive Pontiac GTO Guide: 1964-1967 by David Bonaskiewich…pontiacpower.org.
1975 Pontiac LeMans Collector Automobiles
When the muscle cars started to die off in the mid 1970’s due to federal emission regulations, automakers produced sporty and stylish cars with tuned down engines that still provided the buyer plenty of power and sporty looks.
As you see how many different V-8 engines available with the 1975 Pontiac LeMans, there was significant differences model to model. Everything from a 250 straight six to a 400 cubic inch V-8.
Current collector values for the 1975 Pontiac LeMans will depend on exact model and engine, originality, mileage, age of restoration and mileage.
As of this date you may see asking prices for excellent fully restored 1975 Pontiac LeMans examples in a range from about $25,000 to $40,000.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)