In an interesting twist of events, Pontiac did not offer a GTO convertible for 1972. However, Buick continued to offer the GS convertible, Chevrolet the Chevelle SS convertible, and Oldsmobile the 4-4-2 convertible. Our Pick of the Day is what a Pontiac enthusiast could order in substitution: This 1972 Pontiac LeMans Sport convertible is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Palmer, Massachusetts.
Pontiac actually discontinued the GTO convertible in the middle of the 1971 model year. Why an automaker would discontinue a body style of one of the most important performance models in the middle of the model year is anyone’s guess, though Pontiac had new general manager starting in 1969 and things were done differently than before.
Even though the GTO convertible was gone, the same equipment was available, so judicious use of the order form could create a quasi-GTO convertible. The first thing that one had to do was specify the LeMans convertible. For 1970-71, the LeMans Sport was the “regular” ragtop for consumers, but for 1972, the Sport became an option package with a “W70” order code. This package was included on all LeMans convertibles (optional for the hardtop) and included bucket seats and “distinctive door and quarter trim panels” plus “LeMans Sport” identification and additional interior lighting for the convertible.
The GTO also reverted to a package, the first time since 1965. It included a heavy-duty three-speed manual, 400 four-barrel with dual exhaust, exhaust splitters, G70-14 blackwalls, Endura front bumper, special hood with scoops, front-fender air extractors, firm-control shocks, front and rear stabilizer bars, and GTO identification. While it wasn’t possible to add the whole package to a LeMans convertible, it was possible to individually select most of the good stuff, including the “T41” Endura Styling Option that included the GTO’s front bumper, special hood, and front fenders. It was a GTO convertible in all but name.
Engine options to fake a GTO convertible included the 455/220 (250 horses with dual exhaust) or the 455 HO, which was now rated at 300 net horses. It required the Turbo Hydra-matic or “M22” heavy-duty close-ratio four-speed, T41 package with ram air (required, unlike in 1971), unitized ignition, and dual exhaust. Only 33 LeMans Sport convertibles were built with this engine, including seven with the GT package, a replacement of sorts for the GT-37 that included a manual heavy-duty three-speed, G70-14 white-lettered tires, body-color mirrors on both sides, Rally II wheels sans trim rings, Rally stripes, dual exhaust with side splitters, and GT identification.
This Wilderness Green 1972 Pontiac LeMans Sport convertible is one of 26 like it built with the 455 HO, and we know this to be true thanks to the “X” in the VIN. Of those, 12 were equipped with an automatic. “This fine example has received a complete frame-off restoration and was previously owned by the meticulously renowned Hendrik Performance Collection,” says the seller. Features include a Black convertible top, power steering and disc brakes, heavy-duty suspension (upgraded with Bilstein shocks), 17-inch Rally II wheels (though the original 15-inchers are included), tinted glass, center console, Rally gauges, tilt column, and Formula steering wheel. Modifications include an Eaton Suretrac 3.73 limited-slip setup, RetroSound AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo, and 1970-71 rear spoiler.
Sounds like a GTO, right? Drives like one as well. And, when it comes to most GTO convertibles out there, this one is rarer and faster (despite the low compression), stock for stock. This is the last of the stout A-bodies from Pontiac, and the top drops too! For $74,900, you will get a stellar piece of Pontiac history.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
