autoevolution
 

1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8 Looks Fabulous After Full Resto Job

Produced from 1955 to 1983, the Pontiac V8 helped inspired Chevy in terms of valvetrain design. The long-running engine family came in displacements from 4.3 to 7.5 liters, but on this occasion, we're looking at the 400 engine of a LeMans Coupe that’s been recently restored down to the smallest of nuts and bolts.
Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8 22 photos
Photo: Streetside Classics
Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8Restored 1966 Pontiac LeMans Coupe 400 V8
Offered for sale by Streetside Classics at $43,995 or $404 per month, the Montero Red sportster features a seven-layer paintwork that truly highlights the timeless design of the LeMans with the Tempest-style stereo taillights. Complemented by chromed bumpers and Cragar S/S wheels, the resto job before your eyes is so detailed that even the seat frames and springs have been powder coated.

A long-term Arizona car with no rust whatsoever, the LeMans Coupe is offered with “the original engine and transmission” if you so desire. Thanks to Tri-Power three two-barrel carburetors, an upgraded automatic transmission with four forward ratios, and a Posi rear end, you can also expect pretty decent performance.

The 6.6-liter motor with polished valve covers and Rochester carburation is good for more than 400 horsepower (406 PS) according to the seller, which is more than adequate for the chassis setup and BF Goodrich Radial T/A rubber boots.

Built to be enjoyed rather than to slay the strip, the LeMans Coupe 400 ups the ante with a three-spoke steering wheel, a lockup converter from B&M, the period-correct trunk mat, an AM radio that still works, and new vinyl upholstery. Long-tube headers and a dual exhaust are also featured, and the undercarriage photos confirm that drum brakes provide stopping power at the rear.

Originally a trim of the Tempest, the compact and mid-size model was revived in 1986 under the Daewoo brand as a subcompact. Adding insult to injury, the sixth generation was nothing more than a rebadged Opel Kadett E featuring the transverse-engine, front-wheel-drive GM T platform. The biggest loss, however, was the discontinuation of the Pontiac division in 2010.

The once-mighty automaker was axed six years after Oldsmobile came to a grinding halt. As part of the Chapter 11 reorganization from 2009, General Motors also had to drop the Hummer, Saturn, and Saab brands in order to focus on its core divisions.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories