Pontiac Le Mans
Pontiac
Photo: Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Pontiac Le Mans: The Muscle Car Foundation
The Le Mans was a Pontiac mid-size car whose option list gave birth to the legendary GTO muscle car.
The Le Mans name, used from 1961, is most significant as the model from which the legendary Pontiac GTO emerged, when the GTO began as a performance option package on the Le Mans in 1964. The Le Mans itself was a popular mid-size car offered in various forms.
Across its life the Le Mans ranged from sporty coupes to family sedans and wagons, with V8 power available. A later, unrelated Le Mans was a rebadged Korean-built economy car in the late 1980s.
The Le Mans holds an important place in muscle-car history as the foundation for the GTO, with the 1960s versions especially significant to enthusiasts.
Frequently asked questions about Pontiac Le Mans
Why is the Le Mans significant?
The legendary GTO began as a performance option package on the Le Mans in 1964.
When was the Le Mans made?
The Le Mans name was used from 1961 across several eras.
What body styles did the Le Mans offer?
The Le Mans ranged from sporty coupes to family sedans and wagons.
Was there a Korean-built Le Mans?
Yes, a later unrelated Le Mans was a rebadged Korean-built economy car in the late 1980s.
Which Le Mans are most significant?
The 1960s versions, as the foundation for the GTO, are especially significant.